Reminder: DOT expanding drug testing to include opioids on Jan. 1, 2018

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently posted an additional notice in anticipation of the upcoming Jan. 1, 2018 effective date.

The notice is available here.

As a reminder, the DOT is expanding their existing drug testing panel – which consists of marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP) and opiates – to include testing for four semi-synthetic opioids. The four semi-synthetic opioids are hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone and oxycodone. Some common names for these semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid® and Exalgo®.

Companies that are covered by the DOT should amend their drug testing programs accordingly prior to Jan. 1, 2018.

Source: Transportation.gov, 12/11/2017

Posted: December 22, 2017