Regulatory Updates:

From the DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Program Compliance (ODAPC): ODAPC Reminders - Collection Site Security and Integrity Issues

The ODAPC would like to remind employers, Consortiums/Third Party Administrators (C/TPAs), collectors, and collection sites about the importance of collection security and integrity procedures outlined in Part 40 and the DOT Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines. They also advise that special attention is given to some of the procedures that collectors must follow each and every collection.

Collectors must:

• Pay careful attention to employees throughout the collection process
• Ensure that there is no unauthorized access into the collection areas
• Make sure that employees show proper picture ID, empty pockets, remove outer garments (e.g., coveralls, jacket, coat, hat), and leave briefcases, purses, and bags behind
• Maintain personal control of the specimen and Custody and Control Form (CCF) at all times during the collection

In addition, collectors must:

• Secure any water sources or otherwise make them unavailable to employees (e.g., turn off water inlet, tape handles to prevent opening faucets, secure tank lids)
• Ensure that the water in the toilet and tank (if applicable) has bluing coloring agent added; any moveable toilet tank must be secured, or put bluing in the tank
• Ensure that no soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, or other possible adulterants are present
• Inspect the site to ensure that no foreign or unauthorized substances are present and ensure that undetected access (e.g., through a door not in your view) is not possible
• Secure areas and items (e.g., ledges, trash receptacles, paper towel holders, under-sink areas) that appear suitable for concealing contaminants
• Recheck these items following each collection to ensure the site’s continued integrity

If you are an employer or C/TPA, make sure that your collectors and collection sites are taking necessary measures to follow the proper procedures and have been trained properly.

Focus On: Marijuana Myths and Facts

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. The following is a continuation of last month’s article, which discussed Myth 1.

Myth 2: Marijuana is not addictive
It was once believed that marijuana was not addictive; many people still believe this to be true. But recent research shows that use of the drug can indeed lead to dependence. Some heavy users of marijuana develop withdrawal symptoms when they have not used the drug for a period of time.

Marijuana use is often associated with behavior that meets the criteria for substance dependence established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Considered the standard reference for health professionals who make psychiatric diagnoses, the DSM contains information about all mental disorders for children and adults. As described in the DSM, the criteria for substance dependence includes tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effects, or diminished effect with the same amount of the substance); withdrawal symptoms; using a drug even in the presence of adverse effects; and giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use. According to the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 4.3 million Americans were classified with dependence on or abuse of marijuana. This figure represents 1.8 percent of the total U.S. population and 60.3 percent of those classified as individuals who abuse or are dependent on illicit drugs.  read more