Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and Alcohol Testing

January 07, 2021

DISA Global Solutions is taking a look back on 2020 to highlight some of our most impactful articles. As we faced many challenges throughout the year, like many others, we ensured the most reliable and accurate industry updates and provided our customers with information and news, helping them each step of the way throughout the pandemic. Our focus remained on helping customers maintain compliance and a safe workplace, regardless of what 2020 threw our way. In case you missed them the first time, here are some of the most impactful articles DISA published regarding transportation, drug and alcohol testing, background check, and more.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

December 18, 2020

DISA Global Solutions’ annual Day with DISA event features a number of industry-leading professionals who present on a variety of important issues, including the latest on drug and alcohol testing trends and news. Jackie Pirone, Program Leader, Risk Assessment/Substance Abuse Testing and Brian Feeley, Director of Sales, Risk Assessment/Substance Abuse Testing at OraSure Technologies together presented “Oral Fluid Industry Update,” giving attendees a closer look at new SAMHSA guidelines the industry changes COVID-19 has brought, and how they impact employers.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 20, 2020

Day with DISA 2020 offered attendees a chance to learn more about the ever-changing marijuana laws that vary state-by-state. Hosted by DISA Global Solutions, this virtual drug testing symposium helped employers get expert advice on building a drug testing policy that fits the needs of their workplace while also abiding by state laws. Faye Caldwell, attorney at law and managing partner at Caldwell Everson PLLC, presented “Marijuana: Laws and Strategies” that discussed the recent changes following the 2020 election and how we’re beginning to see a shift towards the legalization of marijuana across the U.S.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 12, 2020

As the pandemic continues, so do changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) guidelines and regulations. In March, the DOT issued guidelines on drug and alcohol testing but has since then made adjustments to the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) guidelines due to the continuously fluctuating workforce and operational disruptions that the pandemic has caused. COVID-19 has made it challenging for employers to meet minimum random drug and alcohol testing requirements under several circumstances. Although they have made more accommodating changes, random drug and alcohol testing is still required.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 06, 2020

On Tuesday, November 4, 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize the possession of hard drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, and Oxycodone. Individuals will be given the option of paying a $100 fine or attending an established addiction treatment program funded by Oregon’s legalized, regulated marijuana industry. Measure 110 does NOT legalize hard drugs but rather reduces possession to a non-criminal offense.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

October 22, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes center stage, crises such as the amphetamine epidemic only continue to worsen as they go unnoticed. Before the pandemic, amphetamines were already on the rise, and with added stress, anxiety, and fear, drug test positivity rates are now soaring. The pandemic has exacerbated conditions that lead people to self-medicate to help cope with the emotions that come along with unemployment, financial and health issues, and lockdowns. In addition, some individuals refrained from seeking treatment centers out of fear of contracting the virus. Others had trouble finding facilities that were open, as they limited services or closed. As we face one pandemic, employers need to anticipate the worsening amphetamine epidemic and prepare their workplace drug testing programs now before it’s too late.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

July 22, 2020

The coronavirus outbreak has caused disruptions to businesses, jobs, and the daily lives of individuals across America. As a result of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, there have been numerous questions regarding government mandates and potential exceptions associated with drug and alcohol testing requirement. The purpose of this blog is specifically focused on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the current state of testing mandates. Therefore, employers must understand that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements have NOT been suspended. The FMCSA emphasized that employers that remain capable of meeting the random testing requirements outlined in Part 382 must continue to do so. Per the FMCSA, “This Notice is not intended, and should not be perceived, as suspending the current random testing requirements.”