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FMCSA HOS Final Rule Changes and What You Need to Know
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rolled out new Hours of Service (HOS) rules, effective September 29, 2020. These new changes will allow for greater flexibility for drivers without affecting safety measures. HOS refers to the amount of time drivers are allowed to drive by regulating hours and resting periods to enhance safety while on the road by preventing driver fatigue. In addition, HOS rules implement specific regulations on rest breaks, consecutive hours driving, off-duty time, meals, and sleeping.
https://disa.com/news/fmcsa-hos-final-rule-changes-and-what-you-need-to-know
DISA Celebrates 34 Years of Employment Screening Success
DISA Global Solutions is 34 years old! Throughout the years, DISA has excelled in the employment screening industry. Each year we expand our reach and scope of services while enhancing our overall customer experience. Each year DISA takes on new and exciting endeavors, adding to our suite of products and services, and 2020 was no exception with new integrations to SambaSafety and the launch of Continuous Driver Monitoring. Although we faced many challenges due to COVID-19, DISA has stood tall in the face of adversity, adapted to the “new normal,” and continued helping our customers build a culture of safety in their workplace.
Q4 Update: Positivity Rates Continue To Worsen Due To the COVID-19 Pandemic
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.
https://disa.com/news/amphetamine-epidemic-worsens-due-to-the-impact-of-covid-19
Oregon Decriminalizes Possession of Hard Drugs
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.
https://disa.com/news/oregon-decriminalizes-possession-of-hard-drugs
FAA Issues Notice of Enforcement Discretion for Random Drug and Alcohol Testing
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.
FMCSA Grants Petition To Prevent Washington State From Enforcing Meal and Rest Break Rules
As of November 17, 2020, the FMCSA rules that Washington state’s Meal and Rest Break (MRB) rules are preempted pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 31141 as applied to passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to FMCSA's hours of service regulations. This was granted after a petition was filed last year by the Washington Trucking Association (WTA) claiming that Washington’s rules were similar to those of California’s, which the FMCSA determined were preempted under federal HOS rules in 2018.
Day with DISA Addresses Marijuana Laws and Strategies
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.
Top 10 DOT Compliance Mistakes
DISA Global Solutions hosted its third annual Day with DISA event offering insightful information on the transportation industry through a number of sessions presented by industry experts. Our very own Jae Perez, Senior Strategic Sales Executive, presented “Top 10 DOT Compliance Mistakes,” helping employers proactively remain compliant to avoid fines, fees, and audits. Each year as the transportation industry and the Department of Transportation (DOT) continue to make changes and implement new regulations, employers must stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest and implement best practices to protect their employees, company, and those on the road around them.
FMCSA Modifies and Extends Emergency Declaration
*This page was last updated December 3, 2020.
https://disa.com/news/fmcsa-modifies-and-extends-emergency-declaration
Oral Fluid Industry Update
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.
DISA’s Most Impactful Articles of 2020
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.
DOT Increases Fines for Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Requirements
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule allowing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to fine drivers, carriers, and Medical Review Officers (MROs) up to $5,833 for each violation of the drug and alcohol clearinghouse at 49 CFR part 382 subpart G. According to the DOT; the final rule states: “Any employer, employee, medical review officer, or service agent who violates any provision of 49 CFR part 382, subpart G … is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,833.”
https://disa.com/news/dot-increases-fines-for-drug-and-alcohol-clearinghouse-requirements
What's in a DQ File?
Hiring safe drivers will ensure employers maintain compliance with required regulations and standards in the transportation industry. To keep our roads safe, businesses that are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) file. Employers must maintain a DQ file for all interstate drivers who operate a vehicle weighing more than 10,001 pounds.
New Jersey Passes Three Recreational Cannabis Bills
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.
https://disa.com/news/new-jersey-passes-three-recreational-cannabis-bills
DISA Financial Investigative Services Ensures Access and Accuracy Amid COVID-19 Challenges
DISA Financial Investigative Services (FIS) leverages decades of experience to achieve two key elements of successful investigative due diligence: access and accuracy. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new and unique challenges to all sectors of the business community, and our industry is no exception, particularly as it pertains to public record research. While our research is expanded and supplemented by database resources, nationwide, direct, real-time courthouse research has always been the core of our research methodology to obtain the most comprehensive and up-to-date information possible.