The start of a new year brings updates and notices.
2025 Random Test Rates
In the U.S. Department of Transportation-regulated world, the Random Testing Rates notice for drugs and alcohol is often anticipated. The random testing rates for the modal agencies were posted in early January and can be accessed here.
This year, the only change was for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) annual random drug testing rate, which went up to 50% in 2025. For all other DOT Agencies, the 2025 testing rates will remain the same as the 2024 rates.
Oral Fluid Testing
In other DOT testing news, the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) announced the release of the DOT Oral Fluid Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines.
“On May 2, 2023, The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule that authorizes employers to use oral fluid drug testing as an alternative methodology to urine drug testing. As part of that rule, DOT requires that to be permitted to act as an oral fluid collector in the DOT drug testing program, an individual must (among other things) be knowledgeable about the current “DOT Oral Fluid Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines.”
This document provides guidance concerning DOT-mandated oral fluid collection procedures and some of the more common problems or situations that may be encountered during an oral fluid collection. It is important to note that the information contained in the guidelines is not intended to be used to interpret or be viewed as adding to or modifying the legal requirements of Part 40.”
The publication of the guidelines, in addition to the recent addition of oral fluid collector pages to the DOT website are additional indications that DOT oral fluid testing is imminent. Keep in mind, however, that DOT-regulated oral fluid collections can not begin until two laboratories have been approved for testing.
TSS, Inc has one certified Oral Fluid Specimen Collector Trainer who can begin training our collectors in anticipation of the final implementation of the DOT oral fluid program. We look forward to being some of the first in the nation to be able to perform these tests!
Possible Drug Testing Panel Changes on the Horizon
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that it plans to add fentanyl to Federal Workplace drug testing panels, reflecting the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis.
If federal testing agencies can adjust their testing protocols and HHS labs can be certified in time, the intended start date is July 7, 2025. While the move will not impact DOT-regulated workers, it seeks to address growing public health concerns surrounding fentanyl use and may indicate what’s to come for the DOT drug testing panel in the future.
DER Reminder
As a reminder, all Designated Employer Representatives (DERs) for federally mandated drug and alcohol testing programs are required to be set up to receive the Office of Drug and Policy Compliance LIST SERVE notices. You can sign up for this here
The LISTSERVE notification will keep you up to date on what is changing, helpful hints and locations for more information on Federally Mandated Drug and Alcohol Screening. It also gives employers a place to have a voice in what is happening in the DOT Drug and Alcohol regulations and best practices.
And don’t forget! TSS, Inc. has several Webinars coming up in February, March and April. You can access the information on our website under Training, Upcoming Trainings.