Crunch time for D & A clearinghouse preparation
Only months remain before the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse deadline arrives.
The rule creating the clearinghouse was published in December 2016, giving motor carriers three years to prepare for implementation. Years have turned into months, and the time is running short for carriers to integrate the processes into their DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
Effective January 6, 2020, the rule requires employers and their service agents to populate the clearinghouse with:
- Their employees' DOT drug and alcohol violations under Part 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and
- Verification of a CDL driver's completed steps in the DOT return-to-duty process.
In addition, once the clearinghouse is launched, motor carriers must request queries on applicants and existing CDL drivers using the database. However, before the process can begin, motor carriers must take certain steps.
Clearinghouse checklist
Key areas need to be addressed by motor carriers as they move toward the deadline. The following checklist may assist in preparation:
- Driver training:Prior to January 6, 2020, provide drivers with:
- Information about the driver data that will be put into the clearinghouse, as listed in §382.601(b)(12).
- The following best-practice
training:
- An explanation of the inquiries performed by employers (§382.701);
- Driver procedures on signing up for access to the clearinghouse;
- Information on how drivers may obtain a copy of their clearinghouse records (§§382.707, 382.709);
- Procedures for correcting information in the database (§382.717);
- An awareness that state licensing authorities will have access to the database (§382.725); and
- Clarification on a driver's obligation to notify a current employer(s) (in writing) of DOT testing violations occurring under a different employer (§382.415).
- Administrative tasks: No
later than fourth quarter 2019:
- Train those involved in obtaining the DOT drug and alcohol background checks on the clearinghouse queries;
- Set up a process for dual inquiries (safety performance history and clearinghouse) for CDL driver candidates;
- Set up a tickler system for annual clearinghouse inquiries on existing CDL drivers;
- Train responsible parties on data the motor carrier must provide the clearinghouse;
- Sign up for motor carrier access to the clearinghouse; and
- Train appropriate motor carrier
personnel on handling of inquiries, including:
- Driver authorization,
- Record retention, and
- Actions taken when a violation is discovered.
- Service agents: No later than fourth quarter
2019:
- Verify that the motor carrier's medical review officers, collection site(s), and substance abuse professionals understand their roles in the clearinghouse.
- Contract with a third party (if
applicable) to:
- Perform pre-employment and annual driver queries, and
- Provide information to the clearinghouse on behalf of the motor carrier.