The Importance of Professional Drug Testing in Today’s Workplace
Drug use in the workplace is a major concern for employers across all industries. It can negatively impact productivity, safety, and the overall well-being of employees. This is why many companies are turning to professional drug testing services to ensure their workplace is drug-free. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of professional drug testing, including the types of tests available, the role of Medical Review Officers (MROs), and how to find reliable drug screening services near you.
Need to order a Drug Test or Physical at one of our 20,000 plus collection sites located near your place of business or your employee’s home, contact our Support Staff today at 844-573-8378 or [email protected] or press on link below to order a service today Order Here
- Types of Drug Tests
There are two main types of drug tests that employers can use: 5 point and 10 point drug tests. A 5 point test screens for five common drugs – marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). A 10 point test includes those five drugs as well as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone. Many companies are required to use regulated drug testing and are required to only use the 5 panel drug screen. For example, transportation companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that require a 5 panel urine drug test plus alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions.
While a 5 point test may be sufficient for some industries such as office jobs or retail stores, others may require a more comprehensive test like the 10 point test. While other industries such as healthcare include other drugs that medical professionals may abuse. These drugs include Tramadol, Fentanyl, Meperidine and many more.
The Role of Medical Review Officers
Medical Review Officers (MROs) play a critical role in the drug testing process by reviewing and verifying positive results before notifying employers. MROs are licensed physicians who have specialized training in substance abuse disorders and understand how medication can affect drug test results.
MROs also work with employees who test positive for drugs to determine if there is a valid medical explanation for the positive result such as prescription medication or over-the-counter supplements. This ensures that employees are not unfairly penalized for taking medication that is prescribed by their doctor or using legal supplements.
- Finding Reliable Drug Screening Services Near You
When it comes to drug testing, it’s important to find a reliable service provider who has experience and uses the latest technology. Look for a company with at least 30 years of experience in the industry that offers a range of testing options including urine, hair, and oral fluid testing.
Additionally, make sure the company has certified collectors who are trained in proper collection procedures and follow strict chain-of-custody protocols to ensure accurate results. Benefits of utilizing Workplace Screening Intelligence includes:
- 30 Years of Experience
- Medical Review Officers who will answer your questions
- We make drug testing easy
- Over 20,000 electronic collection sites. That means a site will be located close to your workplace or your employee / applicant’s home.
- Audit assistance should you ever be audited.
- All Training Needed to be compliant with regulations.
- DER Training
- Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
- We answer the phone and quickly reply to emails
- All Services Needed to be compliant:
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Support
- Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Support
- Physical Available Nationwide
- DOT Physicals
- Non DOT Physicals
FMCSA Clearinghouse
What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that contains records of violations related to drug and alcohol use in commercial drivers. The database was created as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) passed by Congress in 2012. It aims to improve road safety by providing employers with access to complete and accurate information about prospective employees’ drug and alcohol violations.
Who Must Report to the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
Employers of CDL holders are required to report drug and alcohol violations to the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This includes pre-employment inquiries, annual queries, and reporting any positive test results or refusals to test. The MRO reports positive drug screens. Owner-operators must also register with the clearinghouse if they operate under their own authority. Owner-Operators must register as an employer and driver.
It’s essential for employers to understand that they cannot hire or retain an employee who refuses a drug or alcohol test or has tested positive unless they have completed a return-to-duty process prescribed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Employers may face significant penalties if they fail to comply with these regulations.
Clearinghouse FMCSA
The clearinghouse gives employers access to real-time information about driver violations, including positive drug or alcohol tests, refusals to submit testing requests, completed return-to-duty processes, and follow-up testing plans. It also enables employers to ensure that their drivers are complying with all drug and alcohol testing requirements.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is intended to improve road safety by reducing the number of commercial motor vehicle accidents caused by drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. Its ultimate goal is to ensure that only qualified drivers are on the road, which will help protect the public and reduce liability for transportation companies.
Professional drug testing provides many benefits to employers including maintaining a safe workplace, reducing absenteeism and turnover rates, and improving employee productivity and morale. It also helps protect companies from liability claims related to drug use in the workplace.
In addition, regular drug testing can serve as a deterrent for employees who may be considering using drugs on the job or before coming into work. This not only helps keep employees safe but also helps maintain productivity levels and reduces accidents on the job.
Professional drug testing is an essential part of maintaining a safe and productive workplace. With the help of Medical Review Officers and reliable screening services, employers can ensure their workforce is free from drugs while protecting themselves from liability claims. Remember to choose a company with years of experience that offers various types of tests and is compliant with federal regulations. Let our 30 years of experience and technology be your peace of mind when it comes to professional drug testing.
Need Professional Drug Testing Today? Contact our Support Staff today at 844-573-8378 or [email protected] or press on link below to order a service today Order Here