Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and Alcohol Testing

April 30, 2025

Across the U.S., the opioid crisis has taken a deadly turn with the rapid spread of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. While public health agencies have sounded the alarm, many employers remain unaware of a significant gap in their drug testing protocols: fentanyl usually isn't typically included in standard drug testing panels—despite widespread assumptions to the contrary.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

April 14, 2025

When it comes to transportation safety and regulation, staying compliant with the Department of Transportation (DOT) is non-negotiable. Whether you're a gas/electric utilities operator, transportation company, or service provider, understanding what DOT monitoring is and why it matters is key to maintaining operational integrity and avoiding costly penalties.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

March 28, 2025

In today’s complex regulatory environment, the term "safety-sensitive position" has become an essential consideration for companies across multiple industries. From transportation and construction to healthcare and energy, employers are required to assess certain roles for their potential risks, especially regarding substance use and compliance with federal and state regulations. Misclassifying or failing to properly define safety-sensitive positions can leave organizations vulnerable to liability, compliance violations, and increased safety risks.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

February 24, 2025

Employee drug testing is a critical component of maintaining a safe and productive workplace. However, situations arise where employees may refuse to undergo such tests, presenting challenges for employers. Understanding the implications of test refusal, the legal framework surrounding it, and best practices for policy implementation is essential for effective workplace management.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

December 13, 2024

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced a significant adjustment to its drug testing protocols for the pipeline industry in 2025. Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum annual random drug testing rate for covered employees will increase from 25% to 50%.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 15, 2024

On November 5, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule in the Federal Register (89 FR 87792) that introduces significant updates to its regulated industry drug testing program. This new rule focuses on the implementation of oral fluid drug testing, an alternative to the traditional urine-based testing. These updates aim to enhance the flexibility, accuracy, and oversight of drug testing practices within the DOT-regulated industries. Below, we summarize the key changes and their implications for employers, service agents, and collectors.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 08, 2024

This November's election cycle included several ballot measures related to cannabis legalization across various states. To help employers navigate these changes, we’re providing an overview of the outcomes—highlighting what passed, what didn’t, and the potential next steps for businesses in the impacted regions.