FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Program
FMCSA has established an online resource for the commercial motor vehicle industry for next year’s CDL Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse implementation program.
The agency recently announced a website, https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov, with information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Congress passed a mandate to establish the clearinghouse, and the final rule was published in December 2016.
According to the new clearinghouse resource website, sometime this fall, users will be able to establish an account that will allow access to the Clearinghouse as registration begins Fall 2019 for 2020 Implementation.
Based on the website launch, the database seems to be on track for the January 6, 2020 implementation when mandatory use of the Clearinghouse to report and query information about driver drug and alcohol program violations goes into effect.
Initially, the process still requires carriers to request alcohol and controlled substance information from all carriers who employed the driver in the last three years. Additionally, a full query will also be required prior to any safety-sensitive job functions, including CMV operation. Full queries will return all information contained in the clearinghouse related to that driver, such as:
- Positive drug tests
- Refusals to test
- Whether the driver has completed the return-to-duty process, if required
Beginning Jan. 6, 2023, however, contacting previous employers will no longer be required. Exceptions to that requirement include if the employer forgoes the pre-employment drug testing requirements under exception or if the driver has operated a CMV in other regulated modes in the previous three years.[1]
The clearinghouse will be a secure online database that will allow FMCSA, CMV employers, state driver licensing agencies, and law enforcement agencies to identify, in real-time, CDL drivers who have violated federal drug and alcohol testing program requirements.[2]
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions at safety@ib-tx.com or visit the FMCSA website for more requirement detailed criteria.
Sincerely,
Antonio Arzate
AVP of Risk Management Services
IBTX
IBTX, an Acrisure Agency Partner, specializes in risk management and insurance solutions. Empowered with innovative thinking, our experienced professionals deliver creative solutions to proactively manage risk, mitigate exposure and consequences and minimize financial and human impact. We are among the largest independent brokers in the Southwest with a mission to instill confidence in our clients.
Acrisure is the marketing name of the national group of agencies offering insurance and risk management expertise through Acrisure, LLC and its affiliates. For additional information, please visit our website at https://acrisure.com. The information and descriptions contained herein are provided for general informational purposes only, and should not be viewed as a substitute for legal, regulatory, or other advice on any particular issue or for any particular reason. The advice of a professional should always be obtained before purchasing any insurance product or service, and you should not rely on the information provided herein for the prevention or mitigation of risks or as a full and complete explanation of coverage under any insurance policy. While the information contained herein has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, guarantee, or representation, either expressed or implied, is made as to the correctness or sufficiency of any representation contained herein.
© 2019 Acrisure, LLC. All rights reserved.
Posted by Nicole Lozano in Blog, Safety