Talking the Wiz Quiz: Ep 3 | Designated Employer Representative (DER) Responsibilities & Training

Understanding the Designated Employer Representative (DER) role is critical for DOT compliance and workplace drug testing program success. This episode covers everything employers need to know about DER responsibilities, training requirements, and managing drug and alcohol testing programs.

What You'll Learn:

DER Role & Definition - What is a Designated Employer Representative and why this position is essential for DOT-regulated companies. Core responsibilities include test result management, employee removal from safety-sensitive functions, and coordination with Medical Review Officers (MROs), Third Party Administrators (TPAs), and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).

DOT Regulations & Compliance - Understanding 49 CFR Part 40 requirements for DER qualifications. Differences between regulated testing (FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, USCG) and non-regulated workplace testing. Why DERs must be actual employees, not contractors, and FMCSA Clearinghouse reporting requirements.

Test Result Interpretation - How to review drug and alcohol test results including negative results, positive results, dilute specimens, invalid tests, and refusals to test. Understanding the MRO process, negative dilute protocols, when immediate recollection is required, and cancelled test procedures.

Collection Procedures - Direct observation requirements, same-gender observer protocols, shy bladder protocols, out of temperature procedures, and chain of custody documentation.

Refusal to Test Scenarios - What constitutes a refusal under DOT regulations, immediate action requirements, and proper Clearinghouse reporting.

Employer Training Requirements - Workplace substance abuse training for all employees, supervisor reasonable suspicion training (FAA requires recurrent training every 18-24 months), and DER training recommendations.

Audit Readiness - Essential record-keeping requirements, random selection documentation, consortium summary reports, employee file requirements, and quarterly, semi-annual, and annual MIS report preparation.

Return to Duty & Follow-Up Testing - SAP return to duty process requirements, follow-up testing program compliance, and FMCSA Clearinghouse notifications.

This episode provides HR professionals, fleet managers, and business owners with compliance knowledge to effectively manage DOT drug and alcohol testing programs, avoid violations, and maintain audit readiness.

➡Learn more about AZC Drug Testing: azcdt.com