Return to Duty Process Guide
Returning to duty after failing a drug test involves several crucial steps to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. This process is designed to help employers, human resources professionals, and employees who have failed a drug test to understand the required procedures and maintain a safe and compliant workplace.
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Failed a Drug Screen Now What?
Failing a drug test can be a daunting experience for any employee, especially in regulated industries such as transportation. Whether it’s a DOT drug test, a non-DOT drug test, or a regulated drug test and/or non regulated drug test the implications of a failed test are significant, affecting both the employee’s career and the company’s operations.
When an employee fails a drug test, the following steps must be taken:
- Immediate Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: Employees must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties. This is critical for maintaining workplace safety.
- Evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): The employee must be referred to a SAP for evaluation. The SAP plays a pivotal role in the return-to-duty process.
Substance Abuse Professional
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a certified expert responsible for evaluating employees who have failed a drug test. The Substance Abuse Professional SAP determines the appropriate level of education or treatment required for the employee to return to duty safely.
Role of SAP
- Initial Evaluation: The SAP conducts an in-depth evaluation of the employee’s situation.
- Treatment and Education Recommendations: Based on the evaluation, the SAP recommends an appropriate treatment or education program.
- Monitoring Progress: The SAP monitors the employee’s progress throughout the treatment or education program.
- Final Assessment: After completing the program, the SAP conducts a final assessment to determine if the employee is ready for the return-to-duty drug test.
Treatment and/or Education
Employees who fail a drug test must complete the treatment or education recommended by the SAP. This may include:
- Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment Programs: Depending on the severity of substance use, the SAP may recommend inpatient or outpatient treatment.
- Counseling Sessions: Regular counseling sessions with a qualified therapist may be part of the program.
- Educational Workshops: These workshops provide information on the dangers of substance abuse and coping strategies.
Completion of the recommended treatment or education program is mandatory before proceeding to the next step in the return-to-duty process.
Return To Duty Drug Test
The return-to-duty drug test is a critical step in the process. This test must be conducted under direct observation to ensure the integrity of the sample.
Key Points About Return To Duty Drug Test
- Observed Collection: The test must be observed by a same sex individual to prevent tampering or cheating. Yes, you will be required to prove you didn’t bring a device to cheat on the drug test as well as be watched as you directly urinate into the cup. Once oral fluid drug test is allowed, it will allow for a more dignified observed collection.
- Negative Result Requirement: The employee must test negative to be eligible to return to safety-sensitive duties.
- Compliance with FMCSA Clearinghouse: The results of this test must be reported to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Follow-up Drug Testing Program
Once an employee has passed the return-to-duty drug test, they enter the follow-up drug testing program. This program is designed to ensure ongoing compliance and sobriety.
Components of the Follow-up Program
- Random Testing: The employee must undergo unannounced follow-up tests determined by the SAP.
- Duration: The follow-up testing program typically lasts for at least 12 months but may be extended based on SAP’s recommendations.
- Observed Collections: Like the return-to-duty test, follow-up tests must be conducted under direct observation.
Observed Drug Screen Collection
Observed collections are a critical component of the return-to-duty and follow-up testing process. They ensure the authenticity of the sample and prevent tampering.
Importance of Observed Collections
- Integrity of the Sample: Direct observation ensures that the sample collection process is not compromised.
- Compliance with Regulations: Observed collections are required by federal regulations to maintain the integrity of the drug testing process. Test done without direct observation likely won’t be counted towards compliance.
Drug Screening Near Me
If you are looking for a drug screening location near me, you have come to the right place. We have over 20,000 plus electronically enabled drug screening locations near your workplace or home. That means you can order a drug screen today, complete it today or by your deadline.
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 Screening Locations Near Me
Need a list of Drug Screening Locations Near Me? Visit our website for a handy drug screen collection site locator: Locations
Benefits of Using Workplace Screening intelligence’ Local Drug Screening Services
- Convenience: Local testing sites ensure minimal disruption to the employee’s schedule.
- Quick Turnaround: Faster processing times facilitate quicker return-to-duty decisions.
- Compliance: Workplace Screening Intelligences sites are familiar with federal and state regulations, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
Need to order a return to duty drug screen, follow-up 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/
Not so Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fail a Return to Duty Drug Screen or Follow-Up drug test?
Failing a return-to-duty drug screen or follow-up drug test can have serious consequences, including:
- Immediate Removal from Duties: The employee will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.
- Repeat the Process: The employee must undergo another evaluation by the SAP and complete additional treatment or education before retesting.
- Possible Termination: Depending on company policy, repeated failures may result in termination of employment.
How can Workplace Screening Intelligence keep me compliant with the Return to Duty process?
Workplace Screening Intelligence offers comprehensive services to manage the return-to-duty process, including:
- Electronic Ordering and Tracking: Our system tracks the entire process, from the initial evaluation to the final test result. You will always know the status of your employee or applicant.
- Compliance Management: We ensure that all aspects of the return-to-duty process comply with federal and state regulations.
- Reporting to FMCSA Clearinghouse: We handle all reporting requirements to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, so you don’t have to.
What other services does Workplace Screening Intelligence offer?
In addition to managing the return-to-duty process, Workplace Screening Intelligence provides a range of services, including:
- Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Development: We help you create a comprehensive testing policy tailored to your organization’s needs.
- Supervisor Training: Training programs for supervisors to recognize signs of substance abuse and handle incidents appropriately.
- Owner Operator Drug Testing: Specialized services for owner-operators to ensure compliance with DOT regulations.
- Random Testing Consortiums:
- DOT Random Consortium: For companies regulated by the DOT.
- FAA Random Testing Consortium: For aviation industry compliance.
- FMCSA Random Testing Consortium: For motor carriers and commercial drivers.
- FRA Random Testing Consortium: For railroads and rail transit.
- FTA Random Testing Consortium: For public transportation agencies.
- PHMSA Random Testing Consortium: For pipeline and hazardous materials operators.
- US Coast Guard Random Testing Consortium: For maritime industry compliance.
- FMCSA Owner Operator Random Testing Consortium: For owner-operators in the trucking industry.
- CAPUC Random Testing Consortium: For specific state requirements.
- Ohio BWC 5% Random Testing Consortium & Ohio BWC 15% Random Testing Consortium: For companies participating in Ohio’s workers’ compensation discount programs.
- NON DOT Random Testing Consortium: For non-regulated industries.
Conclusion
The return-to-duty process following a failed drug test is complex and requires strict adherence to regulations. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers the expertise and technology to manage this process efficiently, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
With our electronic ordering and tracking system, you’ll always know where your employees are in the process, from the initial drug test to the final return-to-duty decision. We handle all aspects of the program, including reporting to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, so you can focus on running your business.
Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence today and leverage our 30 years of experience to ensure compliance and maintain a safe, drug-free workplace.
What Our Customers say about Us
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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/