Q&A on Important DOT Regs Change

The Department of Transportation is making regulation changes in an effort to reduce the adulteration of urine specimens.

The regulations that were first announced this summer, were intended to take effect on November 1, 2008. However, on 10/31/2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit temporarily delayed the November 1st Direct Observation (DO) requirement for DOT return-to-duty and follow-up tests. This is an administrative stay until the Court completes its review on the matter. Therefore, DO for return-to-duty and follow-up testing will continue to be an employer option, rather than mandatory. This temporary stay is only regarding 49 CFR §40.67 (b).

You may view the complete Stay Order at Administrative Stay Order

DATIA will notify members when this stay is lifted.

When these regs become effective, for any company that is mandated to comply with DOT regulations, it is essential that they familiarize themselves with the following information. I have included an easy-to-understand question and answer document for you to review, located on. Go to FranConnect