Employment Screening Improvement

Employment Screening Improvement: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers and HR Professionals

Employment screening is a critical component in maintaining a safe, productive, and compliant workforce. With evolving regulations and the introduction of advanced technologies, employers must stay informed about the best practices and tools available for employment screening. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look at employment screening improvements, focusing on drug testing procedures, physical exam procedures,  regulatory requirements, and technological advancements that can streamline the process.

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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.

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Employment Screening Improvement

Employment screening is no longer just a box to tick off during the hiring process. It has become a strategic initiative that ensures the safety, integrity, and productivity of an organization. Modern employment screening involves a variety of checks, including background checks, references, qualifications, and, importantly, drug testing.

The Role of Drug Testing in Employment Screening

Drug testing is a crucial element of employment screening, especially in industries where safety is paramount. Conducted properly, drug testing can prevent accidents, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and maintain a drug-free workplace.

Employee Drug Testing

Why Employee Drug Testing is Essential

Employee drug testing helps in identifying individuals who may pose a risk to workplace safety, productivity, and overall well-being. By implementing a robust drug testing program, employers can:

• Reduce Workplace Accidents: Employees under the influence of drugs are more likely to cause accidents, leading to injuries and potential legal liabilities.
• Improve Productivity: Drug use can severely impact an employee’s performance, leading to reduced efficiency and output.
• Ensure Compliance: Certain industries are governed by strict regulations that mandate drug testing. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal action.

Regulated Drug Test vs. Non Regulated Drug Test

Understanding the Difference

Drug tests are broadly categorized into regulated drug test and non regulated drug test. Understanding the difference between these tests is crucial for compliance and effective employment screening.

Regulated Drug Test

A regulated drug test is mandated by federal or state laws for specific industries. These tests are usually required for safety-sensitive positions, such as those in transportation, aviation, and nuclear energy. Regulations like the DOT (Department of Transportation) guidelines govern these tests. Important note – please be sure that all regulated employees art tested on a regulated drug test form or they may not count towards compliance.

Non Regulated Drug Test

Non regulated drug tests, on the other hand, are not mandated by government regulations. These tests are usually conducted based on the employer’s policies and can vary in terms of substances tested and procedures followed. Important note, please make sure that all non regulated employees are tested on a non regulated drug test form or you may face fines from DOT.

NON DOT Drug Test

What is a NON DOT Drug Test?

A NON DOT drug test is a drug screening that is not regulated by the Department of Transportation. It often follows the employer’s own policies and procedures. These tests can be more flexible in terms of the substances tested and can include a broader range of substances compared to DOT tests.

Common Uses of NON DOT Drug Tests

• Pre-Employment Screening: Ensuring that new hires are drug-free before they join the organization.
• Random Testing: Periodically testing employees to deter drug use.
• Post-Accident Testing: Conducted after workplace accidents to determine if drugs were a contributing factor.
• Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Testing employees who are suspected of drug use based on observable behavior.

Types of NON DOT Drug Tests

NON DOT drug tests can vary based on the panel of drugs being tested. Common types include:

• 5 Panel Drug Test: Tests for five common drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
• 10 Panel Drug Test: Tests for a broader range of substances, including the five in the 5 panel test plus additional drugs like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and quaaludes or methaqualone.

DOT Drug Test

Understanding DOT Drug Tests

DOT drug tests are regulated by the Department of Transportation and are mandatory for employees in safety-sensitive positions. These tests follow strict guidelines to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Key Features of DOT Drug Tests

• Standardized Procedures: DOT drug tests follow standardized procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Random Testing Requirement: Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random testing to deter drug use.
• Strict Record-Keeping: Employers must maintain detailed records of all DOT drug tests for compliance purposes.

Consequences of a Failed DOT Drug Test

Failing a DOT drug test can have serious consequences, including:

• Immediate Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: The employee must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately.
• Referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): The employee must undergo an evaluation and treatment by a certified SAP and complete a return to duty drug test successfully before returning to safety sensitive duties.
• Inclusion in the FMCSA Clearinghouse: The failed test will be recorded in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, affecting the employee’s ability to work in safety-sensitive positions.

Drug Test Panels

5 Panel Drug Test

A 5 panel drug test is one of the most common types of drug screenings used by employers. It tests for five commonly abused substances:

1. Marijuana (THC)
2. Cocaine
3. Opiates (including heroin)
4. Amphetamines
5. Phencyclidine (PCP)

10 Panel Drug Test

A 10 panel drug test provides a broader screening, testing for the same substances as the 5 panel test plus additional drugs:

1. Marijuana (THC)
2. Cocaine
3. Opiates
4. Amphetamines
5. Phencyclidine (PCP)
6. Benzodiazepines
7. Barbiturates
8. Methadone
9. Propoxyphene
10. Quaaludes or Methaqualone

What are Quaaludes?

Quaaludes, also known as methaqualone, are a type of sedative-hypnotic drug that was widely prescribed in the 1960s and 1970s. Due to their high potential for abuse and addiction, they were discontinued in the United States in 1984. However, they can still be detected in comprehensive drug screenings like the 10 panel drug test.

Finding Drug Testing Services

Drug Test Near Me

Looking for a reliable drug testing service with drug test near me or dot drug test near me:?  You have come to the right place.  We have over 20,000 Electronic enabled Convenient Drug screen Locations Near You!!: This means you can order a drug test today and your employee can completed today or at their convenience.

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/

Need a list of convenient drug test near me locations?  Press on link to see drug test location near me.  Enter city and state or zip in search bar for drug test locations near me.  https://workplacescreening.com/locations/

The Role of Medical Review Officer

Medical Review Officer MRO and Medical Review Office

A Medical Review Officer MRO is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug test results. They play a crucial role in ensuring accuracy and fairness in the drug testing process.

Functions of an Medical Review Officer MRO

• Reviewing Test Results: Medical Review Officer MRO review laboratory results to ensure they are accurate and valid.
• Conducting Interviews: If a test result is positive, the Medical Review Officer MRO conducts an interview with the employee to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation.
• Ensuring Compliance: Medical Review Officer MROs ensure that drug testing processes comply with relevant regulations and standards.

• Safety: Medical Review Officer MRO manages the Safety Sensitive Letter process and non-contact positive process.

Importance of MROs in Employment Screening

Medical Review Officer MROs provide an additional layer of oversight and professionalism in the drug testing process. Their involvement helps:

• Prevent False Positives: By verifying legitimate medical explanations for positive results.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Ensuring that sensitive information is handled with care.
• Ensure Fairness: Providing an unbiased review of test results.

FMCSA Clearinghouse

Understanding the FMCSA Clearinghouse

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an online database that contains information about drug and alcohol violations for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. It is managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Key Features of the FMCSA Clearinghouse

• Centralized Information: The FMCSA Clearinghouse provides a centralized repository of drug and alcohol violation information for CDL holders.
• Employer Access: Employers can access the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to check the drug and alcohol violation history of current and prospective employees.
• Driver Access: Drivers can access the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to view their own records and dispute inaccuracies.

Benefits of the Clearinghouse

The FMCSA Clearinghouse enhances safety and compliance in the transportation industry by:

• Improving Transparency: The FMCSA Clearinghouse provide employers with access to accurate and up-to-date information about an employee’s drug and alcohol violation history.
• Deterring Drug Use: The FMCSA Clearinghouse creates a strong deterrent against drug use among CDL holders by maintaining a comprehensive record of violations.
• Streamlining Compliance: The FMCSA Clearinghouse simplifies the process for employers to comply with federal regulations by providing a centralized resource for drug and alcohol violation information.

Employers must do the following to be compliant with the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

1. Register in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
2. Write a FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum to your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy.
3. Educate your supervisors and employees on Rights and Responsibilities of the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
4. Perform pre-employment queries on each new hire.
5. Perform annual queries on all drivers.
6. Report all positive alcohols to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
7. Document and report all collection site refusals to  the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
8. Document and report all known drug and alcohol use to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
9. Report all return to duty test to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
10. Report Follow-up testing program completion to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
11. Medical Review Officer – MRO report all positive drug screens to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

An employer may choose to appoint a CTPA, like Workplace Screening Intelligence, to perform some or all duties in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.  For more information about WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program, contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link below for more information about WSI FMCSA Clearinghouse Services: https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/ 

Not so Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between a Regulated and a Non Regulated Drug Test?

Regulated drug tests are mandated by federal or state laws for specific industries and follow strict guidelines. Non-regulated drug tests are conducted based on the employer’s policies and can vary in terms of substances tested and procedures.

Can a Failed DOT Drug Test Affect Future Employment?

Yes, a failed DOT drug test can affect future employment. The violation will be recorded in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the employee must complete a return-to-duty process before resuming safety-sensitive duties.

What is Random Testing, and Why is it Important?

Random testing involves selecting employees for drug testing at random intervals. It is important because it creates a strong deterrent against drug use and helps maintain a drug-free workplace.

What Random Drug Testing Consortiums does Workplace Screening Intelligence offer?

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

We offer standalone Random Testing pools as well.

How Does Electronic Ordering and Tracking Improve Employment Screening?

Electronic ordering and tracking streamline the employment screening process by providing real-time updates on the status of drug tests. Employers can know when an employee shows up at the screening site, when the specimen is at the lab, and when it is in the MRO process. This transparency removes all doubt and ensures timely hiring decisions.

Let Our 30 Years of Experience and Technology Be Your Peace of Mind

With over 30 years of experience in employment screening, we understand the challenges and complexities involved. Our advanced technology solutions, including electronic ordering and tracking, ensure a seamless and efficient screening process. Trust us to provide the peace of mind you need to make informed hiring decisions.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise: Decades of experience in employment screening and drug testing.
• Advanced Technology: Cutting-edge solutions for electronic ordering and tracking.
• Compliance: Adherence to all relevant regulations and standards.
• Customer Support: Dedicated support to assist you every step of the way.

Get Started Today

Ready to improve your employment screening process? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve a safer, more productive workplace.

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Drug testing is a vital component of employment screening, ensuring the safety and well-being of the workforce. By understanding the different types of drug tests, the role of MROs, and the benefits of the FMCSA Clearinghouse, employers can make informed decisions and maintain compliance. Embracing advanced technology solutions, such as electronic ordering and tracking, further enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the screening process. With the right tools and expertise, employers can create a drug-free workplace that promotes safety, productivity, and peace of mind.