eTrends - U.S. Department of Transportation Final Rule Amends Certain Drug Testing Procedures

Effective October 1, 2010, the United States Department of Transportation is amending certain drug testing procedures relating to laboratory testing of urine specimens. The changes, as well as the modifications of certain definitions in the Department of Transportation’s drug testing rules, will create consistency between the drug testing rules of the Department of Transportation and those of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Changes made by the final rule include:

  • employers must now test for Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as Ecstasy;
  • drug test cutoff levels for both cocaine and amphetamines are lowered (300 ng/ml to 150 ng/ml and 1000 ng/ml to 500 ng/ml, respectively for initial screening);
  • initial testing for the heroin marker, 6-acetylmorphine (“6-AM,” a unique metabolite of heroin) is required; and
  • certain changes to medical review officer (MRO) training and qualification requirements are made.

The new rule will affect all commercial drivers subject to Department of Transportation drug testing. Therefore, Department of Transportation-regulated employers should review their drug testing programs to ensure compliance with the new requirements by the effective date of October 1, 2010.

Please contact Susan Milner Parrott with any questions.

Employment, Labor and Human Resources

Employee Benefits and Compensation

Environmental Health and Safety

Government Contracting

Privacy

Smith Anderson publishes eTrends periodically as a service to clients and friends. The purpose of this eTrends is to provide general information about a significant legal development in the field of employment law. Readers should be aware that the facts may vary from one situation to another, so the conclusions stated herein may not be applicable to the reader’s particular circumstances.

Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted
when credit is given to Smith Anderson.
©Copyright Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P. 2012
http://www.smithlaw.com

Professionals

Jump to Page

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and improve functionality. To learn more, you may view our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse Smith Anderson's website, you are accepting our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy.