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National database contains drivers’ drug and alcohol program violations

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium (WDTC) is geared up to help owner-operators and employers comply with the new Clearinghouse guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA Clearinghouse effective date was January 6, 2020.

Clearinghouse guidelines state specific requirements in two categories: reporting and querying.

Reporting portion of Clearinghouse guidelines

Employers, medical review officers and consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPA) such as WDTC must report drug and alcohol testing program violations to the Clearinghouse. In addition, they are required to report information about drivers undergoing mandatory return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation process.

Each time information is added to the Clearinghouse, FMCSA will notify the affected driver. Drivers must register with the Clearinghouse to receive electronic notifications.

Querying portion of Clearinghouse guidelines

Employers are required to query the Clearinghouse for covered drivers for pre-employment screening or annual verification. Queries ensure that a driver did not violate the drug and alcohol program with another employer.

Drivers refusing consent are not allowed to perform safety-sensitive functions such as driving a commercial motor vehicle. Information regarding the driver will be accessible to employers for at least five years.

Authorized users can gain access to the Clearinghouse by registering here. The website includes information about query plans and frequently asked questions with regard to the Clearinghouse.

Query plans are available for employers

While drivers can access their own record in the Clearinghouse without paying a fee, employers must purchase query plans to learn if current or potential future employees are prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle or performing other safety-sensitive functions due to an unresolved violation.

Queries enable carriers and their designated consortium or TPA (such as WDTC) to conduct queries for all current and potential new employees as required under Clearinghouse guidelines. The plans can only be purchased on the FMCSA Clearinghouse website by registered employers.

About Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium is an accredited, Certified Third Party Administrator (C-TPA), and specializes in consortium management; a variety of drug testing methods, including urine, hair and fingernails; post-accident testing; pre-employment drug tests; criminal background checks; supervisor training programs to keep employees compliant with DOT regulations; pre-employment DOT physicals; and paternity DNA testing. Headquartered in Green Bay, WDTC also has offices in Oshkosh, Appleton and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Call 888-784-8842 or visit www.widrugtesting.com for more information.

Tags: national guideline clearinghouse guidelines, national guideline clearinghouse replacement