In the world of workplace safety——the Designated Employer Representative (DER) plays a vital and often underestimated role. A well-trained DER is the backbone of a compliant, efficient, and trustworthy testing program. Whether your company supports DOT-regulated testing or non-regulated workplace programs, the DER ensures that every step of the process runs smoothly, accurately, and in full compliance with federal regulations and company policy.
What exactly is a DER?
A Designated Employer Representative is an individual authorized by an employer to take immediate action on drug and alcohol test results and related processes. This person receives confidential information from laboratories, Medical Review Officers (MROs), collectors, and testing professionals. DERs are responsible for making decisions that may affect employee hiring, qualification, or continued employment.
In short, the DER is the company’s primary gatekeeper of the drug and alcohol testing program.
Why the DER role matters so much
1. Ensuring regulatory compliance
For any organization that conducts drug and alcohol testing—especially DOT-regulated companies—compliance is required. A DER understands the requirements, timelines, and procedures laid out in federal regulations and company policy.
They ensure:
- Tests are completed when required
- Results are received and acted upon promptly
- Follow-up testing schedules are maintained
- Documentation is accurate, complete, and audit-ready
This accuracy protects the company from fines, penalties, and unnecessary liability.
2. Protecting safety and reducing risk
A strong DER helps maintain a safe and productive work environment. When test results are handled quickly and correctly, safety-sensitive workers who test positive are promptly removed from duty. This reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, and potential harm to employees, customers, and the public.
3. Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism
Drug and alcohol testing involves sensitive personal information. The DER is responsible for safeguarding this data and ensuring it is shared only with individuals legally authorized to receive it. This builds trust between employees and management and preserves the integrity of the testing program.
4. Acting as the central communication point
A DER eliminates confusion by serving as the single point of contact between:
- Laboratories
- Collection sites
- Medical Review Officers
- Third-Party Administrators
- Supervisors and management
- Employees
This coordinated communication prevents misunderstandings, reduces delays, and keeps all parties informed.
5. Managing time-sensitive situations effectively
When a test result requires immediate action, the DER must respond promptly. This includes:
- Receiving verified positive results
- Notifying supervisors
- Removing employees from safety-sensitive duties
- Coordinating return-to-duty or follow-up tests
The DER’s ability to respond quickly is essential to maintaining compliance and safety.
Qualities of an effective DER
A successful DER typically has:
- Strong organizational skills
- A solid understanding of testing regulations and procedures
- Excellent communication abilities
- A high level of discretion and professionalism
- The confidence to make timely and sometimes difficult decisions
How TSS helps to support DERs
As a drug and alcohol testing service and Third-Party Administrator of drug and alcohol screening programs, we understand how important this role is—and we’re committed to supporting our clients’ DERs with the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed.
This includes:
- DER training programs (“You, The D.E.R.” Webinar Coming Up on Tuesday, January 27 at 1 p.m. (CST)/10 a.m. (AKT)
- Step-by-step guidance on regulatory requirements
- Clear communication channels with our staff
- Rapid result reporting
- Assistance during audits or compliance reviews
- When DERs are well-prepared, the entire testing program becomes stronger and more efficient.
Final thoughts
The DER may work behind the scenes, but their role is central to a compliant, safe, and effective drug and alcohol testing program. By ensuring accurate communication, regulatory compliance, confidentiality, and timely action, DERs help protect employees, support company operations, and uphold the integrity of workplace safety.
For companies committed to a drug-free and safe work environment, the DER isn’t just important; they’re indispensable.