Author: John

on

 

March Award Winner

March Award Winner
Today, Accredited Drug Testing Inc President/CEO James Greer announced the winners of our quarterly exceptional customer service awards. Recognized for providing our clients with assistance and a commitment to our company’s goals of providing drug, alcohol and DNA testing services above and beyond the industry standard. Receiving recognition and cash awards were Melissa Guzman, DOT Compliance Supervisor and Lacee Thompson, Senior Customer Service Representative. Mr. Greer stated “While our entire team recognizes the importance of providing exceptional customer service, Melissa and Lacee went that extra mile in serving our client’s needs.”

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

on

Riverside County Ecstasy Drug Seize Delivered From the Netherlands

March 3, 2016
Last month federal officials seized a package containing drugs with an Riverside County Ecstasy Drugestimated value of $22,250. The puzzle box sent from the Netherlands, contained puzzle pieces mixed with over 1,000 pieces of the illegal party drug Ecstasy.

The intended receiver of the package was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale charges. Detectives also found an additional 125 Ecstasy and 90 Xanax pills in the suspect’s apartment.

Ecstasy, or Molly/MDMA, is a psychoactive synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Ecstasy gained popularity in nightclubs and raves, but is now reaching a broader range of users because of it’s ease of accessibility and low cost.

Ecstasy can affect the body’s ability to regulate spikes in the body temperature, that can occasionally result in liver, kidney, or heart failure, and possibly death. Many users will take a combination of Ecstasy with other drugs and or alcohol not knowing the possible dangers.

It is not uncommon for dealers to have large quantities of Ecstasy, for the sole purpose of distributing to the masses. A popular venue for the distribution are at concerts or multi-day music festivals, known as raves.

With the surge in popularity of Electronic Dance Music, or “EDM”, many venues are hosts to these multi-day festivals. Most venues are equipped with on hand medical staff to assist with emergencies, but many festival goers camp onsite, and are subject to being left unattended. Another major issue that arises are the sheer mass of crowds that attend these festivals. On site medical staff are only equipped to handle a few cases of medical emergencies, and with the ease of Ecstasy’s mass distribution some overdose cases may be overlooked, resulting in death.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the Lake Elsinore area, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

on

Lawmakers and Industry Leaders Pushing for Job Site Alcohol Testing in New York.

March 1, 2016
Last month an ABC-7 Eyewitness News Investigators exclusive investigation caught construction workers in Manhattan drinking heavily Alcohol Testingduring lunch. The shocking footage has the City Council, Department of Buildings, and some construction industry leaders calling for mandatory alcohol testing.

The footage captured on an undercover camera, shows workers drinking numerous beers and taking shots of hard liquor. Over a 45-minute period the workers are drinking heavily whilst consuming little to no food, then returning to work, which included rigging cranes and operating various dangerous equipment. The workers were filmed drinking at three different locations, none of which seemed concerned for getting caught

For answers to all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs, Accredited Drug Testing is the premier source with local locations across the state of New York!

Last year, there were 18 construction fatalities in New York City alone. Lawmakers and industry leaders are taking steps to make mandatory drug and alcohol testing the law. In February, after a crane collapse killed a pedestrian, the New York City mayor implemented new crane regulations and quadrupled penalties for serious construction violations.

What is clear, is that mandatory drug and alcohol testing in safety sensitive positions should not be overlooked. Negotiations will have to begin due to its collective barging nature. Lawmakers will have to work with unions, independent contractors, and construction companies to come into agreement for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.  

Some sites already require mandatory drug and alcohol screening but not all do. This leads to major concerns given the safety sensitive nature of construction work. Impaired workers not only endanger their coworker’s lives, but those around the site.

The contracter at the center of the investigation, says he has fired some of the workers. The company also stated they would require mandatory drug and alcohol testing at all sites now. Accredited Drug Testing can easily perform on site drug and alcohol testing.   

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the New York City area, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

Related Article: ABC7NY.com: Investigators Exclusive: Union, lawmakers react after construction workers caught drinking

on

Molly Drug Ring Brought Down in Miami Area

February 8, 2016
The ring leader of Miami’s biggest Molly trafficker is appearing in court facing importing and possession with intent to distribute charges of the Molly Drug Ring Brought Down in Miamipopular party drug. Molly, or Ecstasy/MDMA, is a psychoactive synthetic drug that alters mood and perception.

Molly, which refers to the alleged “pure form,” often comes in powder form sold in capsules. These capsules, are cheap and generally sold in bulk. It is not uncommon for dealers to have large quantities of Molly, for the sole purpose of distributing to the masses.

Molly can affect the body’s ability to regulate spikes in the body temperature, that can occasionally result in liver, kidney, or heart failure, and possibly death. Many users will take a combination of Molly with other drugs and or alcohol not knowing the possible dangers. A popular venue for the distribution are at concerts or multi-day music festivals, known as raves. Miami hosts the Ultra Music Festival every year. Ultra Music Festival is three-day long festival that hosts multiple artists of various types of music including Electronic Dance Music, “or EDM,” and Hip-Hop with record breaking crowds.

Concerned someone you know or love has been using Molly? Accredited Drug Testing is the premier source with local locations across the entire state of Florida to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs!

With the surge in popularity of EDM, many venues are hosts to these multi-day festivals. Most venues are equipped with on hand medical staff to assist with emergencies, but many festival goers camp onsite, and are subject to being left unattended. Another major issue that arises are the sheer mass of crowds that attend these festivals. On site medical staff are only equipped to handle a few cases of medical emergencies, and with the ease of Ecstasy’s mass distribution some overdose cases may be overlooked, resulting in death.

Jorge Roman Hernandez, the trafficking groups leader, had the synthetic drugs imported from China and delivered to Transfreight International, a Miami-Dade company owned by his grandfather. Hernandez purchased the mass quantities of Molly from a Chinese lab over the Internet. Hernandez admitted to importing an upwards of 120 kilos of Molly, and laundering more than half-a-million dollars of money.

Hernandez is cooperating with authorities after being arrested in October, and is expected to receive a reduced prison sentence.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the Miami area, Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is available to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

on

Prescription Medication Policy

Employee Termination Upheld Due To Failure

To Comply with Employer’s Prescription Medication Policy

A federal court in Utah upheld the termination of an employee who did not disclose his use of prescription medication in accordance with his employer’s policy.  Angel v. Lisbon Valley Mining Co., Case No. 2:14-CV-00733 (D. Utah Nov. 23, 2015).

Angel was employed as a haul truck driver at Lisbon Valley Mining Co., a copper mine. When he interviewed for the job, he was given a copy of the company’s prescription drug policy which he read and signed. The policy provided that employees taking prescription drugs that may impair their ability to safely perform their jobs must inform human resources of the use of such medications, and obtain a release from the company’s occupational physician authorizing the employee to work and specifying any work restrictions before the employee may return to work. The policy further provided that an employee’s failure to disclose that the employee is taking such prescription medications could result in immediate termination.

Approximately two months after his hire, Angel was selected for random drug testing and tested positive for Oxycodone. He stated that he had been taking that medication for about a month, while continuing to work, and without notifying human resources or presenting a copy of the prescription to human resources or obtaining a work release from the company’s occupational physician – all in violation of the prescription drug policy. Angel was terminated for his failure to comply with the company’s policy. The Company routinely discharged all employees who failed to comply with the prescription drug policy.

Angel asserted disability discrimination claims and a retaliation claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). While he admitted that he never informed the company that he had a disability, he argued that after the positive drug test result, he advised the company that he took Oxycodone for back pain. The Court held that this statement was not enough to put the company on notice that Angel was disabled, and therefore his purported disability could not have been a determining factor in the decision to terminate his employment.

Angel also argued that the company failed to accommodate him by excusing the positive drug test result. The Court noted again that Angel never put the company on notice that he was disabled and never asked for any accommodation. Moreover, the Court observed that reasonable accommodation is always prospective, not retroactive.

Finally, as to Angel’s retaliation claim, the Court held that Angel did not engage in any “protected activity” and could not establish any causal connection between his termination and any alleged protected activity. All of his claims were dismissed.

This case highlights the importance of having a written policy requiring “safety-sensitive” employees (i.e., those with dangerous job duties) to report the use of prescription medications that may impair the ability to perform their job duties safely – before reporting to work while using such medications and before being selected for drug testing. Such reporting triggers an employer’s obligation to engage in the “interactive dialogue” required by the ADA to determine potential reasonable accommodation.  In this case, it was undisputed that the employee was aware of the policy and that he did not comply with it. If the employer did not have such a clear policy that was distributed to all employees — and that permitted it to take disciplinary action for violating the policy — the result may have been different. Employers must be careful, however, not to apply such policies to non-safety-sensitive employees because there is no business justification to do so.

– See more at: http://www.natlawreview.com/article/employee-termination-upheld-due-to-failure-to-comply-employer-s-prescription?utm_source=hootsuite#sthash.zMy4kXv9.dpuf

on

staff-training-5

Accredited Drug Testing Inc Holds Staff Training Conference and Celebrates Company Anniversary.

 

On July 31st-August 2nd Accredited Drug Testing Inc celebrated its anniversary and held a comprehensive training for all staff including collectors, supervisors and senior management. The event was held in Daytona Beach, FL at the Fountain Resort. Staff training included DOT and NON-DOT drug testing procedures, hair follicle drug testing procedures and electronic chain of custody form processing.

Speakers included, Mr. Joseph F Reilly, former Chairman of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association who spoke on the specifics of laboratory testing of various illegal drugs. Mr. Robert Merril of Alere Laboratories and EScreen also made a presentation regarding the current state of drug testing throughout business community.

The Accredited Drug Testing staff also reviewed drug free workplace program requirements for small, medium and large companies along with alcohol testing procedures for DOT regulated employees and breath alcohol testing demonstrations where conducted.

A comprehensive evaluation of affiliated drug testing collection sites was also reviewed and to ensure that all collection sites Nationwide are complying with DOT and NON-DOT regulations and meeting the high customer service standards required by Accredited Drug Testing Inc.

Accredited Drug Testing also celebrated its anniversary by holding a dinner and awards presentations on the last night of the conference in which Lisa Greer served as the master of ceremonies. Speakers at the dinner included Mr. Joseph F Reilly and Mr. Phillip Dubois, Chairman of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA). Chairman Dubois noted in his remarks that Accredited Drug Testing Inc was one of the largest growing drug testing companies in the U.S and had become recognized as a leader in the drug and alcohol testing industry. The evening also included the presentation of performance awards to Stephanie Calderon, Operations Manager and Melissa Guzman, Customer Service Supervisor in addition to an award presented to company President/CEO James A Greer for his leadership and national expansion success.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides drug and alcohol testing services throughout the Nation including Miami FL, Los Angeles CA, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix AZ, Atlanta GA, Virginia Beach VA, Oklahoma City OK, Orlando FL, New York City NY and other cities throughout the U.S. Most testing centers are within minutes of your home or office.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc Celebrates Company Anniversary
Accredited Drug Testing Inc Holds Staff Training Conference and Celebrates Company Anniversary.

http://www.pr.com/press-release/633099

Categories: Uncategorized

on

DOT Approves The Use of Electronic CCFS

49 CFR Part 40-Final Rule April 13th, 2015

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has finalized an administrative rule which will permit the use of electronic chain of custody forms for DOT drug testing. The DOT drug testing program currently requires a 5 page “hard” Federal Chain of Custody form and until recently did not permit electronic CCFs. This rule change will provide greater convenience and less opportunity for errors when scheduling and taking a DOT drug test.

This is good news for owner operators (CDL holders) and Transportation Companies Nationwide, the frustration and inability to get a DOT drug test unless you have a Chain of Custody form in your possession should be eliminated with this new process which will allow DOT drug tests to be scheduled utilizing electronic chain of custody forms.

For many years non-regulated drug testing programs have utilized electronic chain of custody forms, but the Federal Government did not consider this process to be valid when conducting a DOT drug test. This action by the Federal Government (DOT) will incorporate modifications to the existing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) chain of custody and control form.

This new rule which will permit the use of electronic CCFS for DOT drug testing, also specifically states that paper CCFS for DOT drug testing can continue to be utilized. All other requirements including the 5 panel DOT drug test, analysis by a SAMHSA certified laboratory and verification by a Medical Review Officer will continue to be required.

One of the primary benefits of this administrative rule includes the fact that electronic signatures can now be used on the electronic CCF for DOT drug testing, however utilizing electronic signatures required by Part 40 for any other purpose other than the CCF will continue to be prohibited.

There are several additional steps which must occur prior to the final implementation of the electronic CCF for DOT drug testing, these include the approval by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Laboratory Certification Program of any laboratories wishing to utilize eCCF for DOT drug testing.

For additional information regarding electronic chain of custody forms for DOT regulated drug testing, contact Accredited Drug Testing at (800)221-4291 or www.accrediteddrugtesting.net.

http://www.transportation.gov/odapc

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-04-13/pdf/2015-08256.pdf

on

medical marijuana and drug free workplaceAs more States enact laws permitting the possession and use of small quantities of Marijuana for medical use, many employers ask how will this affect a company’s policy as a Drug Free Workplace. Currently States that permit Medical Marijuana continue to support an employer’s right to conduct drug testing and prohibit all illegal drug use. Marijuana continues to be classified as a Schedule 1 Narcotic under Federal Law. In addition, recent cases in various States where employees have challenged an employer’s actions due to a positive drug test result, the courts have continued to support the employer’s right to maintain a Drug Free Workplace, even in cases where an employee has a prescription for Medical Marijuana.

In one recent prominent case, an employee of Dish Network sued after he was terminated for failing a random drug test. The employee possessed a Medical Marijuana prescription card and claimed that using Marijuana was like any other medication. However, the employee lost in State Court and at the appellate level where a three judge panel ruled that even though the employee was permitted to use Medical Marijuana due to his medical condition, under Federal Law Marijuana is still illegal and Dish Network had a right to fire him in accordance with their Drug Free Workplace Policy.

DOT Part 40 Regulations prohibit Marijuana usage by any DOT covered employee, regardless of whether a person possesses a prescription.
Accredited Drug Testing will keep our clients apprised of any developments relating to Medical Marijuana and an employer’s right to have a Drug Free Work environment. If you have any questions, please call our office at (800)221-4291.

WINNING AN UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION CLAIM

Company’s/Employer’s who have a Drug Free Workplace Policy and drug test employees must ensure that they make all employees aware of the policy, enforce the policy and take any steps or actions that the policy calls for. If an employee is terminated for a positive drug test and it can be established that the employer failed to comply with the drug policy or took actions that were contrary to the company’s drug policy, then an unemployment compensation claim may be upheld if the company is found to have violated it’s own policy. However, if a company has a written drug policy and has complied with State Drug Testing Laws, than an employer’s ability to successfully defend an unemployment compensation claim is greatly enhanced. Should you need Accredited Drug Testing to develop or review your company’s
drug testing policy, please call (800)221-4291.

drug free workplace drug test

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Accredited Drug Testing(ADT) is pleased to announce that effective November 15, 2014,
we will begin offering Background Checks for clients Nationwide. Searches can include Criminal Data Base, Social Security Verification, County of Residence, Motor Vehicle Reports and Prior Employment Verification. For more information on setting up a Background Check Account, please contact Stephanie Calderon (800)221-4291.

PAPERLESS/WEB BASED SCHEDULING

Many of our clients Nationwide utilize our web based scheduling and results reporting system where our clients can schedule drug tests and receive results directly from the convenience of their own office. The ADT system can be set up so that a branch manager can schedule a drug test but only the H.R Manager can receive results. This system has become very popular with clients
that have locations in various cities and States and if you currently do not use this system, but would like to, please contact Stephanie Calderon (800)221-4291.

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES

ADT is pleased to welcome

  • Melissa Guzman – DOT Specialist
  • Michelle Ferrer – Scheduling Representative
Categories: Uncategorized

on

5 Panel Drug Test Centers

Which type of Drug Testing should employee’s take?

 5 Panel Drug Testing Centers

When determining which type of drug testing to take, the most common used by a Drug Free Work Place or for individuals needing a pre-employment, random or post accident test is the 5 panel drug test. This drug screen detects Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine. Opiate and Marijuana (THC). The 5 panel drug test is also the test required by the Department of transportation (DOT) and other Federal Government Agencies. Court ordered drug tests in most case’s also use the 5 panel test with alcohol added as an additional screen when required. While 5 panel drug tests are available which will provide immediate results. DOT, court ordered or tests for employment positions that are designated as Safety Sensitive are required  to be sent to a HHS-Certified laboratory and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer . 

 

Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides a full range of drug testing services including the 5 panel drug test, DOT and Non-DOT drug and Alcohol testing and complete management of a drug free work place testing program. 

For more information or to schedule a drug test call–1–800-221-4291.
 
When You Need a Test, Choose the Best!

Accredited Drug Testing Inc
800-221-4291/Testing Centers Nationwide
info@accrediteddrugtesting.net
www.accrediteddrugtesting.net

on

Industry News

So What Are Drug Testing Cutoff Levels Anyway?

Jon Jones Fails Drug Test, Rumored Stripped UFC Title As Result

Trump Declares Opioid Epidemic State of Emergency

ADT Statistics

(August)

2,649 Tests

Schedule/Performed

Proud to Serve Over

763 Employers

Nationwide

41 New Clients

Welcome!

Just a Reminder: 

The 3rd Quarter DOT Random Testing Program has been selected. Please update your covered employees list with any changes prior to the next selection. 

Video-Image

New Episodes Now Available!

In this episode of American Drug Talk, we speak to Joe Reilly, President of Joe Reilly & Associates about federal and state drug testing laws, challenging a drug test result, and other important information. 

Watch Now
Orlando-Medical-Marijuana-Dispensary

Orlando's First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens

On June 2nd, 2017, Knox Medical, a Florida based company opened its first, and Orlando’s as well, medical marijuana dispensary to the public. The Orlando dispensary will be located…

Read More

Steps to Schedule a Test

The process to schedule a drug, alcohol, or any service at any testing center nationwide is fast and easy. There are three different methods which you may utilize depending on the method you prefer. 

Method 1: Call Our National Scheduling Office at 800-221-4291

Method 2: Email orders@accrediteddrugtesting.net

Method 3: Receive Log In to Scheduling System (Brief Training Required)

Order Test Now

Hair Drug Testing Gains Government Support

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. The letter was not the first of its kind…

Read More

MLB Drug Suspension Trends

MLB-Drug-Suspensions

Major League Baseball’s drug policy was a joint venture between the MLB Players Association and the MLB Commissioner’s Office. The goal of this program when adopted was…

Read More

Follow Us!

Accredited Drug Testing, Inc.
Testing Centers Nationwide
“Need A Test, Choose The Best”
www.accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291

info@accrediteddrugtesting.net