How Updated Drug and Alcohol Regulations Affect Your Public Transit Employees
DOT-mandated employees are trusted to safely transport millions of people daily. To ensure that trust, in 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was implemented. This Act established regulations prohibiting the use of alcohol and drugs by DOT-mandated, safety-sensitive employees. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is the agency responsible for dictating the rules for individuals in this transportation sector who are directly responsible for the transportation of the American public. Recently the FTA announced updated drug and alcohol regulations.
FTA’s Changes to Minimum Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates
In response to a recent increase in the number of random “positive” drug and alcohol tests across the industry, changes were in order. As of January 1, 2019, the FTA increased the minimum required drug testing rate from 25% to 50%. This is the first adjustment since 2009.
The January increase in minimal testing rates is significant. Testing rates are the total number of tests administrated per year, not the number of employees. It is important to note that testing is random. Employees can be tested several times throughout the year, or never selected.
The new minimum annual random testing rates are:
- 50% of the number of covered employees for drugs
- 10% of the number of covered employees for alcohol
Additionally, employers can choose to test at higher rates if they wish.
Navigating Updated Drug and Alcohol Regulations
As a condition of receiving FTA funding, transit employers must manage their own alcohol and drug testing program. Employers can access the updated guidelines posted by the FTA that outline how to develop, implement, and manage a drug and alcohol testing program that adheres to the policies set in place. It is important for employers to compare their current policies and procedures to the guidelines to ensure they are compliant.
These changes may seem like a lot. Fortunately, you don’t need to confront the updated drug and alcohol regulations alone.
Partnering with SAP Referral Services
SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated alcohol and drug evaluations. SRS works with any individual, company or organization requiring DOT-mandated Substance Abuse evaluations. Partnering with SRS:
- Ensures that your employee’s SAP is up to date for state and federal credentials
- Allows you to utilize SRS’s knowledge for addressing substance abuse problems and disorders
- Gains you access to a current list of Substance Abuse Professionals that have completed DOT SAP testing and qualification training
Monitoring a drug and alcohol testing program is a large task. There are substantial risks to the organization for non-compliance. Our meticulous record keeping is one more way we take some of the burden from you. SRS keeps copies of all case reports and SAP credentials for assisting with any Part 40 related audits.
With over 15 years of experience, SRS can be trusted to help your company stay compliant and productive. SRS has a network of over 3,000 qualified providers. Click here to submit our Employer Enrollment Contact Form.
SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.