McCraren Compliance

As date for DOT oral fluid drug testing rule nears, will labs be ready?

oral fluid drug testing collection

Photo: nevodka/iStockphoto

Washington — Although oral fluid drug testing is a federally approved alternative for truck drivers and other transportation workers in safety-sensitive positions, a key hurdle stands in the way.

Employers can’t implement oral fluid testing until the Department of Health and Human Services has certified at least two laboratories to conduct it. The rule is set to go into effect Dec. 5. On Nov. 6, a spokesperson for HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration told Safety+Health no labs have been certified.

In July, SAMHSA indicated to S+H that the agency is considering certification applications filed in the spring by three laboratories. The process typically takes three to six months from the receipt of application, the spokesperson added.

May 2023 Department of Transportation final rule approved oral fluid drug testing as an alternative for workers regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration.

Amid adverse comment from stakeholders, DOT in August withdrew a final rule that aimed to amend the 2023 rulemaking by:

After weighing feedback on a parallel proposed rule, DOT on Nov. 5 published a revised final rule. The National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association says the rulemaking “addressed many of our concerns,” including those related to collector training.


McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.

Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication

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