Author: John

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Accredited Drug Testing, Inc has been in business for over 4 years, and in that time we have grown exponentially. We are the nation’s leading provider of drug and alcohol testing. Our President and CEO James Greer has been an expert in the drug testing community for over 20 years. He is a successful entrepreneur and has grown the company to be an active and honored part of the drug testing industry. In drug testing, there is a lot of confusion especially when it comes to the rules and regulations associated with the industry and the ever changing laws on things like medical marijuana. And this is how we came up with the idea for American Drug Talk.

American Drug Talk is a show designed to talk about the issues affecting the nation’s drug and alcohol testing industry. Upcoming episodes will address issues such as medical marijuana in the workplace, U.S. Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing regulations (commonly referred to as Part 40), regulations on background checks. The show will also address issues facing today’s society in regards to the opioid epidemic and answer the viewers’ questions on any and all drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures.

There will also be training in several episodes to teach the skills needed to succeed in successful drug testing administration. All of the episodes will also include a guest that is an expert on the topic at hand. Occasionally there will be a guest on hand to speak about opinions they have on drug testing and the industry.

But most importantly, American Drug Talk is a conversation about drug use and testing throughout the nation. James Greer is our host and leader into demystifying the world and regulations of the testing industry. This show is meant to entertain and educate viewers each week with thought provoking discussions and lessons. We hope you tune into each week as we discuss America’s drug and alcohol testing industry.

 

American Drug Talk Ep. 1: Welcome

Watch Episode 1 Above!

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MMA Legend Conor Mcgregor and undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather’s upcoming match will be one for the books on August 26th, 2017.

What fight?

The athletes have done several press events to build anticipation for the fight, now dubbed “The Money Fight” being held in the T-Mobile Area in Las Vegas, Nevada. Where they face off and taunt each other with scare tactics.

But one thing both athletes have agreed on is being part of a USADA robust testing program. This program is very similar to the UFC Anti-Doping Program Mcgregor is still a part of. And while many are considering this fight a circus, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is insisting that this will be treated and regulated like all other boxing matches before it.

Who’s been drug testing?

Mcgregor has yet to be tested under the USADA’s program but has been tested 5 times in 2017 under the UFC testing program and has consistently come up negative. Mayweather, on the other hand, had been tested twice this month under the new program but hasn’t been tested in over 2 years since his fight with Andre Berto in September 2015. Mayweather is coming out of retirement for the big “Money Fight” this month.

For Mayweather some are worried this month was a bit late to begin testing but officials are insistent the drug testing will be continuous  moving forward.

“There is no maximum number of tests that can be performed and like our other programs, we will test robustly leading up to and during the fight in order to maximize deterrence and detection,” the spokesperson said. “Each athlete’s test history will be published on the USADA website and updated weekly.”

Who’s in charge?

The testing is administered through the United States Anti-doping Agency (USADA) but has not been registered with the Nevada State Athletic Commission as of yet. The USADA and NSAC have had differences in the past which spelled trouble for Mayweather during his Pacquaio fight in 2o15.

For the latest in drug testing industry news and DOT news, check out the rest of our blog at accrediteddrugtesting.net

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This week in the news, a U.S. Navy veteran went into a routine appointment at his local VA Clinic in Panama City Beach, Florida to get a cholesterol test done when he found something attached to his test results, the results of a drug screening. One he did not ask for.

His first reaction was that it was “kind of weird” the Panama City Herald reports.

Robert Williams, the veteran in question, said this was an infringement of his fourth amendment rights which include “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

A representative from Senator Marco Rubio’s office said the tests are not a part of the VA’s policy and aren’t to be given without the consent of the patients. Williams tested negative for all the drugs he was screened for, but he wasn’t concerned about the results- he is adamantly opposed to drugs- but that wasn’t the issue.

He claims this was a privacy infringement, but a representative of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) defends the drug screening that took place. “This test does not require consent from the veteran, but the veteran is free to do the test or not. … If there is proof a veteran isn’t taking his/her controlled substances responsibly, or doesn’t allow the provider to monitor the effectiveness of the medication(s) prescribed, the provider may stop the veteran’s prescription” representative Jerron Barnett wrote in a prepared statement to the press.

They have a right to do a urinalysis; it’s the drug test that’s a search of your person,” he said. “Just because they have a sample or tissue of mine does not mean they have a right to test it.” He also wonders how many more veterans will be subject to this testing without their knowledge and for those that do test positive, how it will affect their VA benefits such as health care, housing-related assistance and disability.

“The real question is who authorized this?” he said. “Whose idea was it? And who told (my doctor) his patients had to be drug-screened?” He said the VA’s inconsistent responses are in line with many issues plaguing the agency.

“That’s the thing about VA; they have deniability,” Williams said. “Everything about their process is built with an opaque protection for the people so you’ll never get to the bottom of this, whose decision this is.”

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Health and Human Services(HHS), Secretary, Tom Price recently received a letter advocating for the Federal Guidelines to allow for hair drug testing to be expedited.  This letter was not the first of its kind, approximately 1 month ago, a similar letter was sent to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration(FMCSA) by seven Republican members of the House of Representatives.

The Senators signing the most recent letter included:

  • John Thune (R – South Dakota), chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
  • John Boozman (R – Arkansas),
  • Joe Manchin (D – West Virginia),
  • Deb Fischer (R – Nebraska) and
  • Ron Johnson (R – Wisconsin).

Hair drug testing has been a topic among drug testing industry professionals for years and has now begun receiving some support all in an effort to ensure public safety on our Nation’s roadways.

Many advocates for this proposed alternative method for Federally Regulated Drug Testing site the FAST ACT, (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act) which was signed into law by the Obama Administration on December 4, 2015

Under this law HHS was compelled to issue scientific and technical guidelines for hair testing by Dec. 4, 2016, and this deadline was not met.

Currently there are several larger trucking companies with the upmost safety in mind utilizing the 5 panel DOT urine drug test to meet federal drug testing requirements, while also incurring the additional cost to conduct hair testing for their applicants/employees.

These companies have the ultimate goal of deterring drug users from entering their ranks, thus positively impacting the quality of their employees and most importantly public safety.

Hair Testing vs Urine Testing

As you may be aware, hair testing provides a greater detection window for drug use vs. urinalysis. Hair tests can screen for drug use up to 90 days, while urine only screens for a window of 3-5 days.

Another advantage for hair testing and/or oral saliva testing would be the fact that the sample is taken under an observed collection which would also deter those individuals inclined to “cheat” a test under the current 5 panel DOT urinalysis method.

There are several carriers already testing drivers via hair sample, but they must also still utilize the urine sample tests to comply with the federal standards. The carriers argue that the tests are costly and repetitive.

Many Speculate that HHS will be finalizing their rule in regards to allowing alternative specimens other than urine in Federally Mandated drug and alcohol testing.  Once HHS has issued their final rule as to the science behind the alternative testing methods, then The Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin their implementation process and rule making procedures.

See below an excerpt of the Fast Act:

SEC. 5402. DRUG-FREE COMMERCIAL DRIVERS.
(B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘The regulations shall permit such motor carriers to conduct pre-employment testing of such employees for the use of alcohol.’’; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: ‘‘(B) The regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) shall permit motor carriers—
‘‘(i) to conduct pre-employment testing of commercial motor vehicle operators for the use of alcohol; and
‘‘(ii) to use hair testing as an acceptable alternative to urine testing—
‘‘(I) in conducting pre-employment testing for the use of a controlled substance; and
‘‘(II) in conducting random testing for the use of a controlled substance if the operator was subject to hair testing for pre-employment testing.’’

 

For more information please call 800-221-4291 or contact us online.

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As the opioid epidemic continues to make headlines in the United States, there are many other consequential effects from the rise of drug use in recent years. Job loss to American workers seems to be one of them.

Employee Drug Use Increases

Employee drug use has increased in the last three years to its highest level in a decade, according to Quest Diagnostics, which performed more than 10 million employment drug screenings last year.  The increase is due in part to the heroin epidemic and the legalization of recreational marijuana in states such as Colorado.

Some companies are seeing as much as 20% of people failing drug tests, testing positive for anything between marijuana and amphetamines to crystal meth and heroin.

Refugees Filling The Gaps

The big factories throughout the United States are being hit the hardest when it comes to employees failing drug screenings. So, with every person that is fired there is a refugee there to pick up the slack. “They have a problem with the drugs, so like every time they fire someone, they replace him with the refugee, to be honest,” said Bassam Dabbah, who works at a U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants field office in Erie, PA.

It’s interesting to note, that while many refugees are coming from war-torn countries like the Middle East, many have never seen drugs. Although there is a language barrier, refugees eager to work and who are drug free, make for perfect candidates to fill job gaps created by American drug use, especially in blue collar positions.

Because of the increase in positive drug tests, the refugees who have reached American are being welcomed with a warm hiring climate. In places like Louisville, Kentucky where people testing positive for meth in workplace drug tests are 47% higher than the national average, a refugee can typically find work within three days of arriving.

Good Source Of Labor

In places like Erie, Pennsylvania, who have been dealing with rising rates of overdoses, alcohol-related deaths and suicides, employers are finding it harder to look to the native residents to fill job positions. They feel like they have nowhere else to look, so immigrants are a great source of labor.

 

For more information on Drug Testing give us a call at (800)-221-4291 or send us a message at www.accrediteddrugtesting.net/contact-us

To see more information about this article, visit CNN.

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2017 will bring some new drug testing requirements for the Salt Lake City Police Department. The Salt Lake City Police Department will introduce random drug testing for its officers commencing January 2017.

The formal decision was communicated by SLCPD chief Mike Brown when he informed members of the Community Activist Group at their Nov. 2 2016 session. This decision was in direct response to a question as to why cops were not routinely submitting or being required to drug test.

Sgt. Brandon Shearer, a spokesman for the department, said “it’s never a bad idea to police yourself.” Sgt. Shearer anticipates that the random drug testing frequency will be monthly or quarterly and a percentage of the employees of the department would be randomly tested.

“A lot of other agencies do it,” Shearer said. “It’s just something we’ve never done.”

As in most cases a barrier to introducing drug testing has been cost. Estimates associated with implementing drug testing exceed a yearly rate of $100,000. The department has been faced with patrol car fleet in need of several repairs because of the lack of money for new vehicles, therefore drug testing has had to play second fiddle.

Unified Police Department’s spokesperson Lt. Justin Hoyal said his agency has been drug testing its officers since 2010. Officers are tested for illegal narcotics, prescription medication and alcohol. If tested positive, Hoyal said that officers faced “a variety of consequences that could lead to termination.”

A call to the current Salt Lake City Police union president Mike Millard seeking comment was not returned, but SLCPD spokesman Greg Wilking said the union fully supported the move. As long as the tests were random, “I’ll pee wherever you need me too,” he said.

For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here

John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing

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Safety Regulations Discussed After Deadliest Hot Air Balloon Crash In U.S. History

hot-air-balloon-crashThe National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that the pilot of the deadliest hot air balloon crash in U.S. history had seven different drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

The tragic event took place in the early hours of July 30, 2016 when Alfred Nichols was piloting a hot air balloon near Lockhart, Texas, with 15 passengers on board. The tragic event unfolded when the balloon crashed into a nearby field after colliding with high-voltage power line. All 15 passengers including Nichols, were killed in the accident and the balloon was substantially damaged after hitting the power lines and catching fire.

According to NTSB records, Nichols had a history of medical and psychiatric conditions which included, diabetes, depression, and he was being treated with several different medications commonly prescribed for chronic back pain, attention deficit disorder and fibromyalgia, among his other medical ailments.

Autopsy findings showed some alarming results. three of the medicines that were found in his system — diazepam (i.e. Valium), oxycodone (i.e. Oxycontin) and methylphenidate (i.e. Ritalin) — are drugs that legally prevent a pilot from obtaining a medical certificate and are not currently tested for on the DOT 5 panel drug screening requirements.

Other medicines that were found — cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant) and diphenhydramine (i.e. Benadryl) — are medications that pilots are informed not to fly while taking, in as much as those drugs could impair the pilot and prevent the pilot from flying safely, per NTSB documents.

As it currently stands, the FAA does not require hot air balloon pilots to hold a medical certificate, while both fixed-wing and helicopter pilots do need this certificate. Although Nichols may not have legally been required to obtain a medical certificate to fly, depression is a disqualifying condition for pilot medical certification.

The FAA could possible issue a “special issuance of a medical certificate,” which allows pilots suffering from depression to fly, but only if the pilot proved that after six months of treatment, the pilot was clinically stable on one of four FAA-approved medications.

In this tragic accident, Mr. Nichols was found to have bupropion (an anti-depressant) which is not one of the four FAA-approved medications.

Upon further investigation, Nichols also had multiple arrests, convictions and incarcerations, which included five alcohol-related incidents, possession of drugs, and driving with a suspended driving license, according to FBI National Crime Information Center records and Missouri driving records, obtained by the NTSB.

Despite the mandatory requirement to report incidents of this type within 60 days of their occurrence, Nichols never reported any of his drug convictions or motor vehicle violations, according to testimony presented to the NTSB.

Even after discovering that Nichols failed to report alcohol-related motor incidents, the FAA ultimately dismissed legal enforcement action against the pilot, according to a July 29, 2013, letter sent by the federal agency to Nichols.

In an NTSB testimony today, the FAA said it decided not to pursue legal action against Nichols because of its “Stale Complaint Rule” and its inability to show “appropriate diligence.”

The “Stale Complaint Rule” is an FAA rule that says any complaint may generally be dismissed if the alleged offenses occurred more than six months before the time of the complaint, unless the FAA can show it took “appropriate diligence” in the case, according to testimony presented today at the NTSB hearing.

Furthermore, the FAA’s 2013 letter urged Mr. Nichols to document his alcohol incidents when applying for a future Airman Medical Certificate, even though the FAA does not require hot air balloon pilots to hold medical certificates.

FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. James Fraser explained at the NTSB hearing, though, that even if a pilot does not legally need a medical certificate, the pilot is still responsible from abstaining from flight if he is not fit to fly.

When asked whether the FAA should require a medical certificate for balloon operators, Fraser suggested it may be time for a change in policy.

“I feel a medical evaluation is a part of the holistic plan to keep the national air space safe,” Fraser said.

Following the hearing, NTSB Board Member Robert Sumwalt admitted that while the balloon industry and the FAA may have resisted change in the past, there may also be a renewed interest in cooperation with safety regulations.

For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here

John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800)221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing

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Florida Voters Legalize Medical Marijuana

Nov 14 2016

Florida Voters Legalize Medical Marijuana

Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment Tuesday November 8, 2016 to legalize medical marijuana.  This amendment will broaden access to marijuana beyond the limited therapeutic uses approved by the legislature two years ago.

Currently, the law permits non-smoked, low-THC pot for patients with cancer or ailments that cause chronic seizures or severe spasms. The ballot measure formally legalizes medical marijuana, and broadens access for diseases with symptoms other than seizures or spasms.

Amendment 2 was heavily backed by Orlando lawyer John Morgan and the group United for Care.

Specifically, the amendment allows prescriptions for 10 illnesses: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. It also authorizes doctors to prescribe marijuana for any other similar kind of ailment.VE

Florida becomes the 26th state along with the District of Columbia to legalize the marijuana plant for medical use. Before the passage of Amendment 2, Florida was one of 16 states where only part of the marijuana plant is used.

The Department of Health will regulate how medical marijuana can be distributed along with mandating identification cards for caregivers and patients. Many rules and regulations — from how the marijuana is grown to regulations on how it can be transported for in-home delivery — already have been passed by the legislature under laws for limited use of marijuana. Those regulations also will apply to the constitutional amendment.

FL Amendment 2 – Medical Marijuana100% of Precincts Reporting (6,027/6,027)
Votes Split
✓ Yes  6,496,157 71%
No  2,616,128 28%

Ballot Link


For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here
 

John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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Nov 1 2016

Drug Testing Positive Results By Classification

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the statistics, facts, data, and outputs that have an impact workplace drug testing programs. Utilizing Quest Diagnostics as a resource, we will take a deeper dive into positivity by drug type.  

The Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ (DTI) measures these drugs by using a combination of three factors: drug category, specimen type, and workforce segment.

  • Substances are classified the following drug categories which include:
  • 6-AM (heroin)
  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • MDMA (ecstasy)
  • Methadone
  • Opiates
  • Oxycodones
  • PCP
  • Propoxyphene.
  • Specimen types referenced are Urine, Oral Fluid, and Hair.
  • The study examined three workforce segments: federally-mandated safety-sensitive employees; the general U.S. workforce; and the combined U.S. workforce.

The Drug Testing Index (DTI) is considered the most comprehensive compilation of workplace drug testing data that is available to industry, government, media, and employers for data and insights. The index utilizes a five-year snapshot which help identifies trends in positivity rates. If the positivity rate of a particular drug changes in the same path for several years and/or is observed across various specimen types, it may be viewed as a trend.

The 2015 data compiled in DTI analysis, Dr. Barry Sample, Senior Director of Science and Technology, Quest Diagnostics, reported that “the rate of amphetamine and heroin detection in urine drug tests and the rate of marijuana detection in oral fluid drug tests has increased annually for the past five years in the general U.S. workforce.”

Urine Drug Testing exhibited the following characteristics and insights:

  • Rate of amphetamine positivity increased in 2015, and has increased dramatically by 44 percent from 2011 to 2015.
  • Rate of marijuana positivity has increased by 26 percent since 2011. Furthermore, 45 percent of the general U.S. workforce in 2015 that had a reported positive drug test showed evidence of marijuana use.
  • Rate of heroin positivity has increased to an alarming 147 percent in the past five years.

These numbers illustrate that individuals in the workforce continue to use and test positive for amphetamine, marijuana, and heroin.  Furthermore, the most recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that 67 percent of drug users in fact are employed. Consequently, employers should remain conscientious in their efforts to combat substance abuse in the workplace.
For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here

John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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Winnipeg drivers asked to voluntarily submit DNA sample for drug testing at check point

Oct. 17 2016

Winnipeg drivers asked to voluntarily submit DNA sample for drug testing at check point

WINNIPEG — It was an unusual roadside check point that had left some Winnipeggers wondering what their information may be used for.

In the early morning hours of Sept. 8, drivers were being checked at a roadside stop on Century Avenue and asked the standard “have you been drinking” question by Winnipeg police officers.

However, the conversation that followed is what left some drivers concerned.

Once drivers were cleared by police, they were solicited complete a voluntary survey.

“We are asking for your help in a voluntary driver safety survey that deals with alcohol, drugs and driving,” read a part of the survey obtained by Global News. “(You will be asked) to provide a breath sample to measure the amount of alcohol in your system… If the test shows that you are over the legal limit, you will be asked to let a non-impaired passenger drive, or we will provide you with a free taxi ride to your destination.”

Volunteers were handed a tablet which contained several survey questions.  Some examples were, “have you been drinking anything tonight, when was the last time you used heroin, and when was the last time you used cocaine.”

Many motorists claimed that after the breathalyzer the really invasive part of the survey began and volunteers where handed a saliva swab and were given the instructions of putting the swab under their tongue until the sensor turns blue.

MPI said it is using the samples to test for drug usage and are trying to determine a baseline before marijuana use is legalized in Canada.

“The goal is to get 1,200 surveys,” said MPI spokesperson Brian Smiley. “From those 1,200 we’ll have a very firm baseline in terms of what actually is happening out there and the impact legalization may have on impaired driving in Manitoba.”

MPI said all information is voluntary and remains anonymous.

Participants were given a $10 gift certificate, provided by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, for taking the survey.

MPI said they will be conducting these surveys every Wednesday through Saturday until the end of September. They will be conducted in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Steinbach and Portage la Prairie.

 


For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here
John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc