Drug & Alcohol Updates
If you are not currently conducting substance abuse testing through USIS, and you would like more information on these services, please call (866) 205-6129.

Regulatory Updates:

From the U.S. DOT Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy
& Compliance (ODAPC):

14 CFR Part 121 Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Programs for Personnel Engaged in Specified Aviation Activities; Final Rule

The FAA has published a final rule that amends the FAA regulations governing drug and alcohol testing to clarify that each person who performs a safety-sensitive function for a regulated employer by contract, including by subcontract at any tier, is subject to testing. The rule becomes effective on April 10, 2006. Text of amendment is as follows:

Appendix I to Part 121—Drug Testing Program
III. Employees Who Must Be Tested. Each employee, including any assistant, helper or individual in a training status, who performs a safety-sensitive function listed in this section directly or by contract (including by subcontract at any tier) for an employer as defined in this appendix must be subject to drug testing under an anti-drug program implemented in accordance with this appendix. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary and intermittent employees regardless of the degree of supervision.

Appendix J to Part 121—Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program
II. A. Each employee, including any assistant, helper or individual in a training status, who performs a safety-sensitive function listed in this section directly or by contract (including by subcontract at any tier) for an employer as defined in this appendix must be subject to alcohol testing under an alcohol misuse prevention program implemented in accordance with this appendix. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary and intermittent employees regardless of the degree of supervision.

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From the National Institue On Drug Abuse:
Drugged Driving

What is Drugged Driving?

“Have one [drink] for the road” was, until recently, a commonly used phrase in American culture. It has only been within the past 20 years that, as a nation, we have begun to recognize the dangers associated with drunk driving. Through a multi-pronged and concerted effort involving many stakeholders, including educators, media, legislators, law enforcement, and community organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the nation has seen a decline in the numbers of people killed or injured due to drunk driving. It is now time that we recognize and address the similar dangers that can occur with drugged driving... read more.

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Did You Know?

Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse

Medications can be effective when they are used properly, but some can be addictive and dangerous when misused. There are three types of drugs that are often misused or abused:

• Opioids - prescribed for pain relief.
• Central Nervous System Depressants - barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers).
• Stimulants - prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy or obesity.

Individuals can help prevent prescription misuse by always informing their doctor about all of the medications they are taking, taking medications as prescribed and asking their pharmacist for information about their prescriptions.

Parents, especially, should be familiar with medications being taken by household members and question any pills their children are taking that haven’t been prescribed by the family physician.

*Source: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Household Survey on Drug Abuse.

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Focus On:

The DAC News Service seeks to inform by providing information on topics of broad interest and concern to employers. Therefore, from time-to-time, we will select subjects we believe to be relevant and informative to the workplace environment. This month’s topic is “Is Drug and Alcohol Testing worth the cost?”

Is Drug & Alcohol Testing Worth the Cost?

Last month we focused on “The Five Critical Components of an Effective Drug-Free Workplace Program.” This month, let’s step back and discuss whether a drug and alcohol testing program is effective and worth the time, effort and cost of implementing a comprehensive testing program. We will conclude the discussion with a brief look at the advantages of utilizing a third party administrator like USIS to assist in the management of a program... read more.

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Why Should You Consider Partnering With USIS to Manage Your Drug-Free Workplace Program?

1. Our people. Although it has become fashionable to tout employees as the most important/best part of a company, in some cases, it is actually true. The USIS drug testing leadership team has been with the company since the beginning of drug testing in the 1980s. USIS employees have an extensive history servicing drug and alcohol testing customers, and it is a rare situation that one of our experienced staff hasn’t seen and isn’t able to resolve
   
2. Expertise. Drug-Free Workplace law and federal regulations are complex. Whether it is state law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or another DOT agency, drug testing rules require knowledge and understanding in order to implement and manage a program. USIS has that knowledge.
   
3. The right tools. From a superb model policy that is included in the USIS enrollment fee, to employee and supervisor training programs, to managing specimen collection, testing and medical review of test results, USIS is geared to meet and satisfy all of an employer’s drug testing requirements.
   
4. Cost. Outsourcing to a knowledgeable third-party administrator has proven to be the most cost-effective way to manage a drug/alcohol testing program. USIS’ purchasing power ensures the lowest possible cost for tests, medical review and other drug testing resources. USIS’ program management allows customers to focus on what they do best, not expend valuable time and resources trying to learn and manage a specialized program like drug testing.

Summary: Drug and alcohol testing have proven, without question, to be effective tools in increasing productivity and safety in the workplace. This is demonstrated by the fact that over 67 percent of U.S. employers have established programs and are conducting tests. Pre-employment drug testing is effective in identifying the majority of drug users before they are hired and placed in the workforce. Random drug/alcohol testing serves as a major deterrent to drug/alcohol use by existing employees. Reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing serve to not only deter drug/alcohol use, but to identify individuals who are currently under the influence and causing workplace problems.

Lastly, whether a company implements a drug/alcohol testing program to increase safety and productivity or to comply with state/federal rules, USIS has the expertise and tools to help ensure you have the most cost-effective, compliant program available.

Special Note: For those USIS background clients who don’t currently have their drug testing program with USIS, look for a special offer coming to you in February!

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USIS Schedule

View the 2006 Schedule for Commercial Services.

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Published by USIS
Copyright © 2006 US Investigations Services. All rights reserved.

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