DOT changes drug test reporting rules

WASHINGTON, (Aug. 1, 2003) — In an effort to streamline the annual reporting of drug and alcohol data and eliminate some confusion, the U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted a one-page reporting form and issued new instructions for counting specimens and employees.

The new standardized form replaces 21 different forms used by various DOT agencies. The single-page format is designed to make it easier to enter and process data via electronically based systems. As part of the streamlining process, DOT removed some data elements, including: the number of persons denied a position following a positive drug test; number of employees returned to duty following a refusal or positive drug test; supervisor initial drug training data; number of employees returned to duty after engaging in alcohol misuse; and actions taken for alcohol violations other than alcohol testing.

To clear up confusion and discrepancies regarding collections counting methods, DOT will count the number of specimens collected as the number of testing events. That includes negative and positive tests as well as “refusal to test” results, no matter the reason for refusal.

Cancelled test results will not be included because they don’t count toward compliance with DOT requirements, the agency said. Invalid test results are always cancelled and will not be included. Invalid results requiring a subsequent directly observed collection will be considered another collection. Blind testing will not be counted as a testing event. If an employee is required to take a second test, the cancelled test will not count.

DOT agencies will continue to determine other submission rules, such as dates for submission and selection of companies required to submit. Agency regulations will also continue to address the manner (mail, electronic, etc.) and locations for submitting the forms.

The agency said it also is currently working toward an electronic MIS form capable of Internet submission. Each form would be DOT agency specific and would not have extraneous items showing (for example, the RSPA-specific form would not show an alcohol random testing category). The system would automatically flag mathematical errors and employee categories listed would only be those for the specific DOT agency.

Because the new form will be required for 2004 submissions, DOT says employers must immediately adopt provisions in the rule that will permit them to start collection of the required data and which establish how companies are to determine the number of employees upon which 2003 random testing is based.

The new form and instructions will be placed in 49 CFR Part 40. Additional information and discussion regarding the changes can be found in the July 25 Federal Register, accessed at www.gpoaccess.gov.

— Truckinginfo.com