DOT to Test for Synthetic Opioids?

(Spring 2017) In late January, the Department of Transportation (DOT) released a notice on new proposed amendments. Among these is an amendment to widen existing DOT drug and alcohol screening regulations to incorporate four Schedule II synthetic opioids: oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone and hydromorphone. These drugs, like natural opiates, have a high risk of misuse.

By including the four additional substances, DOT testing will be in line with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs which will go into effect October 1, 2017, which all federal employees are subject to.  The DOT is accepting feedback on its potential modifications through March 24, 2017.

One rule that will remain the same, however, is DOT’s minimum yearly random drug testing rate. The Department’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that the rate will stay at 25% in 2017.

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