• What is 49 CFR part 382?
• What if I'm a small independent company? Surely this regulation doesn't apply to me?
• When did this regulation go into effect?
• How can a single driver or only a few drivers have "random" testing?
• What if I take a drug test with my physical every time I renew my CDL (commercial drivers' license)? Doesn't that work?
• What kind of samples do you use for testing?
• Our company has drivers and employees in several different states. How can National Medtest test all our workers?
• What is covered by your DOT program?
• It's my understanding that the DOT requires there be "blind specimen" sampling periodically. Does that cost my company more money each time?
• My company is not involved in DOT activities. Do you offer any other options other than DOT programs?
• Why would I want to institute a drug free work place in my business/school?
• Will taking medications prescribed by a doctor cause a drug test to come back positive?
• What happens if a drug test comes back positive for illegal drugs?
• What is a substance abuse program?
• How long has National Medtest, Inc., been around?
• What do we do to get set up? 

 

What is 49 CFR part 382?

49 Code of Federal Regulations http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html , part 382 outlines the law regarding those businesses that are required under FMCSA to have an established drug and alcohol testing program. These include: a) Any carrier of 26,001 pounds or more GVW (gross volume weight, i.e., truck, trailer, and load), b) Any carrier of hazardous materials, c) Any carrier of 16 or more passengers, INCLUDING the driver.
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What if I'm a small independent company? Surely this regulation doesn't apply to me?

According to FHWA (Federal Highway Administration http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ ) regulation 49 CFR part 382, if you meet any of the above requirements, then you must be placed in a drug and alcohol testing program, regardless of your company size or the distance you travel in a given year. Even if you have only one driver, they must be in a program for random testing.
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When did this regulation go into effect?

49 CFR part 382 was actually passed in March, 1994, but was not mandated for companies with less than 50 drivers until January 1, 1996.
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How can a single driver or only a few drivers have "random" testing?

At National Medtest, Inc., drivers for smaller companies are placed in "pools" with other companies' drivers and our computer randomly pulls names for testing. This is within full compliance with DOT http://www.dot.gov/ guidelines.
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What if I take a drug test with my physical every time I renew my CDL (commercial drivers' license)? Doesn't that work?

Based on the regulations now in effect, taking a drug test with your yearly/bi-yearly physical does not cover the DOTs requirements. In fact, that yearly/bi-yearly drug test is not even required anymore.
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What kind of samples do you use for testing?

National Medtest, Inc. presently utilizes urine testing. Urine testing is still the "gold standard" in drug testing and is required by DOT. National Medtest continuously monitors the evolving field of testing methodologies to assure best techniques are practiced. Our goal is to guarantee the highest accuracy and the protection of the employer and the employee.
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Our company has drivers and employees in several different states. How can National Medtest test all our workers?

National Medtest, Inc. has a network of collection sites through various agreements with doctor's offices, clinics, and hospitals across the country and even into Canada. We represent many national companies and would be happy to provide a reference list.
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What is covered by your DOT program?

We cover everything the DOT requires to maintain compliance for CDL licensed drivers. We include random selection and testing, DOT required post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, as well as supervisor/employee training. Because we cannot gauge a company's turn-over rate, pre-employment testing is charged separately.
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It's my understanding that the DOT requires there be "blind specimen" sampling periodically. Does that cost my company more money each time?

No. Our company does not have any "hidden" or "miscellaneous" fees. We cover everything as specified.
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My company is not involved in DOT activities. Do you offer any other options other than DOT programs?

Yes. National Medtest, Inc. offers many different types of testing programs, ranging from a comprehensive DOT program to a simple Pre-Employment testing program. National Medtest can supply you with a "preset" program or we can customize to fit your companies individual needs.
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Why would I want to institute a drug free work place in my business/school?

Not only does it protect the safety and well being of all involved, it protects your business or school from some types of potential liability. Studies also show an increase in employee/student satisfaction in a drug free environment. It's a win/win/win situation in that studies also show an increase in productivity and a decrease in wasted resources, more than paying for the program in most instances.
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Will taking medications prescribed by a doctor cause a drug test to come back positive?

Certain prescriptions will cause drug tests to be reported to our office as "positive". However, if they are legally prescribed, and proof of same is provided, the test will be reported to the employer as "negative" after review by our Medical Review Officer. Consultation with the Officer may be required and safety issues occasionally have to be addressed.
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What happens if a drug test comes back positive for illegal drugs?

It depends. In most governmental organizations or businesses regulated by governmental agencies, the original specimen may have been split into two containers. In the event the tested individual feels an error has been made, they may request the second half of the specimen be tested at another certified laboratory. In drug free programs at schools or private businesses, the subsequent course of events are generally prescribed in its individual policy statement. Warnings, re-testing, suspension, dismissal, and/or attendance at a substance abuse program may be required.
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What is a substance abuse program?

A substance abuse program is an individual agenda that can be created for anyone who has been found to have a positive test for illegal drugs or who individually seeks help in overcoming a known drug dependency. It is created by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) after an interview/exam and is designed to try to eliminate any further dependency upon drugs. It may last variable lengths of time.
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How long has National Medtest, Inc., been around?

National Medtest was established in 1994 and has grown rapidly to become one of the countries leading drug testing third party administrators.
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What do we do to get set up?

Simply contact one of our Enrollment Coordinators at 1-800-511-TEST (8378) and we will be happy to assist you.
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