The recent "Day with DISA 2024" session, titled "Clearinghouse & DOT: Updates from the Top" presented by Bryan Price, Chief of Drug & Alcohol Policy and Compliance, and Stacy Johnson, Federal Program Specialist, provided invaluable insights for HR professionals into the latest updates and statistics related to drug and alcohol testing in the motor carrier industry. Led by experts from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the session delved into the Clearinghouse's operational impacts, recent enhancements based on industry feedback, and detailed statistics.
If you missed the opportunity to attend the Day with DISA conference or would like to revisit this informative session, you can easily download or watch it using the link below. This resource offers an excellent opportunity for HR professionals to stay updated on significant industry changes.
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The session offered a comprehensive overview of the Clearinghouse's function, its background, and the rationale behind its establishment. The speakers, Bryan and Stacy, highlighted recent system enhancements, such as the 12-month lookback query notification, designed to bridge gaps in employer awareness of driver violations. Additionally, they touched upon a notable increase in the utilization of the Clearinghouse by the motor carrier industry, as evidenced by over 5.2 million unique CDL queries. Furthermore, the presentation covered the types of violations commonly reported, with marijuana being the most prevalent substance detected, and provided insights into the status of individual drivers in terms of compliance and prohibition.
6 Key Takeaways:
- Clearinghouse's Role and Enhancements: The Clearinghouse acts as a federal repository for CDL licensed drivers' drug and alcohol test violations. Recent enhancements, such as the 12-month lookback query notification, have significantly improved industry compliance and employer awareness.
- Statistics and Industry Participation: Over 5.2 million unique CDLs have been queried, indicating widespread industry participation. This high number reflects the motor carrier industry's commitment to ensuring driver compliance.
- Variety of Substance Violations: While marijuana is the most common substance identified in violations, 40% of the positive tests include other substances, debunking the misconception that marijuana is the sole focus of the Clearinghouse.
- Prohibited Driver Statistics: Approximately 156,000 drivers are currently prohibited in the Clearinghouse, with three-quarters yet to start the return-to-duty process.
- Clearinghouse 2 Rule Impact: Set to be effective in November 2024, this rule will integrate the Clearinghouse database with state DMVs, ensuring that drivers prohibited in the Clearinghouse have their CDL status downgraded at the state level.
- Administrative Functions and Compliance Enforcement: The FMCSA actively addresses petitions and inaccuracies, handles a significant volume of daily queries, and ensures the integrity of the drug and alcohol testing process through various compliance measures.
About Day with DISA
Day with DISA has evolved into a pivotal annual conference for those responsible for employee screening. This year's event attracted over 4,000 attendees, returning to in-person sessions while maintaining impactful virtual presentations. This conference offers a blend of industry insights, best practices, and networking opportunities in fields like drug and alcohol testing, background checks, and occupational health. Attendees leave equipped with tools for compliance and smarter hiring practices. As this year's event has concluded, we look forward to welcoming HR professionals to next year's conference.
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About DISA
Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. With its headquarters in Houston and over 35 offices across North America and Europe, DISA offers a comprehensive range of services including background checks, drug and alcohol testing, occupational health, and transportation compliance, helping employers make informed staffing decisions while fostering a safe workplace culture.