Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and Alcohol Testing

August 11, 2023

On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a change in its alternative drug testing methodology. The DOT has authorized oral fluid as an alternative testing methodology, harmonizing with the Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Guidelines that were made effective January 1, 2020. Although they have yet to amend the rules, they anticipate they will.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

August 09, 2023

Hair drug testing has emerged as an essential tool for employers to maintain a safe and productive workplace. Whether you are an employer contemplating the integration of drug testing in your organization, an employee who might undergo such a test, or someone who is subject to hair drug testing in general, several questions may arise. DISA Global Solutions aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hair drug testing, providing the knowledge needed to navigate drug testing situations, whether you're an employer or a donor.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

June 16, 2023

On July 1, 2023, adults in Maryland will be able to legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to two plants. This change comes as a result of the passage of Question 4, a ballot measure approved by 67.2% of Maryland voters on November 8, 2022. Following the vote, the Maryland General Assembly passed twin bills (HB 556/ SB 516) during the 2023 legislative session, which implemented an adult-use cannabis market in the state. These laws were signed into effect by Governor Wes Moore on May 4, 2023. Starting from July 1, existing medical dispensaries will be able to serve adult-use consumers.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

June 02, 2023

On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Governor Walz signed HF 100, legalizing recreational cannabis in the state of Minnesota. Adults 21 and older are permitted to use and possess up to two ounces of cannabis in public beginning August 1, 2023. Possession of up to two pounds of cannabis is permitted in the home and limited home grow of up to eight plants is also permitted. While HF 100 also permits commercial cannabis sales, it did not include guidance for the regulatory market. A new state agency, the Office of Cannabis Management, is tasked with drafting and approving rules for the commercial sales market. The state has set a goal to begin accepting applications for recreational cannabis retail shops in May 2024 and to potentially begin sales in January 2025.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

May 15, 2023

Governor Inslee of Washington signed Senate Bill 5123 (SB 5123) into law this week, effectively limiting employer rights in the state to pre-employment test for cannabis and take action based on positive results. Employers are required to comply by January 1, 2024. The newly passed bill severely limits an employer’s ability to test applicants for most positions for cannabis. Specifically, employers cannot discriminate in hiring based on a drug test that detects the presence of “nonpsychoactive cannabis metabolites.”

Drug and Alcohol Testing

May 03, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently issued its final rule to amend regulations, allowing oral fluid testing for employees in the transportation industry. This development is set to streamline the drug testing process, offering a more efficient alternative to existing procedures, particularly in shy-bladder scenarios. The Notice of this rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2023. You can find the notice here: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Billing Code No. 4910-9X P

Drug and Alcohol Testing

April 28, 2023

California has long been at the forefront of marijuana legalization in the United States. With the passing of AB 2188 in September of last year, employers must now navigate the complexities of this new legislation and its potential impact on their drug testing policies. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly understand California's marijuana legalization law, AB 2188, and its implications for human resources and safety professionals. Bill Current, founder of the Current Consulting Group, recently presented a webinar for DISA covering everything employers need to know about California’s AB 2188. Here’s a quick and comprehensive summary!