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DER Series: Part 4

For Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), drug and alcohol testing doesn’t always follow a clean checklist. Real-world scenarios can be messy. Rules can overlap. And decisions made in a split ...

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DER Series: Part 3

For Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), drug and alcohol testing doesn’t always follow a clean checklist. Real-world scenarios can be messy. Rules can overlap. And decisions made in a split ...

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DER Series: Part 2

In Part 2 of our DER series, we break down the exact steps—and common errors in audits—across both alcohol and urine drug testing procedures. If your clinic or collection site hasn’t revisited your ...

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DER Series: Part 1

Being named a Designated Employer Representative (DER) isn’t just a title—it’s a critical responsibility. For railroads and other Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated organizations, the DER ...

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Understanding FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

Drug and alcohol testing is a critical component of FMCSA regulations designed to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations. This blog breaks down the key requirements for ...

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FMCSA Updates to DOT Downgrades

Effective immediately, FMCSA no longer accepts requests to convert a DOT drug test to a non-DOT test. However, if a violation has been incorrectly reported to the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol ...

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Addressing Errors in DOT Breath Alcohol Testing

In my nearly 20 years working of in the area of DOT drug and alcohol testing compliance as a DER, Collection Manager, SAP, and TPA, I have learned we are only as strong as are weakest collector. As a ...

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The ODAPC has published all 2024 DOT random drug testing rates

The chart below outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies for 2024. Event 2024 Random Drug Testing Rate 2024 Random Alcohol Testing Rate ...

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What Is a DER—and What Do They Actually Do?

I've spent over 20 years either serving as a Designated Employer Representative (DER) or supporting DERs as a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA). And through all those years, one thing ...

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If You Manage Railroad Operations...Add this App to Your Smartphone

FRA Post Accident Determination Application As part of FRA’s drug and alcohol testing program, certain accidents/incidents are subject to Part 49 CFR 219, Subpart C Post Accident Testing ...

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What exactly is a refusal to test and who determines it?

The DOT regulations outline refusals to test for drugs and alcohol. Some refusals are determined by MROs and BATs and STTs. For others, the determination is your responsibility. ODAPC does an ...

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Pre-employment Investigations for Drug & Alcohol FMSCA Violations

Beginning January 6, 2023, a FMCSA pre-employment Clearinghouse query will satisfy the requirement to investigate a prospective driver's previous drug and alcohol program violations, as established ...

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Good morning! Are you hungover - or just drunk.

Alcohol has been consumed throughout the world for hundreds of years. It is often referred to as a "recreational beverage" and is widely consumed in moderation for enjoyment and relaxation at home or ...

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Will I pass a urine drug test if I use products containing CBD?

A two part answer. Not a week goes by that I don't get asked this question, "Holly, will I test positive for marijuana if I use a CBD product for my ...insert medical condition here...?" Well, here ...

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FMCSA Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing-Are You Doing Enough?

Reviewing Your 382 Program Are you doing enough to ensure your FMCSA drug and alcohol program is compliant with 49 CFR Part 382? This questionnaire is designed to help you evaluate your current ...

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Assess Your FTA Compliance

FTA Drug and Alcohol Program Management It's a piece of cake being a Drug and Alcohol Program Manager (DAPM) or Designated Employer Representative (DER) for Transit, right? Wrong. Ensuring compliance ...

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