The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced changes to its drug testing policies, which will affect millions of employees in the transportation industry. The new rules, which went into effect on January 1, 2018, aim to improve safety on the nation’s roads, rails, and waterways by ensuring that employees are not impaired by drugs or alcohol while on the job.
One of the most significant changes is the addition of four new drugs to the list of substances that are tested for in DOT drug tests. These drugs include hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone, which are all commonly used prescription painkillers. Previously, these drugs were not included in DOT drug tests, but they are now considered to be a significant risk to safety due to their potential for abuse and impairment.
Another change is the removal of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) from the list of drugs that are tested for. MDA is a synthetic drug that is similar to MDMA (also known as ecstasy), but it has a higher potential for abuse and can cause more severe side effects. However, MDA is not commonly used and is not considered to be a significant risk to safety in the transportation industry.
The DOT has also clarified its policy on medical marijuana use. While marijuana remains illegal under federal law, some states have legalized its use for medical purposes. The DOT has stated that employees who use medical marijuana will still be subject to drug testing and will be considered to have tested positive if they have THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) in their system. However, the DOT will consider individual cases and may make exceptions for employees who use medical marijuana under certain circumstances.
In addition to these changes, the DOT has also updated its alcohol testing procedures. Previously, employees were required to undergo an alcohol test within two hours of being notified of a test. However, the new rules allow for a longer period of time (up to eight hours) before an alcohol test is administered. This change is intended to reduce the number of false positives that can occur when an employee has consumed alcohol shortly before being tested.
Overall, the new drug testing policy changes announced by the DOT are designed to improve safety in the transportation industry by ensuring that employees are not impaired by drugs or alcohol while on the job. By adding new drugs to the list of substances that are tested for, clarifying its policy on medical marijuana use, and updating its alcohol testing procedures, the DOT is taking steps to protect the public and prevent accidents on the nation’s roads, rails, and waterways.
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