If you’ve recently received a positive drug screen result in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, you may be wondering what to do next. Here’s some information that can help. First, it’s important to know that…
If you have a positive drug screen reported in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, it is important to take action right away.
As a commercial vehicle driver, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations related to drug testing — as specified by the FMCSA Clearinghouse. A failed 5 panel DOT drug test or Alcohol Test can have serious repercussions and ramifications. If you have a positive drug screen reported in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, it is essential that you take action right away so that any potential adverse impacts affecting your qualifications as an approved commercial motor vehicle operator can be minimized. Taking immediate action is paramount for resolving any issues surrounding your driver qualification status, and for protecting your livelihood as a commercial driver.
The first step is to contact a Substance Abuse Professional and start the return to duty process.
An essential first step in the return to duty process for any individual with a positive drug screen and listed in the FMCSA Clearinghouse is to contact a substance abuse professional (SAP). The SAP is responsible for evaluating substance abuse issues, designing treatment plans and providing necessary referrals, making them an important part of the rehabilitation journey. Depending on the severity of substance use disorder, individualized modifications may be requested, allowing professionals to create a plan tailored to each person’s life situation. The end result should be a strategy that allows individuals to gain control over substance use while meeting safety standards set by the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Your SAP will likely require you to take drug and alcohol abuse counseling, which likely you must pay for yourself.
As a driver, it is important that you are aware of the DOT Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, established by the FMCSA in 2020. This policy requires employers to check their job applicants for drug and alcohol abuse before hiring them as part of the pre-hire process. Any positive results from these tests or discrepancy in previous results will necessitate additional steps taken by your supervisor to comply with FMCSA regulations, such as counseling and/or rehabilitation programs. You may be asked to pay for these programs yourself as part of your SAP requirements. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with all dot drug and alcohol policies in order to ensure safe driving practices.
Once the SAP has made their determination, you and your employer will be notified of Return to Duty and Follow-up testing requirements.
After a DOT-mandated drug test, if the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) determines that an individual has completed the fmcsa return to duty process and is cleared for return-to-duty testing requirements, the FMCSA Clearinghouse will send a notification to both the individual and their employer. This will inform them of any follow-up testing requirements needed. To easily find qualified collection sites for these tests near you, use the common online search phrase “DOT Drug Test near me”. Make sure to keep all required documentation on file in order to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.
You will be required to submit to Return to duty and follow-up testing, all which must be observed, testing for at least one year, and possibly longer depending on your situation.
In order to fulfill the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse, employers must report any positive drug tests and Return to Duty (RTD) tests for their employees. Should an employee fail either of these tests, they will be required to submit to RTD and follow-up testing, all of which must be observed and need to continue testing for at least one year or even longer if determined by their situation. Employers need to remain up-to-date with all of their FMCSA mandated reporting in order to maintain compliance and ensure the safety of everyone while on roadways.
If you fail another drug test during this period, you will face serious consequences, up to and including losing your ability to drive commercially.
If you’re a truck driver, you already know how important it is to pass the dot 5 drug test panel. One failure can result in serious consequences, including the loss of your ability to drive commercially. To ensure a successful outcome on your next dot 5 drug test panel, you need to make sure that all your results are properly recorded and reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse. If the FMCSA Clearinghouse receives notification that you’ve failed another dot 5 drug test panel during this period, they may take action against you, up to and including revoking your driving privileges for a specified period of time or permanently. Make sure that you remain compliant so you can keep doing what you love – driving safely and responsibly. While it’s never pleasant to have a positive drug screen, it is important to take action quickly. Initiating the return to duty process and following the recommendations of your Substance Abuse Professional is the best and only way to ensure that you can continue operating commercial motor vehicles and work in the transportation industry. It is of utmost importance that you stay compliant with all testing requirements set forth by the FMCSA Clearinghouse. After all: knowledge is power! At Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI) we understand how serious these situations can be which is why we are dedicated to promoting proactive workplace screening practices. Our online tracking system allows employers to track candidates from recruitment through onboarding making sure your hiring process remains legally compliant. To learn more about FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements or effective workplace screening policy for your company, contact one of our representatives today. Our knowledgeable staff members can be contacted at 844-573-8378 (TEST) or [email protected]