Employee Screening Ins and Outs 101

Employee screening is a critical component of ensuring a safe, productive, and compliant workplace. Whether you’re managing a transportation company regulated under DOT guidelines or running a non-regulated business, implementing an effective screening process is essential to mitigate risks, improve hiring accuracy, and maintain workplace safety.

This guide will break down the essentials of employee screening, including drug tests, physicals, and background checks, helping employers and HR managers understand everything from basic compliance to advanced screening solutions.

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 a Customer First Company to manage your employee screening program or 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/

Effective Employee Screening

Effective employee screening is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about maintaining workplace compliance, enhancing hiring accuracy, and preventing costly mistakes. Workplace Screening Intelligence provides a suite of electronic solutions to help employers streamline screening processes. Our platform allows you to track every step of the process—from when an applicant shows up at a testing site to when their lab results are reviewed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).

Compliance with federal and state regulations can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s crucial. Our expertise enables you to stay compliant while focusing on your core business activities. Whether you’re concerned with the FMCSA Clearinghouse, Physical or handling a Return to Duty Test, we have you covered.

Employee Drug Testing

Drug testing is a key aspect of employee screening. It not only ensures workplace safety but also helps protect your company from legal liabilities. Drug testing programs typically fall under two categories—regulated drug tests and non-regulated drug tests.

Regulated Drug Test vs. Non Regulated Drug Test

Regulated drug tests are required by federal agencies such as the FMCSA, FAA, FRA, PHMSA, and FTA. For example, under DOT guidelines, random drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions is mandated. Employers must also implement drug testing programs in compliance with the Regulated Drug Test Mandate.  All Regulated Drug Test must be completed on a Regulated Drug Test Form.

Non regulated drug tests, meanwhile, are at the discretion of employers and are not governed by federal rules. Non Regulated Drug Test are common in workplaces where safety is still a concern, but regulatory oversight doesn’t apply.

DOT Drug Test

A DOT drug test is mandatory for employees performing safety-sensitive jobs within industries like transportation and aviation. It includes testing for the following five substances, often referred to as the 5-panel drug test:

  1. Marijuana
  2. Cocaine
  3. Opiates (including codeine and morphine)
  4. Amphetamines and methamphetamines
  5. Phencyclidine (PCP)

Need to order a DOT drug test Near me 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/

What is a Non DOT Drug Test?

A Non DOT drug test involves testing outside of DOT regulations. NON DOT tests can be tailored to screen for specific substances, making them ideal for workplaces not governed by DOT rules. Common panels for non-DOT drug testing include the 5-panel drug screen and the 10-panel drug test, the latter of which includes additional controlled substances like barbiturates and benzodiazepines. NON DOT Drug Test may include:

  • Urine Drug Testing
  • Oral Fluid Drug Testing
  • Hair Follicle Drug Testing
  • Saliva Drug Testing

What is a Non-DOT drug test? Simply put, it’s a customizable option to ensure your employees remain drug-free based on your company’s unique needs.

5 Panel Drug Test vs. 10 Panel Drug Test

5 Panel Drug Test

The 5-panel drug test is standard for both DOT and non-DOT testing. It screens for common illicit drugs and ensures a quick, reliable way to identify substance abuse.

10 Panel Drug Test

The 10-panel drug test offers a broader scope, including additional substances like:

  • Methadone
  • Quaaludes (Methaqualone)
  • Propoxyphene
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Barbiturates

This is a popular choice for organizations seeking more detailed screenings.

What If I Want to Screen for Other Drugs?

Employers with specific concerns can customize their screenings—it’s not limited to the 5-panel or 10-panel tests. Options like Fentanyl Drug Test, Tramadol Drug Test, K-2 Spice Drug Test, and the Synthetic Marijuana Drug Test address emerging substance use trends.

Need to order a specialized drug test 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/

Need Results Now? Instant Drug Testing Solutions

For urgent hiring needs or last-minute compliance checks, instant drug tests like the 5-panel instant drug test and 10-panel instant test provide quick results without compromising accuracy.

Need to order an instant drug test 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 Screening Near Me

If you are looking for a  reliable testing locations, you have come to the right place. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers over 20,000 electronically enabled collection sites near your workplace or home.  That means you can order a drug screen today, complete it today or by your deadline without traveling far.

Need to order a drug test 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/

Workplace Screening Intelligence can help you locate any of the following:

  • Drug screening locations near me
  • DOT drug test near me
  • DOT medical card near me
  • DOT Physical Near Me
  • Titer Testing Near Me

Need to order a drug test 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/

Medical Review Officers

A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a vital part of the employee screening process. The Medical Review Officer  reviews drug test results to ensure accuracy and compliance. Their role is to verify if a failed DOT drug test was due to medical reasons or illicit use. The Medical Review Office also oversees NON Contact Positives and Safety Sensitive Letter Process.

Need to order Medical Review Officer Services or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378

If you employ FMCSA drivers, the next section is critically important.  If not, skip to physicals.

FMCSA Clearinghouse

Simplifying Compliance with FMCSA Clearinghouse Through CTPA Services

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is an essential online database that tracks drug and alcohol violations among commercial drivers. The Clearinghouse FMCSA primary goal is to enhance safety within the transportation industry. Employers are required to report any violations, such as failed drug or alcohol tests, ensuring that drivers who breach regulations are kept out of safety-sensitive roles until they complete the required return-to-duty process.

Key Steps to Ensure FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance

  1. Register in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to gain access to reports and queries.
  2. Update your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy to include an FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum.
  3. Educate supervisors and employees about the rights, responsibilities, and processes associated with the Clearinghouse.
  4. Conduct pre-employment queries in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for each new driver before they operate a commercial motor vehicle.
  5. Perform annual queries for all active drivers in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  6. Report all positive alcohol test results and violations to the Clearinghouse.
  7. Document and report refusals to test during the collection process to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  8. Document and report all drug and alcohol use violations that you become aware of in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  9. Submit return-to-duty test data as part of the rehabilitation process.
  10. Track follow-up testing programs for drivers and ensure completion logs are updated.
  11. Medical Review Officers (MROs) are required to report all verified positive drug test results to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

Why Partner With a CTPA Like Workplace Screening Intelligence?

Staying compliant with FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements can often be time-consuming and complex. This is why many employers opt for a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (CTPA) like Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI). By delegating compliance tasks to WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Support Program, employers can save time while ensuring all regulatory requirements are met effectively.

WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Services Include:

  • Assisting with registering in the Clearinghouse.
  • Reporting drug and alcohol violations.
  • Performing required pre-employment and annual driver queries.
  • Helping with policy updates to meet regulatory standards.
  • Providing training resources to educate employees on Clearinghouse expectations and procedures.
  • Managing “Return-to-Duty” test documentation and follow-up testing programs.
  • Offering discounted rates for queries.

Workplace Screening Intelligence simplifies compliance by managing these essential tasks, allowing you to focus on core business operations.

Multiple Names for the FMCSA Clearinghouse

You may encounter the following alternative names for the FMCSA Clearinghouse:

  • FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
  • DOT Clearinghouse
  • Owner Operator FMCSA Clearinghouse
  • Clearinghouse FMCSA
  • Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence

Simplify your compliance process with expert support from WSI. Contact our team for more information on our FMCSA Clearinghouse program.

📞 Call: 844-573-8378

📧 Email: [email protected]

[Learn More Online] (https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/)  

Partner with Workplace Screening Intelligence for efficient, reliable compliance management.

Physicals

Workplace compliance often extends to physical examinations, particularly for DOT-regulated positions NON-DOT Positions.

DOT Physicals

A DOT physical ensures that your employees can perform their safety-sensitive duties. These exams are essential for maintaining compliance.  DOT Physicals must be reported every 24 months.  For those with unaddressed health concerns, you will need to repeat your physical every 90-365 days.

Need to order a DOT Physical Near Me or DOT Medical Card Near Me Today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Non DOT Physicals

For other industries, non DOT physicals provide a thorough health assessment to confirm fitness for work and reduce accident risks. Examples of  NON  DOT Physical are:

Lift Test, Respiratory Questionnaire, Respiratory Fit Test, Vision Test and more.

Need to order a NON  DOT Physical Near Me 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/

Random Testing

Random drug testing serves as a deterrent and ensures on-the-job safety. Participating in a Random Testing Consortium or a Standalone Random Testing Program will keep your workplace safe and allow you to meet Federal and State Testing mandates.  Popular consortiums include:

DOT Consortiums:

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

NON-DOT Consortiums:

CAPUC Random Drug Testing Consortium, NON-DOT Random Drug Testing Consortium, OHIO BWC 5% Random Drug Testing Consortium, OHIO BWC 15% Random Drug Testing Consortium.

Need to join a Random Drug Testing Program or alcohol test 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 Screen Panels and Tools

Chain of Custody Forms

A Chain of Custody Form (CCF) ensures the integrity of the drug testing process from start to finish. Electronic CCF systems streamline the process, reducing errors and saving time.

Hair Follicle & Oral Fluid Testing

Options like the Hair Follicle Drug Test and Oral Fluid Drug Test offer diverse solutions. Hair testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days, making it perfect for retrospective analyses. Oral Fluids gives you a more recent use test.

Need to order a drug screen, alcohol test 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/

Supervisor Training and Awareness

DOT Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Training is mandated by federal regulations, but it’s a best practice for non-DOT workplaces as well. Proper training helps supervisors identify and address potential issues, reducing workplace risks.

Need to order Supervisor Training 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/

Background Checks

Screening employees doesn’t stop at drug testing. Comprehensive background checks ensure you’re hiring the best candidates.

Employment Background Search

Our employment background checks include:

  • Criminal background checks
  • Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR)
  • Professional license verifications

FAQs

What is NON-DOT?

NON-DOT refers to any workplace or employee role not regulated by DOT drug and alcohol testing guidelines.

Can I Test for Specific Drugs?

Yes, options like Ketamine Drug Test, Shroom Drug Test and Buprenorphine Drug Test allow employers to tailor panels to their needs.

How Far Back Does Hair Follicle Testing Go?

Hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days.

A Trusted Partner in Employee Screening

With over 30 years of experience, Workplace Screening Intelligence is dedicated to helping businesses master compliance and secure peace of mind. Our cutting-edge technology and industry expertise empower businesses to focus on growth while we handle the complexities of employee screening.

Are you ready to simplify your screening process? Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence today, and discover how we can support your business!


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