In this episode of Talking The Wiz Quiz, Lori and Gary break down what employers must do when an employee violates federally regulated drug and alcohol testing rules — and what it takes to properly clear a violation.

You’ll learn:
• What counts as a DOT “violation” (it’s more than just a positive test)
• Why employees must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately
• Employer responsibilities after a violation, including SAP referrals
• The DOT return-to-duty process and why the order of steps matters
• Return-to-duty and follow-up testing rules, including observed collections
• Key alcohol thresholds and what is and is not reportable
• FMCSA Clearinghouse basics, prohibited status, and CDL downgrade or revocation timelines
• Who reports what to the Clearinghouse (MRO vs employer vs C/TPA)
• Clearinghouse queries (limited vs full), annual requirements, and best practices to avoid fines
• Why violations can restart the process from step one, even years later

This episode is especially helpful for motor carriers, DERs, safety managers, owner-operators, and anyone responsible for DOT compliance.

Subscribe for more episodes of Talking The Wiz Quiz on AZCDT.

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

In this episode of Talking the Wiz Quiz, Gary and Lori Oschmann from AZC Drug Testing break down one of the most important topics in workplace compliance: random testing and consortiums.

We cover:
• What random testing is and why employers use it
• Key DOT requirements for safety-sensitive employees
• The difference between regulated and non-regulated programs
• How to use a scientifically valid selection method
• How consortiums work and when companies should join one
• Employer, DER, and employee responsibilities
• What counts as a refusal, an excused test, or a valid result
• How to stay compliant and avoid violations

Whether you're an HR professional, safety manager, or business owner, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance for managing a strong random testing program.

🔗Learn more about AZC Drug Testing: https://azcdt.com/