Considering a job with the Department of Transportation? If so, you might have questions about the drug screening requirements. Depending on your job duties, you’ll need to be tested before you get hired and at other times during your employment. These tests can include drug screening and a physical exam. Even if you decide to work out of state, federal regulations require some employees to pass a drug screen. In this article, we’ll look at who needs DOT drug screening, DOT drug screening standards, and where to get DOT drug screening in Denver.
Who Needs DOT Drug Screening in Denver?
Both the City of Denver and the federal government have drug screening standards that must be met before you can be cleared for work. But not everyone who works for the DOT needs to get tested. For federal requirements, you need a drug screen if you “operate vehicles or dangerous equipment or perform safety-sensitive functions” as part of your essential duties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that regulates drug screening. They offer a driver brochure on the subject that you can access here.
In Denver, alcohol and drug testing are enforced by the City Attorney’s Office. Once you become a candidate for a job with the city, you should hear from the Office of Human Resources whether or not to take a drug test. A Denver DOT drug screening is mandatory for anyone in “a position defined as safety-sensitive or requiring a CDL.” You can read the full legal policy from the City of Denver here.
DOT Drug Screening Standards
In most cases, you’ll be required to pass a DOT drug screen before you’re hired for the job. You may also need a screening if there’s an accident, if you’re suspected of drug or alcohol use, and before returning to duty after a violation. Some employers will randomly test for drug and alcohol use during your employment.
The FMCSA tests look for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol detected by urinalysis. Even though marijuana is legal in Denver, it’s not considered legal for employment testing purposes. If you’re taking prescription medication that could be detected as one of these substances, make sure to have the information from your doctor to show when you go to the screening. While the federal government only accepts the results of urine testing, your employer may require breath, hair, and blood tests.
Where Can I Get Mandatory DOT Drug Screenings in Denver?
Employers who require drug screening in Denver typically don’t accept at-home drug tests or tests outside of a medical facility. While you’re entitled to your privacy while providing a test sample, supervision is required for most of the procedure. This is to prevent falsifying samples or fraudulent documentation. It also enables the lab to test right away and give the results of the screening to your employer.
The federal test requires you to get tested by a licensed medical examiner listed on the FMCSA national registry. In Denver, testing labs have to be certified by the Department of Public Health and Environment, or CDPHE. Midtown Occupational Health Services is a top-rated DOT drug screening provider for national and state-required tests.
Midtown offers DOT drug screening in addition to other employee services like the CDL DOT Medical exam. We also help with injury care, occupational therapy, workers’ compensation claims, comprehensive strategies, and record keeping. It’s always a good idea to keep all of your occupational health services under one roof. Not only will you save time traveling from clinic to clinic, but you’ll also be able to keep your records all in one place. To read more about the importance of your employee medical records, check out our article here.
If you’re applying for a job in Denver or are an employer in need of DOT drug screening in Denver, call us to schedule an appointment or stop into our clinic. We’re open from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Testing hours vary, so please check our contact page to make sure we’re available. You can also call us at 303-831-9393 with any questions.
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