As of April 23, 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated a final rule that makes a slight correction to OST, FAA, FTA and PHMSA regulations of drug testing for safety-sensitive employees to ensure consistency with the recent amendments made within the DOT’s regulation of, “Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs,” which added requirements to test for oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone to DOT-regulated drug testing programs.
These changes in the regulations have now made it necessary to refer to listed substances, along with the previous covered drugs that include morphine, 6-acetylmorphine and codeine by the inclusive term “Opioids,” instead of “Opiates.” This new rule will ensure the regulations for FAA, FTA and PHMSA that all the Department of Transportation drug testing rules are consistent with one another and as well as the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.
As stated in the official announcement, “this rule makes a conforming amendment to include the term “opioids” in the wording of the Department’s annual information collection requirement and clarifications to section 40.26 and Appendix H regarding the requirement for employers to follow the Department’s instructions for the annual information collection.”
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids including, prescription pain relievers and heroin. Also, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. Stated by the U.S Department of Transportation, “The opioid crisis is a threat to public safety when it involves safety-sensitive employees involved in the operation of any kind of vehicle or transport,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “The ability to test for a broader range of opioids will advance transportation safety significantly and provide another deterrence to opioid abuse, which will better protect the public and ultimately save lives.”
DOT-regulated employers will be required to test for all these highly abused opiods, it is very important to stay in compliance with Part 40 for the safety of yourself, employees and others around you. To schedule a drug test today visit our website at www.AccreditedDrugTesting.com or give us a call today at (800) 221-4291. When you need a test, choose the best!