On June 21, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) released three significant updates in the Federal Register. These updates are related to the final rule issued on May 2, 2023, which introduced oral fluid drug testing as an alternative to traditional urine drug testing. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Technical Amendments:
Effective today, these amendments are designed to clarify certain parts of the rule and address any omissions we identified since the final rule was published. These adjustments aim to ensure the regulations are clear and comprehensive.
2. Direct Final Rule (DFR):
The DFR introduces temporary qualification requirements for mock oral fluid monitors and sets consistent privacy standards by identifying who can be present during an oral fluid collection. It also provides clear guidelines on how collectors should indicate that a sufficient volume of oral fluid has been collected. We welcome your feedback, and comments on this are due by July 22, 2024.
3. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
This notice includes the same amendments as the DFR and serves as a proposed rule to modify the procedures for DOT’s drug testing program (49 CFR 40) if we receive any adverse comments on the DFR provisions.
We believe these updates will enhance the drug testing process by providing clear guidelines and additional flexibility. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.
To learn more about these notices, view the documents at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/frpubs
