Post-accident drug and/or alcohol testing is required for all fatal crashes and when the driver is cited for a moving traffic violation. Reasonable suspicion testing is conducted when a trained supervisor or company official observes behavior or appearance that is characteristic of drug and/or alcohol misuse. Random drug and/or alcohol testing is conducted on a random, unannounced basis just before, during, or just after performance of safety-sensitive functions. and testing is conducted when an individual who has violated the Return-to-duty follow-up prohibited drug and/or alcohol conduct standards returns to performing safety-sensitive duties. Employer responsibilities include: Implementing and conducting drug and alcohol testing programs. Providing a list of substance abuse professionals (SAPs). Ensuring that the driver who is returning to a safety-sensitive position has complied with SAP recommendations. Conducting follow-up testing to monitor that the driver is compliant with DOT alcohol conduct guidelines and abstaining from unauthorized drug use. Employer responsibilities do not include: Providing SAP evaluations. Paying for driver SAP evaluation, education, or treatment. For more information see Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Web site . Advisory Criteria/Guidance Alcoholism Except where absolute criteria exist (i.e., a current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism), as a medical examiner, you make the final determination as to whether the driver meets the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards for driver certification. Use whatever tools or additional assessments you feel are necessary. If the driver shows signs of alcoholism, have the driver consult a specialist for further evaluation. If you believe immediate testing for alcohol is warranted, contact FMCSA or contact the employer of the driver directly for information on controlled substances and alcohol testing under Part 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. A driver MUST submit to alcohol testing if there is reasonable suspicion that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibitions concerning alcohol are violated. Suspicion MUST be based on specific observations concerning driver behavior, speech, or body odor.
Post-accident drug and/or alcohol testing is required for all fatal crashes and when the driver is cited for a moving traffic violation. Reasonable suspicion testing is conducted when a trained supervisor or company official observes behavior or appearance that is characteristic of drug and/or alcohol misuse. Random drug and/or alcohol testing is conducted on a random, unannounced basis just before, during, or just after performance of safety-sensitive functions. Return-to-duty and follow-up testing is conducted when an individual who has violated the prohibited drug and/or alcohol conduct standards returns to performing safety-sensitive duties. Employer responsibilities include: Implementing and conducting drug and alcohol testing programs. Providing a list of substance abuse professionals (SAPs). Ensuring that the driver who is returning to a safety-sensitive position has complied with SAP recommendations. Conducting follow-up testing to monitor that the driver is compliant with DOT alcohol conduct guidelines and abstaining from unauthorized drug use. Employer responsibilities do not include: Providing SAP evaluations. Paying for driver SAP evaluation, education, or treatment. For more information see Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Web site . Advisory Criteria/Guidance Alcoholism Except where absolute criteria exist (i.e., a current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism), as a medical examiner, you make the final determination as to whether the driver meets the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards for driver certification. Use whatever tools or additional assessments you feel are necessary. If the driver shows signs of alcoholism, have the driver consult a specialist for further evaluation. If you believe immediate testing for alcohol is warranted, contact FMCSA or contact the employer of the driver directly for information on controlled substances and alcohol testing under Part 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. A driver MUST submit to alcohol testing if there is reasonable suspicion that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibitions concerning alcohol are violated. Suspicion MUST be based on specific observations concerning driver behavior, speech, or body odor.
proposed-changes-medical-examiners-handbook.docx