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Advanced Employer Screening

Advanced Employer Screening For Todays Employment Decisions

Employment screening is a critical part of the hiring process. It ensures that the candidates you’re considering for positions in your company are reliable, trustworthy, and capable. This process involves various checks, including background checks, reference checks, and importantly, physical and drug tests. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of employment screening, focusing on drug tests, and the tools and processes that can enhance your company’s hiring practices as well as staying in compliance with Federal and State regulations.

What Our Customers Say about Us

John L gave us a 5 star google rating and said, From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspects of the DOT random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.

For more 5-star reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Drug Test

Drug testing is a standard practice in many industries, especially those involving safety-sensitive roles. Drug Testt helps in identifying candidates who may pose a risk to themselves or others due to drug use. Drug tests can be classified into several categories, including regulated drug test and non regulated drug tests.

Regulated Drug Test vs. Non Regulated Drug Test

Both regulated drug test and non regulated drug tests serve the purpose of ensuring a drug-free workplace. However, they differ in terms of who mandates them and how they are conducted.

Regulated Drug Test:

  • DOT Drug Tests: These are mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and apply to safety-sensitive positions such as truck drivers, pilots, and other transportation professionals. A DOT physical is also a requirement.
  • Standards and Procedures: Regulated drug tests follow strict procedures and are conducted using specific guidelines. Regulated Drug Test often include a 5-panel drug test that screens for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Non Regulated Drug Test:

  • Non-DOT Drug Tests: These tests are not federally mandated and can be customized based on the employer’s needs. They can include a broader range of substances and are often used in non-safety-sensitive positions.
  • Flexibility: With non regulated drug test, employers have the flexibility to choose between a 5-panel drug test, a 10-panel drug test, or even more comprehensive options.

DOT Drug Test

The DOT drug test is a crucial component of maintaining safety in the transportation industry. It involves several steps:

  1. Pre-Employment Drug Test:
  • Before hiring, employers must conduct a pre-employment drug test.
  1. Physical Examination:
  • Candidates must pass a DOT physical to confirm they are medically fit for the job. This includes checking for conditions that could impair their ability to perform safety-sensitive tasks.
  1. Drug Testing:
  • The DOT drug test is typically a 5-panel test. Employers must ensure that the test is conducted at certified drug screening locations near them.
  1. Medical Review Officer (MRO):
  • A Medical Review Officer reviews the test results to ensure accuracy and fairness. If a test is positive, the Medical Review Officer contacts the employee for an explanation before confirming the result.
  • The Medical Review Officer is also responsible for Safety Sensitive Letter and Non-Contact positive process.

What Is A Non-DOT Drug Test?

A non-DOT drug test is not regulated by federal authorities and can be tailored to the employer’s requirements. It often includes the following components:

  1. Variety of Panels:
  • Employers can choose between different panels, such as a 5-panel drug test or a 10-panel drug test. The 5-panel test includes common drugs like THC, cocaine, and amphetamines, while the 10-panel test covers additional substances like barbiturates and quaaludes. For those unfamiliar, “what are quaaludes?” Quaaludes were a popular sedative and hypnotic medication in the 1970s, now mostly associated with historical drug abuse.
  1. Flexibility in Testing:
  • These tests can be conducted randomly, during pre-employment, or post-incident. They offer more flexibility compared to DOT drug tests.
  1. Non-Regulated Drug Test:
  • Unlike DOT-regulated tests, non-DOT tests allow employers to include substances specific to their industry or concerns.
  • Also employers can choose between urine drug testing, hair follicle drug testing or oral fluid drug testing.

Drug Screening Near Me

If you are looking for reliable drug screening locations near you, you have come to the right place.   Workplace Screening Intelligence offers over 20,000 sites that have electronic ordering and tracking, which provide several benefits:

  1. Efficiency:
  • Electronic systems improve efficiency by allowing employers to track the status of the drug test and physical. You will know when the employee shows up at the screening site, when the specimen is at the lab, and when it’s in the MRO process.
  1. Transparency:
  • This system removes all doubt about the employee’s status in the screening process, ensuring timely hiring decisions.
  1. Compliance:
  • Using accredited drug screening locations ensures compliance with both federal and state regulations.

Medical Review Officer (MRO)

A Medical Review Officer plays a vital role in drug testing. They are responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug test results to ensure they are accurate and legally defensible. Key responsibilities of an Medical Review Officer include:

  1. Verification:
  • The Medical Review Officer verifies positive test results with the employee to rule out any legitimate medical explanations. If an employee fails a DOT drug test, the MRO ensures that the result is accurate.
  1. Confidentiality:
  • Maintaining confidentiality and protecting the employee’s privacy during the review process.
  1. Expert Analysis:
  • Utilizing their medical expertise to provide a reliable interpretation of complex test results.

Simplify FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance with CTPA Services

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an essential online database established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track drug and alcohol violations committed by commercial drivers. This system ensures that drivers who violate regulations are kept out of safety-sensitive positions until they complete a return-to-duty process. Employers are mandated to report any such violations, including failed tests.

Steps to Comply with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Mandate

  1. Register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  2. Update your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy with an FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum.
  3. Educate supervisors and employees about their rights and responsibilities under the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  4. Conduct pre-employment queries for each new hire in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  5. Perform annual queries on all drivers in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  6. Report all positive alcohol tests to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  7. Document and report collection site refusals in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  8. Report all known drug and alcohol use in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  9. Report return-to-duty tests in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  10. Report completion of follow-up testing programs in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  11. Medical Review Officers (MROs) must report all positive drug screens in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

Why Use a CTPA?

Compliance with the FMCSA Clearinghouse can be complex and time-consuming. By appointing a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (CTPA) like Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI), employers can streamline the process and ensure all requirements are met efficiently.

Benefits of Using CTPA Services

  • Simplified Compliance: CTPA services handle all the complex tasks for you, making it easy to stay compliant.
  • Expert Knowledge: Leverage the expertise of professionals who understand the intricacies of FMCSA regulations.
  • Time-Saving: Free up valuable time by outsourcing compliance tasks to a CTPA.
  • Reduced Risk: Ensure accurate reporting and avoid potential penalties by relying on experienced administrators.
  • Comprehensive Support: Receive ongoing support and guidance to address any compliance-related questions or issues.

Contact Us

For more information about WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program, contact our support staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]. You can also learn more by visiting our website.

Simplify your compliance process with expert help from Workplace Screening Intelligence!

Not so Frequently Asked Questions

While most employers are familiar with standard drug testing procedures, there are some lesser-known aspects worth exploring:

  • What Are Quaaludes?:
  • Quaaludes were a sedative and hypnotic medication that became highly abused in the 1970s. They are now included in some extended panel drug tests due to their history of abuse.
  • What Happens if an Employee Fails a DOT Drug Test?:
  • If an employee fails a DOT drug test, they must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately. They must then complete the return-to-duty process, including evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and a follow-up drug test.
  • How Can Random Testing Be Implemented?:
  • Random testing programs require a consortium to provide a pool of employees from which random selections are made. This ensures that all employees have an equal chance of being tested.
  • What Random Consortium Testing programs does Workplace Screening Intelligence offers:

DOT Consortiums:

FAA Random Testing Consortium, FMCSA Random Testing Consortium, FRA Random Testing Consortium, FTA Random Testing Consortium, PHMSA Random Testing Consortium, US Coast Guard Random Testing Consortium, and FMCSA Owner Operator Random Testing Consortium.

NON-DOT Random Consortiums:

 CAPUC Random Testing Consortium, Ohio BWC 5% Random Testing Consortium, Ohio BWC 15% Random Testing Consortium, and NON DOT Random Testing Consortium.

Electronic Ordering and Tracking

Using electronic ordering and tracking systems in employment screening enhances the process significantly. Here’s how:

  1. Streamlined Process:
  • With electronic systems, you can order tests and track progress seamlessly. This makes the entire process more efficient and less prone to errors.
  1. Real-Time Updates:
  • Receive real-time updates about the status of the test, from collection to lab analysis to MRO review.
  1. Improved Compliance:
  • Ensures that all steps in the screening process are documented and comply with regulatory requirements.

Compliance with Federal and State Regulations

Staying compliant with federal and state regulations can be challenging. However, it is crucial for avoiding legal issues and maintaining a safe workplace. Here’s how Workplace Screening Intelligence can help:

  1. Expert Guidance:
  • Our team of experts stays updated on the latest regulations and provides guidance to ensure your screening processes comply with all requirements.
  1. Comprehensive Services:
  • We offer a wide range of services, from DOT physicals to non-DOT drug screens, to cover all your screening needs.
  1. Focus on Your Business:
  • By outsourcing your employment screening to us, you can focus on your core business operations while we handle compliance.

Conclusion

Employment screening is an essential part of the hiring process. Whether it’s a DOT physical or a non-DOT drug test, having the right tools and processes in place ensures that you hire the best candidates while maintaining compliance with regulations.

With advanced employment screening solutions like electronic ordering and tracking, you can streamline your processes, improve efficiency, and remove any doubts about hiring timelines. Compliance with federal and state rules and regulations can be challenging, but with Workplace Screening Intelligence, you can focus on your business while we take care of the compliance.

Ready to enhance your employment screening? Book a call with one of our experts today and experience the peace of mind that comes with 30 years of experience and cutting-edge technology.

What Our Customers say about Us

Carlie M. gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, “Brenda is amazing! Always so helpful and knowledgeable. Switching from our old provider to WSI has made my job SO much easier”!!

Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Order a Test Today

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