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Good Morning~ Welcome!. Today’s presentation is sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation Our host agency is the Central Florida Regional Planning Council Presenter is: Diana Byrnes Substance Abuse Management Specialist; C-SAPA Center for Urban Transportation Research
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Good Morning~ Welcome! • Today’s presentation is sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation • Our host agency is the Central Florida Regional Planning Council • Presenter is: Diana Byrnes Substance Abuse Management Specialist; C-SAPA Center for Urban Transportation Research University of South Florida, Tampa Campus
Video • Clean Sober and Safe, • Produced by the Center for Urban Transportation Research • This portion of the video explains the background of DOT required drug testing • Available for download from http://www.cutr.usf.edu/byrnessamsite
Regulations • US DOT Regulations: 49 CFR Part 40 • FTA: 49 CFR Part 655 (OR) • FMCSA: 49 CFR Part 382 • Employer Policy
DOT Modes Department of Transportation FTA PHMSA FAA FMCSA FRA All DOT Modes are subject to 49 CFR Part 40
49 CFR Part 40 • US DOT Regulations • All DOT modes must comply with Part 40 • This regulation tells us how to conduct drug and alcohol testing • Explains procedures for collection of specimens; testing for alcohol; analysis of specimen; MRO verification process; reporting of results; and the return to duty (SAP) process • Part 40 also includes provision for drug and alcohol background checks (40.25)
Parties Subject to Part 40 DOT Employer SAP Collector MRO Laboratory
Substance Abuse Policy • Each mode has specific policy provisions, but in all cases your policy must identify which components are conducted under agency authority and which are conducted under DOT authority • Okay to reference the regulations, as long as employees are provided access to the regulations referenced • Policy must be adopted by a governing board or agency official (in order for it to be legally defensible) • Policy must be disseminated to all covered employees prior to the performance of safety sensitive duties and each time there are major revisions made to the policy • Enforcement of policy must be consistent
Employee and Supervisor Training • FTA requires that all covered employees receive a min. of 60 minutes of drug awareness training (Clean, Sober and Safe will satisfy only 23 minutes) • If alcohol awareness training is provided, must be in addition to the 60 min. minimum • FMCSA requires that employers distribute information material to all covered drivers • Policy should be reviewed as one of the pieces of informational material
Test Types • Pre-employment • Random • Post Accident • Reasonable Suspicion • Return to Duty • Follow Up
Pre-employment Testing • Negative result required before performance of safety sensitive functions (FMCSA allows for transfer from one employer to another without pre-employment test, as long as employee has been in testing program for one year without violation) • Urine drug test is required; alcohol test is permitted for this test type • Extended absence and removal from the random testing pool requires a pre-employment test upon return to work (30 days for FMCSA and 90 for FTA)
Pre-employment D& A Background Checks • 40.25 • FTA requirement is DOT employers two years back • FMCSA extends to DOT employers three years back • Must get employee consent; if employee fails to give consent– they may not perform safety sensitive duties • If you do not receive reply, employee can remain working– but you must be able to show that you have made attempts to obtain the information • If you receive notice that employee has violated the program; you need to ensure that SAP and RTD process has been successfully completed. You are also responsible for continuing any follow up testing requirements.
Random Testing • Each DOT mode sets the testing rates for this test type (FTA: 25/10; FMCSA: 50/10) • Random testing must be spread reasonably throughout all days of the week and all hours that safety sensitive functions are performed* FTA requirement • Random testing schedules should never reveal a predictable pattern of testing i.e.: NO group testing • Employee must report immediately to collection facility– no advance notice should be given
Post Accident • Each DOT mode defines the criteria for an accident or incident to be subject to post accident testing • When criteria is met; both drug and alcohol testing must be conducted- use of decision and documentation form is highly recommended • Testing windows are the same for both FMCSA and FTA: alcohol up to 8 hours, drug up to 32 hours begin documenting delays after first two hours
Reasonable Suspicion • Most underutilized test type despite training requirements • Supervisors must be trained in signs and symptoms of probable drug use and probable alcohol misuse • FMCSA: Documentation is required within 24 hours of observed behavior or before drug test results report • FTA: No documentation is required; but it is highly suggested. If audited, it will be expected • Best Practice: Keep supervisor training documentation on file indefinitely
Return to Duty and Follow Up Test Types • Only applicable when an employee has violated the DOT rule • Violation means: Employee tested positive or refused to test when required • A negative RTD is required before returning to safety sensitive functions after a rule violation (After extended absences use pre-employment test type not return to duty!) • Follow up testing plan is determined by SAP with a min. of 6 tests in 12 months • Employees are still subject to all other test types during follow up testing plan • Employer option to conduct these tests under direct observation (highly recommended)
Urine Specimen Collections • Collector must meet Part 40 qualifications • Collection site must meet Part 40 qualifications • A Federal custody and control form must be used for all DOT required tests • A split specimen method must be used for all DOT required tests • Collector must send specimen to a DHHS certified lab for analysis (cannot use instant test method or any other method of analysis)
Basic Collection Procedures • Collector checks identification and explains process to donor. Collector begins filling in the CCF • Collector instructs donor to empty pockets, remove outer garments, etc. • Collector instructs donor to wash hands • Collector secures stall (checking for any possible contaminates or water sources) • Collector instructs donor to fill collection cup to at least 45 mL
Basic Collection Procedures Cont. • Collector checks specimen for temperature and looks for signs of adulteration or substitution (odor, color, odd appearance) • Collector splits sample into A and B bottle • Collector asks donor to sign Step 5 and initial seals after seals are affixed to bottles.*** • Collector completes paperwork and packages the lab copy of CCF with the specimen bottles in bag (in the donor’s view) • Donor is given the employee copy of CCF and is then permitted to leave testing site • Collector then disseminates the MRO and Employer copies of the CCF
Collection Irregularities • Shy bladder • If donor is unable to supply a 45 ml of urine on the first attempt: • The void is discarded (unless out of temp. range or otherwise appears to have been tampered with) • Donor is urged to consume up to 40 ounces of fluid and is given up to 3 hours to provide 45 ml of urine in one single void. • Attempts and fluid consumed are recorded on CCF by collector • After 3 hours; donor is released to employer but must be examined by a physician within 5 days to determine if legitimate medical excuse • No medical explanation; deemed as refusal. Failure to comply with requirement; deemed as refusal
Collection Irregularities Cont. • Specimen Temperature out of range • Specimen falls outside of the 90-100 degree range • Not humanly possible, donor is attempting to substitute or adulterate the specimen • Collector must initiate an immediate recollection under direct observation • First specimen is NOT discarded, it is sent to the lab, with comments in remarks section indicating that it is 1 of 2 specimens for the same donor (specimen ID numbers should be referenced) • Common error: Collector fails to initiate the DO collection and follows shy bladder instructions instead
Collection Irregularities Cont. • Donor fails to cooperate with any part of the testing process, for example: • Does not report immediately to testing site in time allotted by employer • Refuses to empty pockets • Refuses to wash hands • Leaves the site before process is complete • Is caught with items intended to tamper with or substitute their specimen
How are Directly Observed Collections Conducted? • Recently enhanced; effective August 25, 2008. • ALL Directly Observed Collections must occur in this manner: • Collector/Observer must be same gender as donor • If collector is not same gender, DER or other company official may be asked to serve as “observer” • Donor must raise clothing above the waist and lower clothing (including under garments) to mid thigh • Donor must turn completely around to reveal to the observer that no prosthetic device is being used • Observer must watch the donor’s urine leave the body and enter the collection cup (this part has not changed)
Directly Observed Collection Enhancements- Why? • Directly observed collections are only conducted when there is reason to believe that an employee or applicant is attempting to thwart the drug testing process • The enhancements to the directly observed collection procedures are intended to deter employees from attempting to use prosthetic devices
Who can order a Directly Observed Collection? • As an employer, you can order a directly observed collection when your policy specifies that return to duty and follow up testing will be conducted in this manner and when a test was cancelled due to a fatal flaw and a negative result is required • A collector can initiate direct observation collection procedures when a donor exhibits behavior that could be considered an attempt to conceal an adulterant, a substituted sample or a prosthetic device • An MRO can initiate recollection under direct observation when there are irregularities with the specimen- MRO will instruct employer when this is required
Employer Best Practices For Collection Procedures • Use a “Testing Notification Form” • Determine a reasonable time for employees to report to site– then let collectors know that delays must be reported to you • Ensure that all collectors are aware of how to reach you (the DAPM/DER) in the event of an irregularity in the collection process • Ensure that collection sites are willing and able to conduct directly observed collections in accordance with Part 40 (same gender available?)
Alcohol Testing • Alcohol use is prohibited within 4 hours of performing safety sensitive duties (both FTA and FMCSA) • Saliva screening may be used • Confirmation test must always be made with EBT • Alcohol testing must take place following any accident that meets the criteria to test • An employee with an alcohol level of 0.02-0.039 is not considered positive– but does require removal from duty for a period of at least 8 hours for FTA and 24 hours for FMCSA • Positive result is 0.04 and above
Alcohol Testing Continued • Following an accident that meets the criteria to conduct testing; all employees subject to testing are prohibited from consuming alcohol for a period of eight hours following the accident or until post accident tests are completed • Failure to locate a breath alcohol technician or saliva test technician are not legitimate excuses for failure to conduct testing following an accident that meets the criteria to test
Prohibited Drugs • Marijuana • Cocaine • Amphetamines • Opiates • PCP • These are the only drugs permitted to be tested for under DOT authority
Lab Analysis • All labs used for the purpose of DOT urine drug analysis must be certified by the Dept. of Health and Human Services • A list of currently certified labs is published the first week of each month in the federal register • Labs are heavily monitored by DOT and DHHS • Effective August 25, 2008; labs are required to conduct specimen validity testing
Specimen Validity Testing • SVT is in addition to immunoassay and GC/MS • Purpose: to screen for adulterants and substitutions used to interfere with specimen analysis • Huge market for products that are designed to “beat drug tests” • Even prosthetic devices are being sold!
Video • News story explores the use of products designed to “beat” a drug test • WZZM ABC local affiliate in Grand Rapids Michigan • 3:38 in length • This and other videos on this topic can be viewed on You-Tube
Thwarting the System Results 1 - 10 of about 1,130,000 for beat a drugtest. (0.16 seconds)
MRO Process • Medical Review Officer is the gatekeeper of the DOT drug testing program • MRO is the only individual that can produce a drug test result for the employer • MRO protects employee’s rights by offering an opportunity for employee to present legitimate explanations for lab results that are non-negative
MRO Safety Concerns • Medical Miranda • Interview process is confidential except when employee reveals information to MRO that could jeopardize public safety • MRO has a responsibility to report to employer • Employer receives a Negative result, with an attached medication safety concern • Employee is told that within five days, prescribing physician must contact MRO to determine alternate medication- employer must have policy in place in order to “stand down” an employee in this circumstance
8 MRO Results Employers Can Receive • Negative • Negative- Dilute • Negative- Dilute with creatinine in the 2-5 range • Invalid • Cancelled • Positive • Positive- Dilute • Refusal to Test- Adulterated or Substituted
Employer Actions following Each Result • Negative- applicant/employee may begin, resume or continue safety sensitive functions • Negative Dilute- employer policy must indicate if negative dilute results will require retesting. (Note: employer must be consistent in enforcement and not use direct observation procedures) § 40.197Second result is final result • Negative Dilute with creatinine in 2-5 range- employee or applicant must undergo a second collection under direct observation** MRO will report quantitative data in this instance and instructions to recollect under direct observation § 40.197 • Cancelled or Invalid- actions will differ depending on circumstances; follow MRO instructions
Employer Actions Cont. • Positive- applicant/employee must be prohibited from performing safety sensitive duties upon receipt of positive result, referral to SAP required • Positive-Dilute- same as above • Refusal to Test (either adulterated or substituted)- same as above • Applicants and current employees who test positive or refuse a DOT required test MUST receive a referral to a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) regardless of second chance or zero tolerance policy.
Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) • Regardless of whether employer policy is Zero Tolerance or Second Chance– all violating applicants and employees must be referred to a SAP that meets the qualifications per Part 40 • Return to duty process includes two face-to-face evaluations with SAP and employee • SAP must provide initial evaluation letter to employer
SAP continued • SAP determines form of treatment needed • SAP provides return to duty release letter upon employee’s completion of program • SAP prescribes the number and frequency of follow up testing. Minimum is 6 tests within 12 months. • Employer determines testing dates in accordance with SAP (employer must never decrease or increase the follow up testing schedule per SAP) • Employee is subject to all other DOT testing during follow up program
Prescription and OTC Meds • Some commonly prescribed (and often abused) medications such as Vicodin, Xanax Valium and sleep aids are not detected as part of the DOT urine drug test • Employers are strongly encouraged to develop policies and procedures that will obligate employees to report the use of prescribed medication and OTC medication that carries a warning label
Rx and OTC Awareness • Employers should develop training materials and training sessions on the topic of Rx and OTC Safety Concerns • Effects of medication on motor functions • Possible adverse interaction of medicines • Importance of communicating job functions to doctors and pharmacists • Importance of reporting to supervisor when illness or medication causes impairment • Employers must develop protocol for employees who report impairment