Maine § 686. - Review of written policies

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 686. — Review of written policies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 686.. Review of written policies

1.  Review required.  The Department of Labor shall review each written policy or change to an approved policy submitted to the department by an employer under section 683, subsection 2.

A. The department shall determine if the employer's written policy or change complies with this subchapter and shall immediately notify the employer who submitted the policy or change of that determination. If the department finds that the policy or change does not comply with this subchapter, the department shall also notify the employer of the specific areas in which the policy or change is defective.   [PL 1989, c. 536, §§1, 2 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 604, §§2, 3 (AFF).]

B. The department may request additional information from an employer when necessary to determine whether an employment position meets the requirements of section 684, subsection 3. The department shall not approve any written policy that provides for random or arbitrary testing of any employment position that the employer has failed to demonstrate meets the requirements of section 684, subsection 3.   [PL 1989, c. 536, §§1, 2 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 604, §§2, 3 (AFF).]

C. The department shall allow for the use of any federally recognized substance use test.   [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §110 (AMD).]

2.  Review procedure.  The Department of Labor shall adopt rules under section 687 governing the procedure for reviews conducted under this section.

A. The rules must provide for notice to be given to the employees of any employer who submits a written policy or amendment applicable to employees to the department for review under this section. The employees may submit written comments to the department challenging any portion of the employer's written policy, including the proposed designation of any position under section 684, subsection 3, paragraph B.   [PL 1995, c. 324, §9 (AMD).]

B. Nothing in this section requires a formal hearing to be held concerning the submission and review of an employer's written policy.   [PL 1989, c. 536, §§1, 2 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 604, §§2, 3 (AFF).]

C. Notwithstanding Title 5, section 8003, the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, does not apply to reviews conducted under this section except that all determinations by the Department of Labor under this section may be appealed as provided in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter VII.   [PL 1989, c. 536, §§1, 2 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 604, §§2, 3 (AFF).]

D. The rules may establish model applicant policies and employee probable cause policies and provide for expedited approval and registration for employers adopting such model policies. The rules adopted under this paragraph are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A.   [PL 1997, c. 49, §1 (NEW).]

Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 686.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 686. cover?

Section 686. ("Review of written policies") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maine § 686.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 686." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maine law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.

How does Maine § 686. apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.