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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 3 H E A LT H Y B U S I N E S S F RO M T H E E D I TO R A s if Maine businesses didn't already have their hands full try- ing to nd employees, along come some new challenges. Maine's legalization of mari- juana may energize parts of Maine's economy, but regulating use within the workplace is already posing head- aches for senior management, the human resources department and the employment lawyers. Drug testing is becoming more commonplace. Companies that require employees to operate heavy machinery or drive trucks have an obvious reason for keep- ing employees and the public safe. Of course, everyday businesses also want to ensure that operations run smoothly. Detecting alcohol impairment is a fairly straightforward measure. Detecting marijuana impairment is entirely di erent. Signs of marijuana use can linger in the body for up to a month. So companies are grappling with the fair and legal ways to monitor the situation. As Maureen Milliken reports, drug testing policy in Maine has long been a di cult topic. Restrictions mean that of , employers in the state, only about have state-approved drug-testing policies, according to the Maine Department of Labor. Employers are in a tight spot. "Obviously, employers are con- cerned when an employee who comes to work impaired by any substance, but marijuana raises concern because there is no reliable test that equates a level of THC with impairment. So, one level in one employee may make them a real risk to their own safety, as well as for fellow employees and even customers, yet that same level might not create impairment in another individual," Michael Bourque, senior vice president of external a airs at MEMIC, the Portland-based worker's comp insurer. "Employers want to know where the guardrails are so that they can act appropriately to keep people safe. ere's a lot of consternation about that." Given that Maine's drug testing law requires employers with more than workers to have an employee assistance program in place, HR pro- fessionals are busy preparing. "Everybody's nervous," Matt Marks, CEO of Associated General Contractors of Maine, tells Mainebiz. "It's not like anything we've dealt with before." Maine hospitals rate high on safety Maine has the safest hospitals in the nation, according to the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade report, which is the only national health care rating focused on errors, acci- dents and infections. e Leapfrog Group, a nonpro t organization founded in by large employers and other purchasers to drive quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health system. Peter Van Allen pvanallen@mainebiz.biz New challenges for HR professionals smile by emily No one has a smile like you. And no one can keep it healthy like us. Like Emily, your smile is unique. It deserves Delta Dental, the nation's leading dental benefits provider. With the largest network of dentists nationwide, quick answers and personalized service, we make it easy to keep your smile healthy. www.nedelta.com Northeast Delta Dental Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a Drug testing policy in Maine has long been a difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 difficult topic. Restrictions mean that of 45,000 employers in the state, only about 500 have state-approved drug-testing policies, according to the Maine Department of Labor.