Revised Procedures Allow for Oral Fluid Tests and Improved Methodology

The Department of Transportation has now published a pair of final rules governing the procedures and methods to be used in workplace drug and alcohol testing programs. The first new rule revises some procedures put into effect in 2023, which allowed for oral fluid screening as a valid method for employers to check. That has been updated with some lessons gleaned from real-world use in the past year, since some circumstances could add significant difficulty in compliance. The revised procedure adds temporary qualification requirements for mock oral fluid monitors, while providing for more clearly delineated allowances for who is able to see the fluid collection. It also clarifies how collectors specify a sufficient sample has been retrieved.

The second rule change is more technical, pertaining to amendments to drug testing procedures from last year in a similar fashion. Those amendments became effective on June 21st, and are effectively set in stone. The updates pertain to some of the intricacies of drug testing, like cancellations, verifications, reporting guidelines, reversals in case of errors, and a more thorough correction to place oral fluid collection as a valid method alongside urine specimens. In any case, it's easier for those who find the urinary sample process a headache.

The new spit screening procedures become fully effective on August 5, 2024, unless the Department of Transportation decides to revisit the rules to address other concerns. They've set a deadline of July 22 for those who want to highlight issues with the process, but absent any further issues, August is the 'go date'.

FMI: www.nbaa.org