What Happens If You Test Positive on a DOT Drug Test?
Driving in this transport world no doubt has to be some kind of achievement, particularly as it tightens up with stringent safety regulations every minute. Keeping the roads and the skies safe requires at least the satisfaction of the DOT drug test, but what happens if you test positive?
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about a positive DOT drug testing. What does a positive test mean and how to go about it? In case it reaches that level, armed with the right information, you will be ready for what is in store ahead. So let’s get going!
What is a DOT Drug Test?
A DOT drug test refers to a screening done by the U.S. Department of Transportation to find out if employees working in transport-related industries have no usage of drugs that can impact their ability to work effectively in a safe manner. It involves a urine analysis test observed for the general usage of substances, like:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP).
What Happens During a DOT Drug Test?
Once a commercial driver goes through the DOT drug testing process, many critical things occur, most noteworthy if the test is positive during the first pass-through:
- Fi͏rst test͏: Once a specimen is collected, it is subjected to preliminary testing in the collection facility. If the first test results are positive, the sample is ͏forwarded to a ͏certified drug testing laboratory for secondary analysis.
- Split specimen process: The sample is divided into two containers, one for testing purposes ͏and one for a confirmatory specimen in case ͏it is needed. ͏͏ The split spec͏im͏en processes allow a second test to eliminate false positives.
- Confirmation testing: If the first test done at the laboratory is positive, the second specimen is tested. Only if the two tests are positive will the laboratory validate the findings.
- Medical review officer involvement: The testing laboratory forwards certified results to a Medical Review Officer for scrutiny.
- Valid prescriptions: The MRO can declare the test valid and not consider it a failure if the driver has a valid prescription and can produce evidence.
- Notification: After reviewing the case, the MRO certifies the outcome results and provides notice to the trucking company’s Designated Employer Representative (DER).
What Happens After a Positive DOT Drug Test?
1. Immediate Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties
You have to be immediately removed from safety-sensitive jobs. This means you cannot drive or do any other related tasks. If you have already driven out, prepare for a safe return home.
2. Understand Your Status as a Candidate
If you were about to administer the pre-employment drug test ͏and it resulted in ͏a positive test, you can’t operate as a driver unless you follow the FMCSA Return to Duty Process.
3. Referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
You will ͏be referred ͏to a local Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), a trained counselor or psychologist with experience in substance use disorders. Yo͏ur emplo͏yer ͏should provide ͏you ͏with ͏this͏ r͏eferral͏ information. They ͏may even share resources or websites ͏that help you find a qualified SAP.
4. Assessment and Treatment Plan
After consulting with the SAP, you will be assessed for substance use disorders to formulate a ͏treatment plan. Depending ͏on the circumstances, ͏that can range from online educational programs to inpatient intensive rehabilitation.
5. Completion and Release
Once you have completed the prescribed treatment, the SAP will formally release you from the program. Then, you will enter the Return to Duty phase. The SAP also updates your status in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to “RTD Eligible” and documents the required follow-up tests.
6. Return to Duty Testing
Official return to driving requires a Return to Duty (RTD) drug or alcohol test. It is conducted directly by a medical professional at an approved facility. An RTD test is also accepted as a pre-employment test.
7. Follow-Up Testing Process
After you have completed the SAP-prescribed program, the SAP shall determine the number of return-to-duty tests you’ll have to take. The new employer is also responsible for this, and it shall be conducted under direct observation.
8. Final Steps to Completion
Following successful completion of all follow-up tests, the employer must report it to FMCSA Clearinghouse. Your driver record would be updated with a “Driver Not Prohibited” designation, meaning you should be able to continue driving.
What are Your Rights and Responsibilities After a Positive Test?
Rights:
- Confidentiality: Your test results are confidential and should be handled carefully by employers. They should be shared only when necessary for regulatory or operational reasons.
- Challenging the result: If you believe there was an error, you can request a review, including testing a split sample at a different lab.
- Fair treatment: Employers cannot discriminate based on test results. A positive result may remove you from safety-sensitive duties, but established procedures must be followed without bias.
- Right to resources: You may obtain support resources, such as referrals for SAPs, treatment plans, and additional services and resources.
- Return-to-duty proce͏ss: After you have completed all of your required treatments, you can enter ͏into the return-to-duty process ͏to ͏become eligible again for safe, sensitive duties.
Responsibilities:
- ͏Imm͏ediate notification: Report your employer a confirmed test result and stop performing safety-sensitive duties such as driving a commercial motor vehicle or performing other safety-sensitive functions.
- Engaging with the SAP: You must meet with a Substance Abuse Professional to determine the appropriate assessment and treatment type.
- Completing treatment: You must actively participate in and complete any treatment programs the SAP recommends. This is your commitment to returning safely to work.
- Undergoing follow-up testing: After completing the Return to Duty process, comply with all follow-up testing requirements outlined by the SAP and your employer to ensure continued safety and compliance.
- Maintaining open communication: Keep in touch with your employer during the treatment procedure. Inform him that you are progressing and any improvements made, which will help your employer make your transitions back to work easy.
Conclusion
Usually, a positive DOT drug test result leads to severe punishment, which may range from job loss to being termed for evaluations and possible legal repercussions. Being informed about these processes can make this critical situation somewhat easy to overcome.
If you have a question, looking for a DOT drug test near you, or need help keeping you in compliance, talk with Dr. Arman Ghods. His expertise in occupational health and knowledge of the drug testing world can provide guidance on getting yourself healthy again and back on track. Take care of yourself and your career by paying early attention to the problem at hand.
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