Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and Alcohol Testing

March 03, 2021

The Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, signed three bills into law on February 22, 2021 pertaining to recreational cannabis months after voters approved it in the November election. This makes New Jersey the 13th state to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes and regulates the sale of cannabis to those over the age of 21.

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.