DOT issues final rule on drug and alcohol testing policy

A final rule amending Department of Transportation drug testing procedures to make them consistent with some Department of Health and Human Services' requirements is scheduled to go into effect Oct. 1, according to DOT's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance.

A notice (.pdf file) published in the Aug. 16 Federal Register said some changes will affect the procedures for laboratory testing of urine specimens and the roles of and standards for medical review officers.

In related news, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's annual drug and alcohol strike force sweep took place June 21 through July 2 and resulted in the removal of 109 commercial bus and truck drivers. According to FMCSA, more than 175 motor carriers face enforcement actions due to violations of federal drug and alcohol testing requirements. The drivers and carriers will have an opportunity to contest the alleged violations and the amount of the civil penalties.



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