… After what seems a long wait, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published in today\u2019s (5-15-15) Federal Register a proposed revision to the urine testing guidelines. The proposed revisions are 51 pages in length and with some subtle changes and also some major revisions to the analysis of the urine specimens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most important change and one that has been eagerly awaited for is the inclusion of the synthetic opiates (Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone) into the HHS \u2013 DOT testing panel<\/a><\/strong>. There are some other proposed changes that include the changing to the pH level for urine specimens along with revised requirements for MRO requalification training<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 One key change will be to allow Federal Agencies the ability to authorize the collection of an alternative specimen, specifically oral fluid when there is an inability to provide an adequate urine specimen.\u00a0 Of note, there are changes in the wording and reorganization of the Mandatory Guidelines (MG).\u00a0 There will be some new acronyms that the drug testing industry will have to learn to use for clarity and understanding of all the applicable regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should be noted that the SAMHSA MG directly apply to Federal Agencies for their workplace drug testing programs.\u00a0 The MG also apply to DOT in accordance with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) of 1991.\u00a0 This Act requires DOT and DOT regulated employers<\/strong><\/a> to follow the scientific guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a 60 day comment period for comments to be submitted to HHS\/SAMHSA concerning these proposed changes to the MG. All parties should read and comment where appropriate on issues that are of concern. The address to send written comments to is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n SAMHSA, Attention Division of Workplace Programs (DWP)
1 Choke Cherry Rd., Rm. #7-1045
Rockville, MD 20857<\/p>\n\n\n\n