On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its proposed change to regulations to allow oral fluid testing as an approved alternative to urine testing in the DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing program. The DOT extended the public comment period from the end of March to April 29th. Now, it’s October already. Read more »
What Did Biden’s Marijuana Pardon Really Offer?
The news jumped on the story when the White House announced President Biden’s decision to issue a marijuana pardon en masse to federal offenders convicted of “simple marijuana possession.” The pardon also applies to marijuana offenders convicted of the same offense in the District of Columbia (DC). Biden is urging state governors to follow his Read more »
DOT Issues Strict Return-to-Duty Reminder to SAPs
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice earlier this week directed at Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP). Apparently, some of them have violated proper Return-to-Duty protocol. Of course, this puts them out of compliance and subject to disciplinary action. Worse, though, their misconduct may compromise public safety. The SAPs not following the proper protocol Read more »
Does Smoking Marijuana Trigger Opiate Relapse?
The opioid crisis was raging even back in 2018. There were 46,802 reported deaths related to opioid overdose that year. The statistic had more than doubled since 2010. Even though the medical community was locking down on the number of opioid prescriptions written, the damage was already done. So many lives were already in ruins Read more »
Workplace Drug Abuse: Do Your Employees Know the Signs?
If someone working for you is using drugs their co-workers would most likely be the first to suspect it. Drugs have different effects on people, but, as a rule, if someone is behaving oddly those who are around them on a continual basis notice. Workplace drug abuse—which includes employees having knowledge of drug deals happening Read more »
DOT Drug Screen Vs Non: Is There a Difference?
The Department of Transportation requires employers of the safety-sensitive workforce to adhere to strict regulations. For instance, anyone who wants to drive in the trucking industry must submit to a DOT drug screen as part of the hiring process. If you’re going to employ the general workforce, the decision as to whether or not you Read more »
Caution: Moving to Periodic Background Checks May Backfire
Globally, about ninety-three percent of firms conduct background checks as part of their pre-hiring process. By the same token, only one in five of them conduct any background checks post-hire. Some employers may think only submitting pre-employment checks are a wise decision because they may have a tough decision in front of them should a Read more »
How to Identify Ecstasy Use in the Workplace
Ecstasy is known for being a party drug. To reinforce the fact, it’s often produced in brightly colored pill form, complete with fun designs. Some are even marketed in shapes, such as Darth Vader, for instance. They strongly resemble the shaped, colorful vitamins that you may have taken as a kid. Teens and young adults Read more »