Answer

When testing a non-DOT employee, can they have a single specimen collection?

If the employee is non-DOT regulated, then yes you may have a single specimen collection. But for those who are DOT regulated, you cannot. (Please see Part 40 below).

40.17 How does the collector prepare the specimens?

a. All collections under DOT agency drug testing regulations must be split specimen collections.

b. As the collector, you must take the following steps, in order, after the employee brings the urine specimen to you. You must take these steps in the presence of the employee.

  1. Check the box on the CCF (Step 2) indicating that this was a split specimen collection.
  2. You, not the employee, must first pour at least 30mL of urine from the collection container into one specimen bottle, to be used for the primary specimen.
  3. You, not the employee, must then pour at least 15 mL of urine from the collection container into the second specimen bottle to be used for the split specimen.
  4. You, not the employee, must place and secure (i.e., tighten or snap) the lids/caps on the bottles.
  5. You, not the employee, must seal the bottles by placing the tamper-evident bottle seals over the bottle caps/lids and down the sides of the bottles.

With the legalization of marijuana across many states, cities such as San Francisco have implemented conviction expunging policies (Proposition 64) which remove misdemeanors and non-violent charges related to marijuana. Policies like these aim to get previous convictions reduced or reclassified to lesser offenses, with some convictions being dismissed altogether. This means that charges that are expunged will not appear on background checks. Employers need to implement a comprehensive background check process that will navigate individual state and city regulations. When employers use cheaper instant background checks, information can be incorrect or outdated, which could lead to potential lawsuits or liability in the workplace.

In addition, employers should consider services, such as social security number validity, criminal history for federal, county, and state, employment verification, etc., to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To request a copy of a previous background check, please click on the link below and fill out the form.

Background Dispute or Copy Request Form

Background Check related

What shows up on a background screen?

Background screenings can vary depending on certain positions, industry standards, and state laws. Background products can include,

•    Criminal History Checks (Federal, State, and County)

•    Civil Searches (Federal and County)

•    SSN Validity Checks

•    Employment Verifications

•    Education Verifications

•    I-9 and E-Verify

•    State Driving Records

•    Professional Licenses and Credentials

•    Credit Reports

•    Adverse Action Notices

•    Personal Reference Verifications

•    Government Sanctions Lists

•    Sex Offender Searches

•    DOT Testing History

•    Criminal Investigative Services