California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has stated that their mandatory controlled substance and alcohol testing program will not be affected by new California law (AB 2188) which restricts employers from testing for marijuana using urine or hair. Marijuana testing in the PUC program will continue and shall be consistent with DOT 49 Part 40 regulations or DOT Like requiring urine testing for marijuana and other drugs.
By Lori Lal, Guest Blog Writer
Lori is a senior consultant to National Drug Screening
Are you finding it difficult to contact someone at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding your drug and alcohol testing program? Are you frustrated at the lack of answers to your questions about your CPUC program and feeling left out in the cold? Are you even dreaming of a better way? The answer just might be alluded to in the song California Dreamin’ originally performed by the Mamas and Papas and most recently covered by Sia.
All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day
I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A
California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day
Well, dream no more as we can all be “safe and warm” when it comes to administering our drug and alcohol testing program within the CPUC requirements. Did you know that effective October 1, 2018, all drug tests must be uploaded as well as a List of Services? As an approved Third-Party Administrator (TPA) with the CPUC, we have access to a dedicated, direct and secure way of communicating with the CPUC analyst and securely uploading all necessary documents related to the application process.
Each case is an assigned to a Transportation License Analysist for new applications and license renewals. Be aware that not all TPAs are approved to conduct this process with the CPUC. In fact, California exacts some of the most rigorous requirements in the Nation for a TPA to undergo in order to meet the CPUC’s approved list of requirements. Some of these TPA requirements include requiring the TPA to provide materials related to their Safety Education and Training program for all employee-drivers and for Designated Employer representatives (DER).
What services can we provide as a CPUC-Approved TPA?
We can set-up PUC laboratory accounts, provide drug and alcohol testing and reporting, as well as provide the CPUC with all required drug results to demonstrate that your company’s drug and alcohol testing program meets compliance. We will also provide the CPUC with a complete List of Services, an enrollment certificate, and of course, we will enter all of your drivers into a PUC random pool. Last but not least, we will continue to provide the best in top-notch training and education.
The (CPUC) program applies to “Passenger Carriers” which includes: Passenger Stage Corporations, Vessel Common Carriers, Charter-Party Carriers, Transportation Network Companies, Autonomous Vehicle Carriers and Vessel Common Carriers.
