• Whether a drug and alcohol testing program is done internally or outsourced, several parties must come together for a company’s program to work efficiently.

It takes many parties working efficiently together to create a well-run drug and alcohol testing program, including entities from outside the organization who are contracted to carry out specific facets of the process.

The number of drug and alcohol service providers needed depends on the nature of the motor carrier’s program and how many pieces are performed in house.

Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing regulations (Part 40) clearly list who key players must be — collection sites, laboratories, medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals.

Some motor carriers perform the collection site role internally, rather than use a service provider. Others gladly outsource everything — even the management of the program — through a consortium/third-party administrator.