The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced changes to its drug testing policy, which will affect millions of employees in the transportation industry. The new policy, which went into effect on January 1, 2018, includes several updates and revisions to the existing regulations.
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. The inclusion of these drugs is a response to the growing opioid epidemic in the United States, which has had a significant impact on the transportation industry.
Another change to the DOT drug testing policy is the removal of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) from the list of substances that are tested for. MDA is a drug that is chemically similar to MDMA (ecstasy), but it has a higher potential for abuse and addiction. However, MDA is not commonly used in the transportation industry, and its removal from the list of tested substances will not have a significant impact on drug testing procedures.
The DOT has also updated its drug testing procedures to include new forms of testing, such as oral fluid testing and hair testing. Oral fluid testing involves collecting a saliva sample from an employee and testing it for the presence of drugs. Hair testing involves collecting a small sample of hair from an employee and testing it for the presence of drugs. These new forms of testing are more accurate than traditional urine testing and can detect drug use over a longer period.
The DOT has also revised its drug testing procedures to include more rigorous training for drug testing personnel. This training will ensure that all drug tests are conducted in a consistent and accurate manner, and that all employees are treated fairly and respectfully during the testing process.
Overall, the changes to the DOT drug testing policy are designed to improve safety in the transportation industry by reducing the number of employees who use drugs while on the job. By expanding the list of tested substances and introducing new forms of testing, the DOT is taking a proactive approach to addressing the opioid epidemic and other drug-related issues in the transportation industry. These changes will help to ensure that all employees are fit for duty and able to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
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