This session provides information on the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) set forth in 49 CFR part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs. Among the topics covered are employer responsibilities, DOT vs. non-DOT drug and alcohol testing, the collection process, problems in drug and alcohol testing, confidentiality and the release of information, Medical Review Officers (MRO) and the verification process, Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) and the return to duty process and the use of service agents.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will have the tools to understand:

•       The regulatory requirements of the DOT and how they work in tandem with those administered by the FAA in 14 CFR part 120

•       The importance of separating DOT and non-DOT tests

•       The basic responsibilities of employers in administering these rules

•       How the collection process works

•       The role of MROs and SAPs in the verification and return to duty process 

•       How problems in drug and alcohol testing are handled

•       The confidentiality of drug and alcohol testing records and how information is released in accordance with these rules

Target Audience

Anyone working in aviation, particularly those employers and contractors performing safety-sensitive functions for U.S. air carriers and certain other operators in the United States.

Materials Note: The materials for this session include a May 2017 Legal Interpretation clarifying that employees performing tasks solely related to receiving articles for stock are not performing a safety sensitive function under part 120 and should not be included in a testing pool.