DOT issued a minor update to its drug and alcohol testing rules to address a temporary gap related to oral fluid testing.
While oral fluid testing was approved in a previous rule, it cannot yet be used because certified laboratories are not in place. This update ensures that in situations where oral fluid testing would have been required, employers should continue using directly observed urine testing for now.
Once oral fluid testing becomes fully available, DOT will allow an 18-month transition period for employers to implement it where needed.
Overall, this update does not change current practices—it simply keeps existing procedures in place until oral fluid testing can be realistically adopted.
Click here to view the full NPRM. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Foley.