New DOT Regulation Requires Expanded Observed Urination in Drug Testing

Posted on July 31, 2008 by Dennis Westlind

Effective August 25, 2008, the Department of Transportation will require transportation workers who previously tested positive for prohibited drugs to give urine specimens while being watched by specimen collectors.  The new regulations will apply to workers in safety-sensitive positions in the aviation, motor carrier, rail, transit, maritime, and pipeline industries.

Under current regulations, only workers suspected of tampering with their specimens are required to provide samples while being watched.  However, the DOT is concerned that a "various mechanical devices are now readily available to individuals who want to adulterate or substitute their urine specimen during a drug testing collection."  The new regulations require an employee giving the sample to raise his shirt, lower his pants and turn around to show the observer that he is not using a "prosthetic device." 

"Prosthetic device?"  Think we're joking?  Guess again. 

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