May 2023

Drug and Alcohol (D&A) Recent Rule Change

On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule that, among other items, authorizing employers to use oral fluid drug testing as an alternative testing methodology to urine drug testing. This additional methodology will give employers more flexibility for drug tests and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program. The final rule is effective on June 1, 2023. The rule follows a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule approved in 2019 after HHS determined that oral fluid testing is an appropriate alternate testing method for identifying illicit drug use in the Federal workplace. Before the final rule goes into effect, HHS must certify at least two laboratories for oral fluid testing.

The final rule also:

Harmonizes with pertinent section of the HHS oral fluid Mandatory Guidelines
Clarifies certain Part 40 provisions that cover urine drug testing procedures
Removes provisions that are no longer necessary
Adds eight new definitions, clarifying language to definitions and web links
Updates provisions to address issues that have risen in recent years

To learn more about this final rule, view the rule at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/frpubs.

Drug and Alcohol (D&A) Training Opportunity

‘Back to Basics’ for Service Agents

The Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) is introducing a short series of reminders called 'Back to Basics' for service agents (e.g., collectors, Medical Review Officers, etc.). Following procedures and doing it right the first time is important for protecting the safety of the traveling public, protecting the integrity of the testing process, and making sure that the process is fair to employees. 'Back to Basics' points out the more common issues we hear regarding the drug and alcohol testing process. This is not a checklist for service agents, but a reminder that your role is crucial to the drug and alcohol testing process. We want to remind you to “Do it Right the First Time, and Every Time."

We kick off the series with – The Urine Collector.

To view 'Back to Basics' for urine collectors, visit https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/back_to_basics

Upcoming Events

REMINDER:

Section 5310

FMCSA 49 CFR Part 382 Drug & Alcohol Webinar

Tuesday, May 23^rd

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CDT

Section 5310 sub-recipients are those agencies serving senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

A mandatory Drug and Alcohol webinar is targeted for Section 5310 agencies who have a 16-passenger-or-more (including the driver) capacity vehicle. This vehicle capacity requires a Drug and Alcohol Program under the Section 5310 program and is subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Drug and Alcohol regulations under 49 CFR Part 382.

MoDOT will be hosting a mandatory webinar on Tuesday, May 23 from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CDT covering Drug & Alcohol under 49 CFR Part 382. Here is a link to register for the webinar: REGISTER NOW!

If you have questions regarding the mandatory webinar, please contact Christy Evers at 573-751-2523 or at MoTransit@modot.mo.gov

Note: Public transit providers, under the Section 5311/5307/5309 programs, are subject to FTA Drug and Alcohol rules under 49 CFR Part 655 and are not required the attend the Part 382 webinar. A mandatory training covering Part 655 was held on March 29, 2023.

MPTA Educational Series Events

Over the next several months, the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) is hosting multiple educational events for members and interested citizens. All events will be virtual webinars. Consider registering for one or all today.

MPTA Education Series Presents: Succession Planning – Organizational Perspective – June 21 @ 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Pre-registration is required and can be completed HERE.

Caryn Souza, Deputy Executive Director of Training and Certification Programs at CTAA will provide MPTA members with an in-depth overview of succession planning for your organization. From developing people internally to integrating succession planning with strategic planning, Souza will highlight the work your organization can be doing now to help retain your current staff and to plan for future transitions.

MPTA Education Series Presents: Succession Planning – Frontline Worker Perspective – September 26 @ 8:30- 9:30 a.m.: Pre-registration is required and can be completed HERE.

Representatives from the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) will join forces with local transit operators to provide MPTA members with information on the importance of succession planning for frontline workers, including how best to transfer knowledge & expertise, engage workers through mentoring programs, and enable successful succession planning.