Author: John

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WADA The Updated 2017 WADA Prohibited List

Dec 7 2016

WADA The Updated 2017 WADA Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the updated 2017 WADA Prohibited List, which will go into effect on January 1, 2017. This list regulates athletes, support personnel, including coaches, parents, physicians, trainers, and dieticians which should take some time to review the updated WADA Prohibited List to help understand how specific changes may impact them.

The Prohibited List is comprised of nine categories of prohibited substances and three categories of methods that are prohibited.

Individuals regulated by WADA can utilize the following link for more information on the prohibited status of an ingredient and/or medication. GlobalDRO.com.  This is an easy-to-use and trusted source that is available 24/7/365 to all athletes and support personnel.

In addition to reviewing the updated WADA Prohibited List and using Global DRO please find below some of the highlighted changes for 2017:

Substances and Methods Prohibited At All Times (In and Out-of-Competition)

  • Anabolic Agents
    • New Prohibited Substance Added: 5α-androst-2-ene-17-one, commonly known as “Delta-2” or 2-androstenone, was added as an example of metabolite of DHEA, more recently found in dietary supplements.
  • Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics
    • Prohibited Substance Added: GATA inhibitors (e.g., K-11706) and Transforming Growth Factor- β (TGF-β) inhibitors (e.g., sotatercept, luspatercept) were added.
  • S3: Beta-2 Agonists
    • New Examples of Prohibited Substances Added: Examples of selective and non-selective beta-2-agonists were added (fenoterol, formoterol, higenamine, indacaterol, olodaterol, rocaterol, reproterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline, vilanterol). 
  • S4: Hormone and Metabolic Modulators
    • Example of Prohibited Substance Added: Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione (arimistane) was added as a new example of aromatase inhibitor.

Prohibited Methods

  • Manipulations of Blood and Blood Components
    • Clarification on supplemental oxygen use: Supplemental oxygen administered by inhalation, but not intravenously, is permitted. To clarify this, M1.2 now reads “excluding supplemental oxygen by inhalation.”

Substances and Methods Prohibited In-Competition

  • Stimulants
    • Example of Prohibited Substance Added: Lisdexamfetamine was added as an example to S6.a; it is an inactive pro-drug of amphetamine
  • Narcotics
    • Prohibited Substance Added: Nicomorphine was added. It is an opioid analgesic drug, which is converted to morphine following administration.

 ** For a full listing of updates and clarifications please review the WADA Prohibited List in its entirety.

Athletes may have medically justified illnesses or conditions that require them to take a specific medication/substance, or undergo certain procedures/methods.

If an individual’s substance or method appears on the WADA Prohibited List, athletes may be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which gives them permission to take a substance or use a method. These exemptions are only granted if the athlete provides the medical documentation necessary for an independent TUE Committee to determine that a substance or method is medically necessary to return the athlete to a normal level of health. Learn more at: www.usada.org/substances/tue.

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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New FRA Rules Expand Drug and Alcohol Testing

Dec 1 2016

New FRA Rules Expand Drug and Alcohol Testing

Separate rules increase protections, add Maintenance of Way workers to drug and alcohol testing policy

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced it has issued two final rules to better protect railroad employees working on or near railroad tracks.

One rule amends the existing Roadway Worker Protection Regulation, while the second rule, Control of Alcohol and Drug Use, amends the FRA’s current drug and  alcohol testing regulations expands the requirements to now cover maintenance of way (MOW) employees.

The second rule fulfills a requirement of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

The Roadway Worker Protection final rule amendments will:

  • Resolve various interpretations that have developed since the rule went into effect almost 20 years ago;
  • Implement FRA’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee’s (RSAC) consensus recommendations;
  • Organize certain FRA Technical Bulletins;
  • Codify a FAST Act mandate by adopting new requirements governing redundant signal protections;
  • Address the safe movement of roadway maintenance machinery over signalized non-controlled track (not under a dispatcher’s control); and
  • Amend certain qualification requirements for roadway workers.

The most recent amendments require that job briefings include information for roadway worker groups on the following:

  • Accessibility of the roadway worker in charge
  • Standards for how “occupancy behind” train authorities (when the authority for a work crew does not begin until the train has passed the area) can be used; and
  • Require annual training for any individual serving as a roadway worker in charge.

“These new rules add another layer of protection for workers who work along and near railroad tracks and will help us reduce preventable worker injuries and fatalities,” said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg.

These updated changes came in response to a congressional mandate and recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).  These changes allow the FRA to broaden the scope of its existing drug and alcohol testing regulation to include Maintenance of Way (MOW) employees.

Currently, a MOW employee is only drug and alcohol tested when he or she has died as a result of an accident or incident. MOW employees will now be fully subject to FRA’s drug and alcohol testing that includes random testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, reasonable cause testing, pre-employment testing, return-to-duty testing and follow-up testing.

“Whether you are an engineer, conductor or someone working alongside the tracks, safety requires alertness. Any reduction in awareness caused by drugs or alcohol use can often be the difference between life and death,” Feinberg added.

The final Roadway Worker Protection rule is effective April 1, 2017. The Control of Alcohol and Drug Use goes into effect one year after publication.

http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L17465

http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L17467

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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Methamphetamine Drug Use On The Rise

Nov 8 2016

Methamphetamine Drug Use On The Rise

Billings Montana – Methamphetamines (Meth) has overtaken marijuana as the most common drug found in addition to alcohol in DUI samples sent to the state crime lab this past year.

Meth has also been detected more frequently in other types cases handled by Crime lab’s toxicology division, per a summary report from the Montana Department of Justice’s Forensic Science Division.

“I think that’s the real take-home of this summary, is the massive increase in methamphetamine,” said Scott Larson, toxicology supervisor at the crime lab.

Even after the spike in Methamphetamine positive results, alcohol remains the most frequent substance found in DUI toxicology cases.

For example, in 2015, alcohol was the only substance detected in 2,277 out of 3,380 total DUI cases tested calendar year.

The lab had 294 DUI cases involving meth, and the drug concentration of the samples screened increased 123 percent. These numbers are up from 2011, when state toxicologists administered 73 DUI samples that tested positive for meth.

These results illustrate that Marijuana used to be the most common substance after alcohol discovered in DUI blood tests. However, in 2015, meth became more prevalent in DUI blood tests, as per the lab.

The toxicology division of the state crime lab in Missoula also performs postmortem drug screens for medical examiners and examines drug and alcohol test results for cases that involve drug-endangered children. The lab also examines urine tests for the Department of Corrections on inmates and individuals on probation.

The lab analyses specimens for a variety of different drugs — such as marijuana, prescription narcotics, hallucinogens and inhalants. Over the years the overall number of positive drug findings has decreased.

DUIs continue to make up the largest caseload which account for more over half of the 6,139 cases handled in 2015. In most DUI test results, alcohol is the only substance present in the blood sample.

However, meth has increased in other test areas. One area includes postmortem drug screens, in 2011 the lab had 20 confirmed positive cases for meth but the rate has increased to 73 positive cases out of a total 801 cases in 2015.

The study also showed that Urine tests conducted on probationers and parolees have seen a dramatic spike in positive results in regards to meth.

For example, there were 1,192 urinalysis cases handled by the lab in 2015 and more than 550 turned up positive for meth. In 2011 there were fewer than 200 confirmed cases and no other drug has spiked so rapidly.

Amphetamines are classified as a stimulant and an appetite suppressant that targets the central nervous system by increasing the release of certain chemicals (“neurotransmitters”) in the brain.

Amphetamines are a Schedule II drug that can be prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Physical symptoms may include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, panic and seizures. Due to its high risk for potential for abuse and addiction, physicians prefer using other treatment methods. Common trade names of amphetamine-containing drugs are Adderall®, Dexedrine® and Vyvanse®.
Methamphetamine, often referred to as meth, crystal, crank and ice, is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. Meth can be taken orally, smoked, snorted, or dissolved in water or alcohol and injected.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, even small amounts of methamphetamine can cause increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure.

Methamphetamine is also available by prescription for limited medical uses (treatment of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) under the trade name of Desoyxn®.

See Article


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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OSHA Issues Final Rule Improving  Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

Oct. 25 2016

OSHA Issues Final Rule Improving Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

OSHA’s proposed new post-accident rule has been delayed until November 1, 2016.   As the date rapidly approaches, OSHA’s FAQ page states that the new rule “does not prohibit drug testing of employees. It only prohibits employers from using drug testing, or the threat of drug testing, as a form of retaliation against employees who report injuries or illnesses.”  

Here are some checklist items all businesses should take a moment to review:

  • Does my policy require an automatic blanket testing of anyone involved in an accident?  Yes/No
  • Does my policy use post-accident triggers such as a dollar amount in relation to damage?  Yes/No
  • Does my policy require drug testing after any workplace accident, no matter the scale?  Yes/No

If you answered yes to any of the items above, then your policy could leave you open to a high risk of OSHA citation.  As always, there are exceptions to the rule.

Employers that are complying with state or federal drug testing requirements are not affected.

Here’s another checklist.  Take a look and see how it compares to the one above.

  • My policy has been reviewed recently for OSHA compliance issues?  Yes/No
  • My policy limits post-accident testing to situations and individuals where there is reasonable cause to believe impairment played a role?  Yes/No
  • My supervisors and managers are trained to recognize signs of substance abuse and document them for reasonable suspicion purposes?  Yes/No

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have already taken steps to ensure OSHA compliance.  Until the final rule is passed on November 1 please click the link below to view the information on OSHA’s website.

https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/finalrule/finalrule_faq.html


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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DEA and Partners Hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday

Oct. 20 2016

DEA and Partners Hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday

Thousands of communities participate in this weekend’s event

OCT 17 – (Washington, DC) – DEA set to repeat on of its most popular community programs this weekend, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  On Saturday October 22 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the public can dispose of their unused, unwanted prescription medications at one of 4,700 collection sites nationwide, operated by 3,800 local law enforcement agencies and other community partners.  The service is free of charge, no questions asked.

 

As referenced in previous articles, America is currently experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose and death attributed to the abuse of prescription drugs and particularly opioid painkillers.

Approximately 6.4 million Americans ranging from age 12 and over (representing 2.4 percent of the population) abuse prescription drugs.  The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released last month that their research reveals that more individuals abuse cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine combined.  Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, surpassing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms.  The majority of prescription drug abusers report that they obtain their drugs from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet.

 

Last April, during its 11th Take Back Day even, the DEA and over 4,200 of its national, tribal, and community law enforcement partners collected 893,498 pounds (about 447 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs at almost 5,400 collection sites.  Since the program’s inception, six years ago, about 6.4 million pounds (about 3,200 tons) of drugs have been collected. That translates to more than a quarter pound of pills for each of the 25 million children age 12 to 17 in America.

 

Individuals can  now find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they enter their zip code.  Or they can call 800-882-9529.  Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites—liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted.

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A NJ Commuter Train Crash Kills 1 Injures 100 Passengers

Oct. 10 2016

A NJ Commuter Train Crash Kills 1 Injures 100 Passengers September 29, 2016 – HOBOKEN, N.J. — A NJ Transit commuter train plowed through the barrier at the end of the tracks and crashed into a wall at the terminal killing one person, injuring more than 100 others and unleashing chaos as part of the station’s roof came tumbling down in a jumble of metal.

This accident hurled commuters around on the crowded train and created enough force to knock bystanders to their knees, transforming a historic station into a disaster area around 8:45 a.m. The person who died was a woman standing on the platform, who was hit by falling debris.

Officials said they had not determined why the train, which was carrying an estimated 250 passengers, was traveling at a high speed and failed to halt on the track.

The crash sent passengers flying out of their seats in a violent tumble. Then the lights cut out. Shouts and cries underscored the sense of panic. And after passengers managed to escape from the train, many crawling through its windows, they emerged to find the station a mess of metal beams, smoke and treacherously hanging wires. Water poured from ruptured pipes. The most seriously injured were carried out. Others emerged on their own with blood staining their clothes.

A New Jersey Transit worker said a train is typically supposed to come to a stop about 10 to 20 feet in front of the bumper. Its speed limit while entering the station is 10 miles per hour. Instead, this train barreled over the bumper and onto a concourse, coming to rest at a wall near the station’s waiting area.

The train’s engineer, who was released from the hospital, was Thomas Gallagher, 48, according to Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for New Jersey Transit. Mr. Gallagher has worked for New Jersey Transit for 29 years, Ms. Snyder said.

“An extraordinary tragedy,” Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said, flanked by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York and transportation officials at a news conference near the station on Thursday afternoon.

In all, at least 114 people were injured in the crash, a flood of victims sent to hospitals that forced at least one to set up a triage area for some patients in its cafeteria.


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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Random Drug Testing Program in Missouri Schools

Oct. 3 2016

Random Drug Testing Program in Missouri Schools

Belton School District is the latest district in Missouri to start randomly testing its students for drugs.  This policy was created by the district’s students who came up with the idea.

Under this policy, students with a permit to drive to school are now considered fair game to be randomly tested. Furthermore, any student in Grades 7-12 who is involved with an extracurricular activity would be required under this policy as well.

The school district provided the parents with letters discussing the policy during open enrollment.

Some parents were strongly on board with the decision, while others challenged the policy.

Many parents, interviewed were surprised that it was the district’s students that created and developed the idea.

Belton School District Superintendent Andy Underwood. Stated that “There was concern from students in meetings in regards to fellow students being addicted to drugs,”

This latest rollout will be in addition to 160 other school districts in Missouri.

The logistics for Belton County consist of 25 students in both middle and high schools that will be required to give a urine sample and be randomly tested each month.

If a student fails a test, they are immediately suspended from their activity, lose their parking pass and are offered counseling.  Also as a results of a failed test, the student will be automatically tested again the following month and if there are three positive drug tests, it would result in the student getting permanently suspended from the activity.


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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Two synthetic drugs pose threat to public health. What are they?

Sep 19 2016

Two synthetic drugs pose threat to public health. What are they?

Cannabinoids and Cathinones are the latest synthetic drugs to bring on warnings issued by the Federal Government. 

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids is often referred to as synthetic marijuana, K2 or Spice and can be found in legal retail outlets sold under “herbal incense” or “potpourri”.

  • Synthetic cannabinoids, contain approximately 120 known chemical variants with 50 or so of these chemical either regulated by U.S. law, or that are illegal in the United States.
  • China produces the bulk of synthetic marijuana where the “recipe” is altered to circumvent U.S. Law.
  • Cannabinoids are typically sold in packets which carry one of more than 500 brand names commonly referred to as Spice, Ace of Spades, Demon, King John Pot Pourri, Mojo and Mr. Bad Guy.
  • These products are labeled “not for human consumption” therefore, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabinoids and other synthetic drugs can also be purchased via internet
  • click here. To view a detailed list of over 500 Cannabinoids.

What are the risks of cannabinoids?

Some side effects of synthetic cannabinoids consist of severe agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, tremors, seizures, hallucinations and dilated pupils. In some cases, suicidal and other harmful thoughts and/or actions have also been reported.

Cathinones

Cathinones, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the leaves of khat (the leaves of an Arabian shrub, which are chewed (or drunk as an infusion) as a stimulant. Khat is used in combination with other chemicals to make a drug similar to amphetamines.

  • Synthetic cathinone products often consist of methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone, and methylone.
  • Similar to cannabinoids, most cathinones are produced in China. They are referred to as “bath salts,” and distributed under trade names such as ‘Ivory Wave’, ‘White Lightning’ and ‘Vanilla Sky.’ They are also labeled as “not for human consumption” to avoid penalty under the Analogue Enforcement Act.
  • Generally, Bath Salts are snorted, but some smoke it, inject it or ingest it as a pill.

What’s the risk of cathinones?

• The risk in the synthetic cathinones come from a complete lack of knowledge as to what and how much of any substance is in the drug.  It is very easy for someone to overdose on a cathinone.

Similar to the adverse effects of cocaine, LSD, and methamphetamine, synthetic cathinone use is most commonly associated with an increased heart rate, blood pressure, chest pain, extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and violent behavior.

What is the government doing?

• The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, which is part of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act of 2012, placed 26 types of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)  – meaning they are illegal to possess or distribute. The problem with legislating against synthetic drugs is that they are altered so quickly.


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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The CDC Provides Crucial New Guidance on Opioids and Pain

Sep. 12 2016

The CDC Provides Crucial New Guidance on Opioids and Pain

Millions of Americans suffer from opioid use disorders involving prescription pain medications, and each day approximately 40 people fatally overdose on them. Granted these medications may have a legitimate and important role in the treatment of severe acute pain and even some severe chronic pain conditions, it remains clear that they are being overprescribed or prescribed without suitable safeguards and monitoring.  This has significantly contributed to the shocking rise in opioid use disorders and to the related resurgence of heroin.

In April 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took a major step towards addressing this interconnected crisis by issuing new guidelines for prescribers.  These guidelines reference the use of opioids for treating patients who are diagnosed with chronic pain.  Recent studies indicate that approximately 70 percent of the opioids dispensed in the U.S. are used for that purpose. The CDC recommends that opioids should not be used as the first option or the only treatment for patients who suffer from chronic non-cancer pain.

The new guidelines recommend that non-opioid therapies, for example non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as non-drug treatments such as exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy, should be considered in the place of or in combination with opioid medications. When opioids are prescribed, physicians are encouraged to prescribe the lowest effective dose and closely monitor and follow-up with their patients.  Notably, the new guidelines do not apply to treatment of cancer pain or end-of-life care.

The published guidelines are the result of an extensive process in which all available scientific data were reviewed and the CDC also sought out input from experts and multiple stakeholders, including NIDA and other Federal agencies. The guidelines address one of the prongs of the HHS Secretary’s Opioid Initiative—to improve pain prescribing practices and physician education in pain treatment. Although these guidelines are not rules that legally bind doctors in their treatment of pain patients, they do provide guidelines that would serve as valuable advice that physicians, who currently receive little training in pain management, will welcome. This is a great first step for not only safer but also more effective pain management in our country.


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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Michigan passed a new law creating a roadside drug testing pilot program

Sep 5 2016

Michigan passed new law creating a roadside drug testing pilot program.

Michigan Senators Rick Jones and Tom Casperson, spearheaded Senate Bills 207 and 434, which established a one-year pilot program that would permit law enforcement officers trained and certified as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE’s) to administer a saliva test to drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs like heroin, marijuana and cocaine.

“The saliva test conducted would be utilized in conjunction with the drug recognition 12-step evaluation currently used by DREs,” Governor Snyder stated in a press release upon signing the bills June 2016.

“The five-county pilot program will be used to help determine accuracy and reliability of the tests,” the Governor’s statement reads.

The Michigan State Police have already begun working on a plan to establish this pilot program for roadside drug testing.

This new law instructs the state police to pick five counties where it will conduct a one-year pilot program for saliva-based testing to check drivers for drugs like marijuana, heroin and cocaine.

“We expect the counties to be finalized this summer with a pilot to begin sometime later in the year,” MSP spokeswoman Shanon Banner said.

The five counties will be determined based on criteria including: the number of impaired driving crashes; the number of impaired drivers arrested; and the number of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) trained in the county, she 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
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc