Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Smith 2022 Federal Update

Smith 2022 Federal Update

Pdf Summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid (OFMG) in October 2019. However, as of January 2022, no laboratories have completed the process for approval for oral fluid drug testing. The OFMG allow federal executive branch agencies to collect and test oral fluid specimens for drug testing programs, marking the first time since 1986 that a specimen other than urine can be used. The specimen collection process for oral fluid is similar to urine collection, with observed collections and the use of FDA-cleared collection devices. Split specimens are required, and there is a 10-minute wait period before collection. Laboratories performing oral fluid drug testing must be approved by the HHS National Laboratory Certification Program and follow similar quality assurance programs as urine drug testing laboratories. Test results will be reported to a qualified Medical Review Officer (MRO) for interpretation and reporting to the federal agency. Federal agencies may use oral fluid testing for the same reasons as urine drug testing, and the OFMG allows for the use of oral fluid when urine specimens are inadequate. For the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), separate rulemaking activities are needed for oral fluid testing to be used in mandated testing. The document also mentions the evaluation process for hair testing, guidance on marijuana, hemp, and CBD for MROs, and updates to DOT drug testing procedures in the February 2022 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Additionally, the NRC issued an NPRM in 2019 to revise regulations on drug testing and collection procedures.

Keywords

Department of Health and Human Services

Mandatory Guidelines

Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs

Oral Fluid

Specimen Collection

Medical Review Officer

Federal Agencies

Department of Transportation

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Drug Testing