A Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) drug (or alcohol) test is a test done under Federal DOT authority on a DOT-regulated employee, meaning that person is in a particular safety-sensitive position. A Non-DOT drug or alcohol test is typically done under an employer’s authority and policy. The employee does not have to necessarily perform specific duties to qualify.
A written Drug Free Workplace policy is required by DOT. Non DOT written Drug Free Workplace Policies protect employers legally and spell out the employer’s policies on drug and alcohol testing and violation consequences. PDSS recommends our clients have a written DOT and Non DOT Drug Free workplace policy.
PDSS recommends mirroring DOT testing requirements which are: Pre-employment, Random, Post Accident and Reasonable Suspicion, Return to Duty and Follow-up testing.
Employees in safety sensitive positions covered by Federal DOT rule are required to have a 5-panel expanded urine drug screen. Non DOT employers may opt to test for more drugs.
At this time marijuana still remains a schedule 1 drug on the federal level. We mirror federal guidelines for our Non DOT Programs, however, if you have concerns with testing for marijuana you should review your current drug free workplace policy and follow state laws with regards to marijuana testing.
Drug tests do not test for CBD however they do test for THC, the chemical in marijuana that produces the “high”. CBD products do contain variable amounts of THC, (because CBD products are not regulated by the FDA), that can be detected on a urine drug screen as a positive test. We recommend that your Drug free workplace policy addresses the use of CBD products. Please note: Some states have specific CBD laws.
A SAMHSA certified lab means a laboratory certified for forensic drug testing by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
PDSS is a full service Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA). PDSS manages all, or part, of an employer’s DOT/Non DOT drug and alcohol testing program, including maintaining required testing records. A few other acronyms include: SAP-Substance Abuse Professional, MRO – Medical Review Officer, BAT-Breath Alcohol Test, DOT-Department of Transportation, FMCSA-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, HHS-Health and Human Services.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse provides FMCSA and employers the necessary tools to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle based on DOT drug and alcohol program violations and ensure that such drivers receive the required evaluation and treatment before operating a CMV on public roads.
Yes, we can assist our “full service” clients in setting up an account with the FMCSA Clearinghouse. When your account is set up you may select PDSS as your C/TPA, then PDSS will be able to conduct the required Pre-employment and Annual queries on your behalf. The employer is responsible for purchase of queries; the FMCSA will not allow C/TPA’s to purchase queries on your behalf.
A PDSS “full service” client has access to PDSS’s 32+ years of knowledge and experience in our industry, 24/7/365 days a year. Full service clients receive discounted rates on drug and alcohol testing as well as many other benefits. Casual clients are provided testing services, at a non-discounted rate and with no additional guidance.
PDSS monitors state laws; some states have specific laws that limit these types of tests. I.e.: NC only allows “rapid read or instant tests” for Pre-employment testing; there are also other stipulations when using “rapid read or instant tests” in the state of North Carolina as well as other states.
Full service PDSS clients will receive notices from the laboratory when results are available for viewing with access to the laboratory portal. PDSS staff members will also send emailed notices with a copy of the test result reports for your reference as well as other information. PDSS can personalize the reporting methods for your company’s specific needs.
Most Negative results report in 24 – 48 hours, after the specimen reaches the laboratory. Non Negative results may take longer because of confirmation testing and MRO review.
Random testing means selecting employees for a test by a scientifically valid and documentable random process. Testing is conducted on an unannounced basis. Using a computer generated random selection process from a pool of all employees included in the employer’s drug free workplace program. DOT regulations mandate specific random testing percentages yearly for each different DOT mode.(FMCSA, FAA, FRA, PHMSA,USCG, FTA). Random selection percentages can be personalized for Non DOT random testing programs.
Reasonable suspicion testing must be based on individualized suspicion that a particular employee is working under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol. Employers must document facts that have been observed by management or a supervisor that have been trained to recognize and document signs and symptoms that would suggest to a reasonable person that the individual is under the influence in violation of company policy.
If an employer has reason to believe through observation that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, best practice is to first document what they have observed, consult with a second supervisor if possible, advise the employee what they have observed and take the employee for a breath alcohol and/or urine drug screen. The employee should be advised this is a “reasonable suspicion” test. This is not the same as a “random” test.
Yes, PDSS offers to go “on site” at your request for urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol tests with our portable equipment. PDSS is on-call for our Full service clients 24/7/365.
PDSS does the work for you. We utilize electronic orders and testing authorizations through our network of collection sites across the US including Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
PDSS in an all-inclusive one stop shop. We manage all your testing needs in multiple locations as well as centralized billing.
PDSS consults with a network of lawyers and industry state law consultants on a regular basis. However, these state laws are rapidly changing and we strongly advise you consult with your company attorney or industry state law expert.