Oral Fluid as an Alternate Drug Testing Method

Oral Fluid as an Alternate Drug Testing Method

Oral Fluid as an Alternate Drug Testing Method for Workplace Testing

When the HHS finalized its OFMG in 2019, it opened oral fluid testing to Federal agencies as an alternate methodology to choose and not as a replacement for urine drug testing. Similarly, the Department has determined that oral fluid testing will be an option for regulated employers and not a replacement for urine testing.

The FMCSA has provided the Final Rule on the Federal Register website.

Summary

Oral Fluid as an Alternate Drug Testing Method - This final rule amends the U.S. Department of Transportation's regulated industry drug testing program to include oral fluid testing. This additional methodology for drug testing will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program. In order for an employer to implement oral fluid testing under the Department's regulation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will need to certify at least two laboratories for oral fluid testing, which has not yet been done. The final rule includes other provisions to update the Department's regulation and to harmonize, as needed, with the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, this rule amends the FAA, FMCSA, FRA, and FTA regulations to ensure consistency within the Department of Transportation by removing or adjusting references to the word ``urine'' and/or adding references to oral fluid, as well as removing or amending some definitions for conformity and to make other miscellaneous technical changes or corrections.

The FMCSA has provided a document for review - View PDF