Proposed Rule2025-16720
Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs: Addition of Fentanyl to the Department of Transportation's Drug-Testing Panel; Harmonization With Certain Items in the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Urine and Oral Fluid; and Technical Amendments
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 2, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation Department
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) proposes to amend its drug-testing program regulation, 49 CFR part 40 (part 40), to add fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) and norfentanyl (a metabolite of fentanyl) to its drug testing panels. The proposed rulemaking would harmonize part 40 with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines), which DOT must follow for the minimum list of drugs for which DOT requires testing, and the comprehensive standards for laboratory drug testing per the Omnibus Employee Testing Act of 1991. Adding fentanyl and norfentanyl is also in the interest of transportation safety, given compelling information regarding the number of overdose deaths in the United States involving fentanyl. The Department also proposes to amend certain provisions of part 40 to harmonize, as appropriate, with the current HHS Mandatory Guidelines using urine (UrMG) and oral fluid (OFMG). This NPRM also proposes to clarify certain existing part 40 drug testing program provisions and to make technical amendments.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 167 (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 167 (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42363-42381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16720]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
49 CFR Part 40
[Docket DOT-OST-2025-0049]
RIN 2105-AF26
Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing
Programs: Addition of Fentanyl to the Department of Transportation's
Drug-Testing Panel; Harmonization With Certain Items in the HHS
Mandatory Guidelines for Urine and Oral Fluid; and Technical Amendments
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), U.S.
Department of Transportation.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT)
proposes to amend its drug-testing program regulation, 49 CFR part 40
(part 40), to add fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) and norfentanyl (a
metabolite of fentanyl) to its drug testing panels. The proposed
rulemaking would harmonize part 40 with the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace
Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines), which DOT must follow for
the minimum list of drugs for which DOT requires testing, and the
comprehensive standards for laboratory drug testing per the Omnibus
Employee Testing Act of 1991. Adding fentanyl and norfentanyl is also
in the interest of transportation safety, given compelling information
regarding the number of overdose deaths in the United States involving
fentanyl. The Department also proposes to amend certain provisions of
part 40 to harmonize, as appropriate, with the current HHS Mandatory
Guidelines using urine (UrMG) and oral fluid (OFMG). This NPRM also
proposes to clarify certain existing part 40 drug testing program
provisions and to make technical amendments.
DATES: Comments to this notice of proposed rulemaking should be
submitted by October 17, 2025. Late-filed comments will be considered
to the extent possible.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bohdan Baczara, Deputy Director,
Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; telephone number 202-366-3784;
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2669626776657143446b474f4a6642495208414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0bfb4b1a0b3a79592bd91999cb0949f84de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>.
ADDRESSES: To ensure that you do not duplicate your docket submissions,
please submit them by only one of the following means:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> and follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
<bullet> Mail: Dockets Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building, Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590-0001;
<bullet> Hand Delivery: West Building, Ground Floor, 1200 New
Jersey Ave. SE, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329;
<bullet> Instructions: You must include the agency name and docket
number DOT-OST-2025-0049 or the Regulatory Identification Number (2105-
AF26) for the rulemaking at the beginning of your comments. All
comments received will be posted without change to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information provided.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Purpose
DOT requires urine drug testing and authorizes oral fluid drug
testing as an alternative methodology to urine drug testing of safety-
sensitive transportation industry employees subject to drug testing
under part 40 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (part 40).
DOT's part 40 regulations are in turn incorporated by reference in the
drug and alcohol testing requirements of each of its operating
administrations such that updates to part 40 automatically update the
pertinent requirements of DOT's operating administrations.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See Sec. 40.3 (defining ``DOT, The Department, DOT Agency''
to include each of the DOT operating administrations).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOT is issuing this NPRM to harmonize part 40, as appropriate, with
the revised HHS UrMG published on October 12, 2023 (88 FR 70768), the
HHS OFMG published on October 12, 2023 (88 FR 70814), and the HHS
Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs-
Authorized Testing Panels published on January 16, 2025 (90 FR 4662).
The Department proposes to harmonize with these HHS Mandatory
Guidelines because the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act
(OTETA) of 1991 requires DOT to incorporate the HHS scientific and
technical guidelines that establish comprehensive standards for all
aspects of laboratory testing of controlled substances to ensure full
reliability and accuracy in testing. DOT also proposes to clarify
certain existing part 40 drug testing program provisions and to make
technical amendments.
II. Authority for This Rulemaking
This NPRM is issued pursuant to OTETA of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-143,
Tit. V, 105 Stat. 952). While DOT has discretion concerning many
aspects of the regulations governing testing in the transportation
industries' regulated programs, the Department must follow the HHS
Mandatory Guidelines for the minimum list of drugs for which DOT
requires testing and the standards for laboratory drug testing. Section
503 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1987 (Pub. L. 100-71, 101
Stat 391, 468), 5 U.S.C. 7301, and Executive Order 12564 establish HHS
as the agency that establishes scientific and technical guidelines for
Federal workplace drug-testing programs and standards for certification
of laboratories engaged in such drug testing.
[[Page 42364]]
III. Background
Relevant History of the DOT Drug Testing Program Regulation
DOT first published its drug-testing program regulation, part 40,
on November 21, 1988, as an interim final rule (53 FR 47002). The
Department based the rule on HHS's April 11, 1988, Mandatory Guidelines
for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (See 53 FR 11970), which,
in part, required Federal agencies to test employees for cocaine and
marijuana. HHS based this requirement on the incidence and prevalence
of the abuse of these two substances in the general population and on
the experiences, at the time, of the Departments of Defense and
Transportation in screening their workforces (See 53 FR 11970).
Agencies also were authorized under the 1988 HHS Mandatory Guidelines
to test for phencyclidine, amphetamines, and opiates. Among other
provisions from those guidelines, DOT published a final rule on
December 1, 1989 (54 FR 49854) that incorporated a 5-panel test with
all of the drugs HHS authorized for testing.
The Department made comprehensive revisions to part 40 on several
occasions and harmonized with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines where
necessary. For example, on August 16, 2010 (See 75 FR 49850), DOT
harmonized with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines effective October 1, 2010
(See 73 FR 71858; 75 FR 22809). Specifically, the Department required
initial and confirmatory testing for methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA), confirmatory testing for methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDEA); and initial testing for 6-
acetylmorphine (6-AM). The Department also lowered the initial and
confirmatory test cutoff concentrations for amphetamines and cocaine to
conform with HHS changes. On November 13, 2017 (See 82 FR 52229), DOT
harmonized with HHS Mandatory Guidelines effective October 1, 2017 (See
82 FR 7920). Specifically, the Department required the initial and
confirmatory testing for four additional Controlled Substances Act
(CSA) Schedule II prescription opioid medications: hydrocodone,
hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. DOT also removed MDEA as a
confirmatory test analyte and added MDA as an initial test analyte from
the existing drug-testing panel. On May 2, 2023 (See 88 FR 27596), the
Department harmonized with the HHS OFMG effective January 1, 2020 (See
88 FR 57554). Specifically, DOT amended part 40 to authorize oral fluid
drug testing in the DOT drug testing program. This additional
methodology for drug testing gives employers a choice that will help
combat employee cheating on urine drug tests as oral fluid tests are
inherently directly observed. Oral fluids testing provides a less
intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program.
Relevant Changes to the HHS Mandatory Guidelines
After declaring the opioid crisis a public health emergency in
2017, the President signed the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that
Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act
(SUPPORT Act) into law on October 24, 2018. Section 8105 of the
Fighting Opioid Abuse in Transportation Act, included in the SUPPORT
Act, required the Secretary of HHS to determine whether it is
justified, based on the reliability and cost-effectiveness of testing,
to revise the Mandatory Guidelines to include fentanyl.\2\ In addition,
Section 8105 required the Secretary of HHS to consider whether to
include any other drugs or other substances listed in Schedule I and II
of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C.
812).\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid
Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act or the
SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, Public Law 115-271, 132
Stat. 3895 (Oct. 24, 2018).
\3\ Schedules of Controlled Substances, 21 CFR part 1308.
<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1308?toc=1">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1308?toc=1</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historically, when adding or removing drugs/analytes from the
authorized drug testing panel, which was included in the HHS Mandatory
Guidelines, HHS would publish ``proposed revised Mandatory Guidelines''
and after reviewing public comment and consulting with its Drug Testing
Advisory Board (DTAB), publish ``revised Mandatory Guidelines.'' On
April 7, 2022 HHS proposed (87 FR 20560; 87 FR 20522), and then revised
on October 12, 2023, its UrMG (88 FR 70768) and OFMG (88 FR 70814),
establish a new process for adding and removing drugs/analytes from its
drug testing panel that would be more responsive to drug use trends, as
well as provide flexibility based on the state of the science (e.g.,
new technologies and research including dosing studies). Using this new
process, HHS would conduct a thorough review of the scientific and
medical literature, solicit input from subject matter experts including
DTAB, and provide an opportunity for public comment. Rather than
publish the updated drug testing panels (i.e., drugs, analytes, and
cutoffs) in the HHS Mandatory Guidelines, HHS would publish them
annually or as necessary, in the Federal Register and post them on the
HHS website. The drug testing panels are still part of the HHS
Mandatory Guidelines by reference in Section 3.4 in both the UrMG and
OFMG.
Utilizing the new process described above, HHS issued a notice in
the Federal Register on October 17, 2023 announcing a December 5, 2023
DTAB meeting and agenda, which included a proposal to update the HHS
drug testing panels to include fentanyl and norfentanyl (88 FR 71582).
On November 17, 2023, HHS published a notice of correction to the
October 17, 2023 notice stating that the DTAB Board would discuss the
Mandatory Guidelines and the proposed revisions to the drug testing
panels to (1) add fentanyl for urine and oral fluid and norfentanyl for
urine, (2) remove MDMA and MDA, and (3) ask for public comment on its
recommended changes to the authorized drug testing panels (88 FR
80323). In both notices, HHS listed the proposed initial and
confirmation cutoffs for fentanyl and norfentanyl in urine, listed the
proposed initial and confirmation cutoffs for fentanyl in oral fluid,
and asked for public comment on the proposed cutoffs.
HHS said:
Fentanyl accounts for a large proportion of overdose deaths in the
United States and is therefore an important public safety concern.
Furthermore, fentanyl is increasingly used as a stand-alone substance
of abuse, not in conjunction with heroin and other substances as was
common in the past. According to the National Forensic Laboratory
Information System (NFLIS) 2021 report, fentanyl was the 4th most
frequently identified drug and accounted for 11.61% of all drugs
reported by forensic laboratories. Norfentanyl is an important
component of identifying fentanyl users when urine is the specimen
matrix. Fentanyl has been detected in oral fluid in pain management
patients, overdose cases, and driving under the influence of drugs
(DUID) cases. Information provided by HHS-certified laboratories in
2023 indicated that a majority (84%) of the laboratories have
previously analyzed non-regulated workplace specimens for fentanyl and/
or norfentanyl and that all had the ability to analyze urine specimens
for fentanyl with sufficiently sensitive detection limits using
commercially available immunoassay kits and confirmatory test
[[Page 42365]]
instrumentation commonly used in HHS-certified laboratories.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ 88 FR 71582, HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMSHA) Notice of Meeting (Oct. 17, 2023), <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-17/pdf/2023-22797.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-17/pdf/2023-22797.pdf</a>
(footnote omitted).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 1, 2023, DOT sent out a listserv notice \5\ informing
employers, employees, and testing service providers involved in the DOT
drug testing program of the upcoming DTAB meeting, and that the meeting
agenda included a discussion regarding a possible update to the HHS
analyte table to include fentanyl. DOT reminded the readers that it
must follow the HHS scientific guidelines for DOT-regulated drug
testing laboratory procedures, and that any change to the HHS analyte
table may affect the DOT testing program under part 40, but only after
DOT conducts its own conforming rulemaking. The listserv notice also
stated that HHS was requesting public comment on the recommendation to
add fentanyl and norfentanyl (along with their proposed testing
cutoffs) to the analyte table and that comments could be submitted (1)
prior to the DTAB meeting, (2) during the DTAB meeting, (3) up to 30
days after the DTAB meeting, but no later than January 4, 2024, or (4)
via email to HHS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ U.S. DOT, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration Requests Public Comment on the Possible Addition of
Fentanyl to the Urine and Oral Fluid Analyte Table (Nov. 1, 2023),
<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOT/bulletins/378c63a">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOT/bulletins/378c63a</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On February 9, 2024, HHS published a notice announcing a March 5,
2024 open-session DTAB meeting (89 FR 9166) with presentations
regarding the proposed changes to the analyte table, fentanyl
prevalence, fentanyl immunoassay updates, cost and benefits analysis,
and a summary of public comments received regarding the proposed
changes to the HHS drug testing panels. As with the other DTAB-related
notices discussed earlier, this notice discussed the reasons for adding
fentanyl/norfentanyl and removing MDA and MDMA from the panel and
requested public comment on the proposed changes. At the March 5, 2024
open-session DTAB meeting, there were presentations on (1) the
prevalence of fentanyl and norfentanyl in non-regulated specimens, (2)
the availability of fentanyl and norfentanyl assays, (3) the costs of
testing for fentanyl and norfentanyl, and (4) a summary of the public
comments received regarding the proposed panel changes (i.e., addition
of fentanyl and norfentanyl and removal of MDMA and MDA from the
panel).\6\ There were 118 commenters and 176 comments received.\7\ The
commenters included substance abuse professionals (SAPs), designated
employer representatives (DERs), medical review officers (MROs),
laboratory responsible persons, employer safety directors/managers,
truck drivers, consortium/third-party administrators (C/TPAs), nurses,
school district transportation services managers, and national drug
testing associations and transportation industry associations.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
DTAB Meeting March 2024, <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/meetings/dtab-meeting-march-2024">https://www.samhsa.gov/meetings/dtab-meeting-march-2024</a>.
\7\ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
DTAB Meeting Open Session Transcript, at 47 (Mar. 5, 2024), <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/transcripts/dtab-meeting-transcript-03052024.pdf">https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/transcripts/dtab-meeting-transcript-03052024.pdf</a>.
\8\ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
DTAB Meeting March 2024, Public Comments to Analyte Table Change,
<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/documents/adding-fentanyl-drug-testing-panel.pdf">https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/documents/adding-fentanyl-drug-testing-panel.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a January 16, 2025 Federal Register notice (90 FR 4662), HHS
added fentanyl (for urine and oral fluid) and norfentanyl (for urine
only) to the authorized drug testing panels after (1) conducting
studies to determine the prevalence of fentanyl in drug testing
specimens, (2) examining the current state of the technology available
to HHS-certified laboratories for initial and confirmatory testing for
fentanyl and norfentanyl, (3) identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed
publications that reported concentrations of fentanyl and/or
norfentanyl in urine and oral fluid to help identify the appropriate
testing cutoff concentrations, (4) requesting, receiving, and reviewing
public comment, (5) conducting a cost analysis, and (6) considering
input from DTAB.
HHS also said that though they had proposed to remove MDMA and MDA
from the drug testing panels due to the significantly low laboratory
positivity rates, retain MDMA and MDA on the testing panels. This
decision was based on HHS's review of all the comments to the docket.
HHS said that removing MDMA and MDA from the testing panels was not
warranted at this time, but that it will continue to monitor MDMA and
MDA prevalence, assess the costs and benefits of removing one or both
analytes in the future, and engage with DTAB on the issue.
In the same Federal Register notice, HHS included separate tables
with abbreviations for the drug analytes and required HHS laboratories
and MROs to report results using this nomenclature. This was done for
consistency and to avoid misinterpretations of test results. Specific
to marijuana, the drug testing panels include revised abbreviations for
the marijuana test analytes to be consistent with current scientific
nomenclature. In the urine drug test panel, both the initial and
confirmatory test analytes for marijuana were changed from THCA to
[Delta]9THCC. In the oral fluid drug testing panel, both the initial
and confirmatory test analytes for marijuana were changed from THC to
[Delta]9THC. HHS also edited Footnote 1 in both drug testing panels to
include more specific and updated criteria for alternate technology
initial drug tests.
In the latest revisions to the UrMG (effective February 1, 2024)
and the OFMG (effective October 10, 2023), HHS also authorized
laboratories to conduct biomarker testing in urine and oral fluid
specimens after HHS approval and made edits to reflect this change
(e.g., adding and defining the terms ``biomarker,'' ``biomarker testing
panel,'' and ``drug testing panel,'' and revising the existing
definition of ``substituted'' to address the change to report specimens
as substituted based on biomarker testing). Once a biomarker test has
been added to the HHS-authorized biomarker testing panel, HHS-certified
laboratories may routinely conduct the test without requiring an MRO
request, and only require a signed MRO request for case-by-case
biomarker testing (in accordance with OFMG section 3.5). HHS continued
to require the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) to
review biomarker assay validation records before allowing a laboratory
to use the test for federally regulated workplace specimens.\9\ HHS
will review and approve biomarkers based on submitted laboratory data
and support from the scientific and medical literature, then will add
approved biomarkers to the biomarker testing panel in a subsequent
Federal Register notice. At the time of this NPRM, no biomarkers have
been approved for Federal workplace drug testing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ 87 FR 20560, Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug
Testing Programs (Apr. 7, 2022), <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-04-07/pdf/2022-06886.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-04-07/pdf/2022-06886.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HHS also made other revisions to the UrMG \10\ and OFMG,\11\
including (1) revising the urine confirmatory test cutoff for morphine,
(2) removing the additional decision point of 15,000 ng/mL for codeine
and morphine in urine, (3) removing the MRO requirement to determine
clinical evidence of illegal opioid use to support a positive codeine
or morphine result in urine and oral fluid drug testing, and (4)
revising the
[[Page 42366]]
definitions of ``adulterated specimen,'' ``cutoff,'' ``initial specimen
validity test,'' ``negative result,'' ``substituted specimen,'' and
``positive result.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-12/pdf/2023-21734.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-12/pdf/2023-21734.pdf</a>.
\11\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-12/pdf/2023-21735.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-12/pdf/2023-21735.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Discussion of the Proposals
Summary of Proposed Changes to the DOT Drug-Testing Program Regulation
In keeping with the Department's statutory obligation under OTETA
of 1991 to incorporate the HHS Mandatory Guidelines specifically for
the minimum list of drugs for which DOT requires testing, and for the
scientific and technical guidelines related to laboratory testing
procedures, the Department proposes to amend part 40 to (1) add the
drugs fentanyl and norfentanyl and their respective cutoffs for initial
and confirmatory testing (as listed in the HHS urine and oral fluid
drug testing panels published in the Federal Register on January 16,
2025, (90 FR 4662)) to the DOT drug testing panels (fentanyl would be
added to both the urine and oral fluid testing panels, and norfentanyl
to the urine testing panel); (2) adjust the laboratory confirmatory
test cutoff for morphine in urine drug testing; (3) remove the MRO
requirement to determine clinical evidence of illegal opioid use to
support a positive codeine or morphine result in urine and oral fluid
drug testing; (4) add and define the term ``biomarker'' and revise the
definitions of ``adulterated specimen,'' ``cutoff,'' ``initial specimen
validity test,'' ``negative result,'' ``positive result,'' and
``substituted specimen'' for clarity and consistency with HHS; (5)
authorize laboratories to conduct biomarker testing once HHS approves
laboratory biomarker testing; (6) amend the analyte nomenclature for
marijuana in both drug testing panels; and (7) revise the footnotes in
both drug testing panels to include more specific and updated criteria
for alternate technology initial drug tests. The Department will also
provide clarification for certain existing drug testing program
provisions and make certain technical amendments.
Proposal To Add Fentanyl and Norfentanyl to DOT Drug Testing Panels
There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and
illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain,
especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Most cases of
fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured
fentanyl,\12\ which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its
heroin-like effect. It is often added to other illicit drugs because of
its extreme potency, which makes those drugs cheaper, more powerful,
more addictive, and more dangerous. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger
than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major
contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.\13\ Even in
small doses, it can be deadly. Over 150 people die in the U.S. every
day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids, primarily
fentanyl.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Facts about
Fentanyl, <a href="https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl">https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl</a>;
National Institute of Drug Abuse, Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and
Figures (Aug. 2024), <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates#Fig2">https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates#Fig2</a>.
\13\ Wilson N, Kariisa M, Seth P, Smith H IV, Davis NL. Drug and
Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths--United States, 2017-2018. MMWR Morb
Mortal Wkly Rep 2020; 69:290-297. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6911a4">http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6911a4</a>.
\14\ NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Estimates for 2020
are based on provisional data. Estimates for 2015-2019 are based on
final data (available from: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm</a>).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a representative sampling of information provided
by various organizations that have reported on fentanyl use trends over
the past few years:
<bullet> Drug overdose death rates involving fentanyl increased by
279 percent from 5.7 per 100,000 in 2016 to 21.6 in 2021, according to
new data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics
(NCHS).\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ Spencer, M.R., Warner, M., Cisewski, J.A., Mini[ntilde]o,
A., Dodds, D., Perera, J., & Ahmad, F.B. (May 2023). Estimates of
Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine,
Heroin, and Oxycodone: United States, 2021 (NVSS Rapid Release
Report No.27), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr027.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr027.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> In 2022, the CDC's NCHS reported and predicted that the
number of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (including
fentanyl but excluding methadone) and psychostimulants with abuse
potential (such as methamphetamine) continue to increase compared to
the previous year.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ NCHS, National Vital Statistics System. Estimates for 2022
are based on provisional data (May 18, 2023) (available from:
<a href="https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2023/05/18/7365/">https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2023/05/18/7365/</a>).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> According to the State Health Access Data Assistance
Center (SHADAC), ``Not only has fentanyl become the dominant substance
driving today's crisis of drug overdose deaths, but it also has become
the center of gravity around which other drugs orbit.'' \17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ Planalp, C, & Stewart, A (Nov. 2023). The Opioid Crisis in
the Pandemic Era. State Health Access Data Assistance Center
(SHADAC) (available from: <a href="https://www.shadac.org/sites/default/files/publications/Opioid_Crisis/Opioid%20Crisis%20Pandemic-2023%20Brief.pdf">https://www.shadac.org/sites/default/files/publications/Opioid_Crisis/Opioid%20Crisis%20Pandemic-2023%20Brief.pdf</a>).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> According to the DEA, ``While recent data shows progress
in reducing overdose deaths from record highs, nearly half of teens
still don't know that counterfeit prescription pills often contain
lethal amounts of fentanyl. This lack of knowledge is leading to tragic
consequences--young people are dying simply because they didn't know
the pill they took was fake. That's why we need to turn awareness into
action.'' \18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ DEA, April 29, 2025 National Fentanyl Awareness Day,
<a href="https://fentanylawarenessday.org/">https://fentanylawarenessday.org/</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> ``While provisional data from the CDC indicates a 25.5%
decrease in overdose deaths in the 12 months ending October 2024
compared with the same period in 2023, approximately 150 Americans die
every day from overdose involving illegal, synthetic opioids such as
illegally made fentanyl. Overdose remains the leading cause of death
among Americans aged 18-44. The Administration and HHS remain committed
to preventing substance use initiation, reducing the number of lives
lost to overdose, and helping Americans to overcome substance use
disorders, achieve recovery, and live healthy lives.'' \19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ Secretary Kennedy Renews Public Health Emergency
Declaration to Address National Opioid Crisis, <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/secretary-kennedy-opiod-crisis-emergency-declaration.html">https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/secretary-kennedy-opiod-crisis-emergency-declaration.html</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> ``Approximately 70% of U.S. overdose deaths in 2023 were
estimated to involve illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs). Local
reports indicate reemergence of carfentanil, a fentanyl analog.'' \20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ Detection of Illegally Manufactured Fentanyls and
Carfentanil in Drug Overdose Deaths--United States, 2021-2024,
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7348a2.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7348a2.htm</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In light of this compelling information regarding fentanyl use (and
the national attention on this issue), and consistent with the action
taken by HHS, the Department proposes to amend the DOT drug testing
panels to meet our statutory obligation under OTETA of 1991, and to
raise the level of safety for the transportation industry and the
transported public. Specifically, the Department proposes to amend the
drug-testing panels in sections 40.85(a) and 40.91(a) to include
fentanyl in the urine and oral fluid testing panel and norfentanyl to
the urine testing panel (along with their corresponding test cutoff
concentrations), amend the MRO verification process to include these
drugs, and amend Appendices D and E of part 40 to add fentanyl and
norfentanyl to the drugs listed on the laboratory reports to employers
and DOT.
[[Page 42367]]
Recognizing that the term ``opioid'' is used in a broad context to
include various natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic opioids, the
Department proposes to modify its definition of ``opioid'' in section
40.137 to remove the specific semi-synthetic compounds (i.e.,
hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone) and use the
term ``opioids'' when referring to the opiates, synthetic opioids, and
semi-synthetic opioid test results that an MRO may review and verify.
For Urine Drug Testing--Proposal To Adjust the Laboratory Morphine
Confirmatory Cutoff and Remove the Additional Requirement for MROs To
Look for Clinical Evidence of Illegal Opioid Use
Currently, for a laboratory to report a positive codeine/morphine
\21\ result for a urine specimen, the laboratory-confirmed result must
be greater than or equal to 2,000 ng/mL.\22\ In our December 19, 2000
final rule (65 FR 79462), the Department established a process to
address a laboratory-reported positive result, which depends on the
laboratory-reported codeine/morphine level. If the morphine level is
between 2,000 and 15,000 the burden of proof is on the MRO, if the
level is above 15,000 the burden of proof is on the employee. This
process was established, in part, to address positive laboratory-
reported codeine/morphine results that may be due to poppy seed
ingestion. Specifically, if the laboratory-reported codeine or morphine
concentration for a urine specimen is greater than 2,000 ng/mL and less
than 15,000 ng/mL, the MRO is required to examine the employee for
clinical signs of unauthorized use or refer the employee to another
physician for this purpose. In conducting the examination of the
employee, the MRO or physician may consider such factors as needle
tracks, behavioral or psychological signs of acute addiction, clinical
history of unauthorized use including admissions by employees, or use
of foreign opiate medication without substantiation that the medication
was obtained and used legally.\23\ The MRO is to use his/her best
professional and ethical judgment on a case-by-case basis. If the MRO
finds clinical evidence, then the result is verified as ``positive.''
If the MRO does not establish that there is clinical evidence of
unauthorized use of an opiate, then the result is verified as
``negative.'' If the laboratory-reported codeine/morphine concentration
is 15,000 ng/mL or greater, then the burden of proof falls on the
employee to provide a legitimate medical explanation, which the
employee may meet by showing that she or he had used a legally
prescribed medication. When an employee cannot establish a legitimate
medical explanation for codeine/morphine at or above 15,000 ng/mL, then
the MRO verifies the test as positive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\21\ Codeine and morphine are both metabolites of heroin. Heroin
occurs naturally in the poppy seed plant.
\22\ 49 CFR 40.85(a).
\23\ 49 CFR 40.139.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On April 7, 2022, HHS proposed revisions to its UrMG to (1) raise
the confirmatory test cutoff for morphine in urine from 2,000 ng/mL to
4,000 ng/mL and (2) remove the additional requirement for clinical
evidence of illegal opioid use to verify laboratory-reported positive
codeine/morphine results less than 15,000 ng/mL as positive (87 FR
20560). Regarding morphine cutoff levels, HHS stated that it had
reviewed several studies and concluded that those studies ``. . .
confirm that urine morphine concentrations exceeding 4,000 ng/mL would
be very rare, transient, and a consequence of unrealistic and extreme
poppy seed exposure (i.e., ingesting barely tolerable amounts of raw
and/or unwashed poppy seeds).'' HHS also cited the DEA's 2019 warning
about unwashed poppy seeds from online retailers, which stated ``. . .
their use and misuse may result in unpredictable outcomes including
death when used alone or in combination with other drugs. DEA
reiterated that morphine and codeine, if present as contaminants on
poppy seed material, are not exempted from Controlled Substances Act
(CSA) control.'' HHS concluded that ``. . . the Department is not aware
of any evidence that reasonable or realistic consumption of poppy seed-
containing food products would cause a positive drug test using the
codeine and morphine cutoffs specified by these Guidelines. Only
purposeful consumption of large amounts (e.g., 15 g or more) of raw
and/or unwashed poppy seeds has been shown to result in codeine at or
above 600 ng/mL or in morphine exceeding 4,000 ng/mL, and the extreme
amounts of poppy seeds in these studies, described by subjects as
intolerable or barely tolerable, do not represent a real-world
situation for donors in a Federal agency testing program.'' Based on
its review of existing research, which did not show that reasonable or
realistic consumption of poppy seed-containing products would cause a
positive urine drug test result for codeine at the established cutoff
of 2,000 ng/mL, HHS did not propose to adjust the cutoff level for
codeine in urine.
As mentioned above, the requirement to look for clinical evidence
of illegal opioid use to verify laboratory-reported positive codeine/
morphine results of less than 15,000 ng/mL (for urine) was established
to address positive laboratory-reported codeine/morphine results that
may be due to poppy seed ingestion. Because HHS has now identified a
morphine cutoff level at which reasonable or realistic consumption of
poppy seed-containing products would not trigger a positive urine drug
test result, and because the existing codeine cutoff level would also
not trigger a positive urine drug test result, HHS has removed the
requirement for MROs to look for clinical evidence of illicit opiate
use as a decision point on whether to report a urine codeine/morphine
result as negative or positive due to poppy seed ingestion.
In its October 2023 revised UrMG effective February 1, 2024, HHS
adjusted only the confirmatory test cutoff for morphine from 2,000 ng/
mL to 4,000 ng/mL and removed the requirement for clinical evidence of
illegal opioid use to verify laboratory-reported positive urine
codeine/morphine results less than 15,000 ng/mL as positive as
proposed. HHS said that it had received one comment agreeing with the
proposed change. HHS made these changes following a notice and
opportunity for public comment.
Because DOT's laboratory drug testing procedures must remain
consistent with the HHS UrMG as required by OTETA of 1991, the
Department proposes to amend the urine drug testing panel in section
40.85 by adjusting the morphine confirmation cutoff from 2,000 ng/mL to
4,000 ng/mL and propose to remove the word ``concentrations'' from the
header in the table to be consistent with the terminology in the HHS
urine drug testing panel. Because the proposed morphine cutoff is at a
level at which reasonable or realistic consumption of poppy seed-
containing products would not trigger a positive urine drug test
result, and because the existing codeine cutoff level would also not
trigger a positive urine drug test result, there is no need for an
additional decision point (i.e., clinical evidence of illegal opioid
use). Therefore, the Department proposes to remove the additional
requirement in section 40.139 for a clinical exam to identify evidence
of illicit opiate use as a decision point on whether to report a
codeine/morphine result as negative or positive due to poppy seed
ingestion. Instead, DOT
[[Page 42368]]
proposes that MROs follow the existing verification process outlined in
section 40.137. Accordingly, the Department proposes to modify section
40.137 to include the verification of opiates (6-AM, codeine, and
morphine) previously found in section 40.139.
In further support of this proposal, the Department has heard from
MROs anecdotally that they have difficulty finding a physician to
complete the required clinical examination and that a majority of those
examinations result in the MRO verifying the result as ``negative.''
Based on calendar year 2023 data from four HHS-certified laboratories
(which conduct approximately 44 percent of the annual DOT tests),
approximately 1,782 of the 6.8 million drug tests administered in the
DOT program were reported with morphine results between 2,000 ng/mL and
15,000 ng/mL (899 tests were between 2,000-4,000 ng/mL, and 883 tests
were between 4,000-15,000 ng/mL). By adjusting the urine morphine
confirmation cutoff in part 40, and by removing the requirement for
clinical evidence of illegal opioid use for laboratory-reported
positive codeine/morphine results less than 15,000 ng/mL, the
Department expects that MROs will be better able to verify laboratory-
reported urine codeine/morphine results.
For Oral Fluid Drug Testing--Proposal To Remove Additional Requirement
for MROs To Look for Clinical Evidence of Illegal Opioid Use
In the OFMG effective January 1, 2020, HHS established a
confirmatory cutoff of 15 ng/mL for both codeine and morphine for
laboratories to report a laboratory-confirmed positive result and a
codeine/morphine level of 150 ng/mL (10 times that of the confirmatory
test cutoff) as a conservative decision point for MROs to rule out the
possibility of a positive result due to poppy seed consumption. HHS
noted that ``the 150 ng/mL concentration is higher than the highest
concentration seen in study subjects at one hour and later after
consumption of raw poppy seeds and products containing poppy seeds.''
\24\ In its OFMG effective October 10, 2023, HHS maintained the
confirmatory cutoff of 15 ng/mL for both codeine and morphine for
laboratories to report a laboratory-confirmed positive result. HHS also
maintained a codeine/morphine level of 150 ng/mL). The MRO must report
a codeine/morphine result at or above 150 ng/mL as ``positive'' unless
the employee provides a legitimate medical explanation for the result.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\24\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-10-25/pdf/2019-22684.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-10-25/pdf/2019-22684.pdf</a> (pg. 57559).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HHS removed the requirement for the MRO to conduct a clinical
examination (i.e., physical examination) for laboratory-reported oral
fluid results between 15 ng/mL and 150 ng/mL when the donor claimed the
result was due to poppy seed consumption. In these cases, the MRO
reports the result as ``negative'' unless the employee admits illicit
use. As explained in the HHS April 7, 2022 proposed OFMG (87 FR 20522),
MROs routinely conduct donor interviews by telephone, rather than in-
person, and some MROs had expressed concern about the feasibility of
making a clinical assessment (i.e., physical examination) of the donor.
HHS concluded that the additional requirement for clinical evidence of
illegal opioid use in these situations was no longer practical or
effective. HHS adopted the proposed revisions with no changes in the
October 2023 revised OFMG.
DOT proposes to harmonize with HHS on this point as well. Given
that HHS has established a ``bright line'' for codeine/morphine results
of 150 ng/mL (having determined that results above this level cannot be
caused by the ingestion of poppy seed products and that results below
this level are those that MROs are most likely to report a ``negative''
result based on a clinical exam), the Department does not see the need
for an additional decision point (clinical evidence of illegal opioid
use) to rule out codeine/morphine results that may have been due to
ingestion of poppy seed products. Therefore, the Department proposes to
remove the requirement for the MRO to conduct a clinical exam if the
result is at or above 15 mg/mL and less than 150 ng/mL, and to report
codeine/morphine levels between 15 ng/mL and 150 ng/mL as ``negative''
when the employee claims poppy seed ingestion. If the employee does not
claim poppy seed ingestion (and for all other codeine/morphine
results), the Department proposes that MROs follow the existing
verification process outlined in section 40.137.
Because the Department is proposing for an MRO to report a
``negative'' when the oral fluid codeine/morphine oral fluid results
are at or above 15 mg/mL and less than 150 ng/mL when the employee
claims poppy seed ingestion, the Department is therefore also proposing
to amend section 40.151(d) to include an exception for laboratory
positive codeine or morphine, or both, results. Currently paragraph (d)
instructs the MRO not to consider an employee's claim of passive or
unknown ingestion stories as a legitimate medical explanation.
Since the Department is proposing to remove the requirement for
MROs to look for clinical evidence of illegal opioid use in codeine/
morphine results in urine and oral fluid specimens, and instead follow
the process outlined in section 40.137, there is no need for section
40.139. The Department therefore proposes to move the verification of
6-AM results from section 40.139 to section 40.137 and to remove the
remaining section 40.139 in its entirety. DOT specifically seeks
comments from MROs on these issues.
Proposal To Add Biomarkers for Urine and Oral Fluid Testing
A biomarker is an endogenous substance used to validate a
biological specimen. The purpose of a biomarker test is to determine if
the submitted specimen is a human urine or oral fluid specimen as there
are many ways a DOT-regulated transportation employee could effectively
mask illicit drug use. In essence, a biomarker test is a specimen
validity test (SVT). In the October 2023 revisions to the UrMG, HHS
adopted its proposed changes to modify the definition of ``substituted
specimen'' to include biomarker test results as an additional reason
indicating that a specimen has been submitted in place of an actual
donor specimen, and the process for adding biomarkers as well as
including them in a biomarker testing panel. HHS adopted procedures to
allow for review and comment before any biomarker panel change is
published in the Federal Register. If a laboratory identifies and
validates a biomarker test and submits it to HHS for approval, HHS will
follow its established process for ensuring the test result is
scientifically valid and forensically defensible. A laboratory can only
conduct biomarker testing once approved by HHS and the biomarker is
added to the authorized biomarker panel. HHS has not made biomarker
testing mandatory.
Consistent with HHS's April 2004 (69 FR 19644) \25\ amendments to
make SVT mandatory for Federal employee testing under the HHS Federal
Workplace Drug Testing Program, the Department made SVT on DOT urine
specimens mandatory in 2008 as an appropriate response to the use of
adulterants and attempts to subvert the specimen collection and
laboratory testing process. (73 FR35961).\26\ The
[[Page 42369]]
widespread availability of various adulteration and substitution
products has not changed since then, and DOT believes that more
products are available, including information and online personal
testimonials from individuals who have used those products. A simple
internet search for ``how to beat a drug test'' yields hundreds, if not
thousands, of results. Any individual who intentionally tries to ``beat
a drug test'' is of significant concern to transportation safety and
the traveling public. That said, the drug testing process is in place
to ensure that individuals can perform their job functions safely and
effectively, and do not subvert drug testing procedures that help
ensure public safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2004-04-13/pdf/04-7985.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2004-04-13/pdf/04-7985.pdf</a>.
\26\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2008-06-25/pdf/E8-14218.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2008-06-25/pdf/E8-14218.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Given that the purpose of a biomarker test--a laboratory standard
for drug testing--is to determine if the submitted specimen is a human
specimen, the Department proposes to harmonize with HHS to include
biomarker testing as an additional component of SVT for urine. The
Department realizes that as biomarker tests are developed by individual
laboratories, approved by HHS, and added to HHS's biomarker panel(s),
not all laboratories may have the technical capability to conduct
biomarker testing and, therefore, will not offer that testing.
Therefore, the Department thinks it is prudent to wait until more
laboratories have the technical ability to conduct biomarker testing
before making it mandatory for DOT testing. Like HHS, DOT will not
propose to make biomarker testing mandatory in either urine or oral
fluid at this time. DOT proposes to amend sections 40.86, 40.87, and
40.88 to authorize biomarker testing in urine. Though DOT has already
authorized SVT for oral fluid specimens (See section 40.92), the
Department will clarify that SVT testing may include testing for
biomarkers. DOT also proposes to amend section 40.93 by removing
albumin or immunoglobulin G (IgG) as examples of biomarkers. Though
they serve as examples, the Department, like HHS, is removing them
because there is a process HHS established to have biomarkers approved
and DOT does not want to mislead anyone into thinking that they are
approved biomarkers for testing. Furthermore, DOT proposes to harmonize
with HHS to amend the definition of ``substituted specimen'' in section
40.3, add a definition for ``biomarker'' in the same section, and
require a laboratory to report a ``substituted'' result when a
biomarker is absent or when its concentration is not consistent with
that established for human urine. However, DOT does not propose to
include a biomarker testing panel in part 40, but simply to refer to
HHS's published biomarker panel as reference in the Mandatory
Guidelines. The Department welcomes comments on this issue.
Because the Department proposes to amend the definition of
``substituted specimen'' to include the results of a urine or oral
fluid biomarker test, DOT also proposes to amend an existing procedural
safeguard for employees in the MRO review process for laboratory-
reported substituted results. Specifically, in section 40.145, DOT
proposes to include a biomarker test result as a test result for which
the employee can provide medical evidence to the MRO that the employee
can produce a specimen without the presence of a specific biomarker
when one is expected in a human specimen, or a specimen with a
biomarker concentration that is not consistent with that established
for human specimens.
Proposal To Add and Revise Definitions
The Department proposes to modify some existing definitions and add
a new term to section 40.3 to align more closely with definitions in
the revised HHS Mandatory Guidelines. DOT welcomes your comments on
these proposed changes. Specifically, the Department proposes to revise
the following definitions, consistent with the HHS definitions:
<bullet> Adulterated specimen revised to include ``nitrite'' as an
example of a substance present in urine that will cause a laboratory to
report an adulterated result;
<bullet> Cutoff revised to include ``biomarkers'' as criteria used
in the decision for the laboratory in reporting a specimen result or
the need for further testing;
<bullet> Initial specimen validity test revised to state that a
``dilute'' result is applicable only to a urine specimen;
<bullet> Negative result revised to include the text ``drug
metabolite.'' This is to clarify that a drug or drug metabolite, or
both, is either not present or less than the cutoff concentration for
the drug or drug metabolite;
<bullet> Positive result revised to clarify that the quantity of
drug reported by the laboratory is equal to or greater than the
confirmatory test cutoff. This should help to alleviate any
misunderstanding that the final result is not based on the initial test
cutoff, but on the confirmatory test cutoff; and
<bullet> Substituted specimen revised to clarify that a urine or
oral fluid specimen can also be reported as substituted based on
evidence of either the absence of a biomarker or a biomarker
concentration inconsistent with that of a human specimen.
The Department proposes to add the following definition:
<bullet> Biomarker is an endogenous substance used to validate a
biological specimen.
Proposal To Amend Nomenclature for Marijuana and Amend Drug Testing
Panel Footnotes
In the urine and oral fluid drug testing panels, HHS revised the
drug analyte name and abbreviation nomenclature specifically for the
marijuana metabolite. The change was made to be consistent with current
scientific nomenclature. In the urine drug test panel, both the initial
and confirmatory test analytes for marijuana were changed from THCA to
[Delta]9THCC. In the oral fluid drug testing panel, both the initial
and confirmatory test analytes for marijuana were changed from THC to
[Delta]9THC. The oral fluid drug testing panel does not identify the
THCA metabolite as in the urine drug testing panel, but identifies the
active [Delta]9THC analyte. This nomenclature change does not affect
the testing process for marijuana, but instead, just affects how
laboratories and MROs are to refer to the marijuana analyte. Also,
based on current technology and program experience, HHS revised
Footnote No. 1 to both drug testing panels to include more specific and
updated criteria for alternate technology initial drug tests. In
keeping with the OTETA of 1991 requirement to incorporate HHS
laboratory standards, the Department proposes revising the drug testing
panels in sections 40.85 and 40.91 to harmonize with HHS by
incorporating this nomenclature change for marijuana and the revisions
in Footnote No. 1.
Other Proposals
Section 40.14 What collection information must employers provide to
collectors?
As discussed in the May 2023 final rule, section 40.40(c)(2) no
longer mandates that fax numbers be included on the chain of custody
form (CCF). Sections 40.14(d) and (f), however, require the employer to
provide employer and MRO fax numbers to the collector. This was an
oversight, and the Department proposes to correct section 40.14 to be
consistent with section 40.40. Specifically, in sections 40.14(d) and
(f), DOT proposes to amend the text to make providing the employer and
MRO fax numbers to the collectors optional.
[[Page 42370]]
Section 40.25 Must an employer check on the drug and alcohol testing
record of employees it is intending to use to perform safety-sensitive
duties?
The Department proposes to fix an incorrect reference in section
40.25(a)(2), which states that as `` . . . an employer regulated by
FMCSA, you must comply with the requirements of this section by using
the FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in accordance with 49 CFR
382.71(a).'' That reference should read section 382.701(a), and not
section 382.71(a). Also, in section 40.25(b)(5), DOT directs employers
to request certain drug and alcohol information about a prospective
employee seeking to begin performing safety-sensitive duties. Though
the Department did not specify in (b)(5) all the documents relating to
the return-to-duty requirements, these documents include two SAP
reports (the initial assessment report and the follow up evaluation,
which also includes the follow up testing plan), the return-to-duty
test result(s), and the completed follow up test results. DOT is
proposing to amend (b)(5) by listing these documents so employers know
what documents they need to obtain so they can verify that the
prospective employee has completed the DOT return-to-duty requirements.
Section 40.31 Who may collect specimens for DOT drug testing?
As discussed in the preamble to the May 23, 2023 final rule, and
consistent with numerous other deletions of the term ``urine'' in
instances where the rule was intended to cover both urine and oral
fluid specimens, the Department amended section 40.31 to separately
specify the requirements for collectors of urine and oral fluid
specimens. In doing so, DOT did not remove the word ``urine'' from
paragraph (a). Also, DOT believes that paragraphs (b) and (c) should be
subparagraphs to paragraph (a). As such, the Department is proposing to
remove the word ``urine'' from paragraph (a) and redesignate (b) and
(c) to be subparagraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) respectively and redesignate
paragraphs (d) to (b), (e) to (c) and (f) to (d).
Section 40.33 What training requirements must a urine collector meet
for urine collection?
Section 40.35 What training requirements must an oral fluid collector
meet for oral fluid collection?
Section 40.213 What training requirements must STTs and BATs meet?
Over time, the Department has heard from associations and
individual trainers suggesting that the program and collectors (for
urine and oral fluid) would greatly benefit if both the qualification
training and the initial proficiency demonstration were completed
within 30 days of the completing the qualification training. They also
suggested that if an individual cannot complete the entire training
within 30 days, the individual re-take the qualification training. The
associations and trainers said that the longer the timeframe between
the qualification training and the mock collections (i.e., the initial
proficiency demonstration), the more the trainee will forget the part
40 required procedures, making it harder for the trainee to demonstrate
proficiency during the mock collections. They also pointed out that the
``Breath Alcohol Technician Training: DOT Model Course'' already has
this standard as a recommendation. Specifically, the model course
recommends that: (1) individuals arrange to take the procedural and
device proficiency training simultaneously, (2) the entire training
process should be completed within 30 days, and (3) the individual be
required to retake the procedural training program if the student has
not completed the device proficiency training within 30-days of the
start of the qualification training.
The Department agrees that the closer in time the qualification
training and initial training proficiency are completed, the greater
the retention of information and the greater the chances of
successfully completing the initial proficiency demonstration. As a
program, the Department wants only those qualified to be collectors and
Screening Test Technicians (STT)/Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT) to
collect specimens and administer alcohol tests. The Department also
agrees that this should be the standard for all collectors and alcohol
test technicians (i.e., urine collectors, oral fluid collectors,
screening test technicians, and breath alcohol technicians). With the
above in mind, DOT proposes to amend sections 40.33, 40.35, and 40.213
to include a 30-day timeframe within which the qualification training
and initial proficiency demonstration must be completed when an
individual becomes qualified as a collector or alcohol technician, or
both, for the first time. There will be no additional costs associated
with this proposal as the qualification training and initial
proficiency demonstration are already required. The Department is not
proposing, however, that the 30-day timeframe also apply to when the
oral fluid collector or alcohol technician, or both, seek to qualify on
a second device. Because they have already demonstrated proficiency in
part 40 when they first became qualified, they will only need to
complete mock collections that demonstrate proficiency on the ``new-
second'' device they will be using.
Section 40.35 What training requirements must a collector meet for oral
fluid collection?
As stated above, the Department paralleled the oral fluid collector
qualifications in section 40.35 as closely as possible to our existing
urine collector qualifications in section 40.33. Regarding the mock
collection scenarios specified in section 40.33(c)(1), one scenario is
the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle
tamper-evident seal. In the Department's May 2023 final rule (88 FR
27596), DOT included the first part of the scenario (refusing to sign
the CCF) but inadvertently left out the second part (refusing to
initial the specimen bottle tamper-evident seal). The Department
proposes to correct this omission.
Also in the May 2023 final rule, DOT amended section 40.33(f) to
not require error correction training for a urine collector when a test
was cancelled for circumstances that are beyond the control of the
collector. For example, when a specimen is damaged by a delivery truck
or is lost in transit. DOT intended to mirror this amendment in section
40.35(f) for oral fluid collectors as it made sense that similar
situations could happen with oral fluid specimens and the oral fluid
collector should not be held accountable for those errors. To ensure as
much consistency as possible, between the urine and oral fluid
collector training requirements and to not burden the oral fluid
collector with unnecessary error correction training, the Department is
proposing to amend section 40.35(f) to not require error correction
training for an oral fluid urine collector when a test is cancelled for
circumstances that are beyond the control of the collector.
[[Page 42371]]
Section 40.61 What are the preliminary steps in the collection process?
Part 40 is clear when the employer is responsible for determining
if a refusal to test occurred. For example, with respect to
collections, the collector documents what happened at the collection
site and provides the employer with the information for the employer to
make a final decision about whether the employee's conduct constitutes
a refusal to test (See sections 40.191(d)(1)) and 40.355(i)). Section
40.61(f), however, provides incorrect instructions for the specimen
collector when an employee fails to comply with the collector's
directions. Specifically, it directs the collector to advise the
employee that failure to comply with the collector's directions
constitutes a refusal to test. This is inconsistent with other sections
of part 40 that, in similar circumstances, direct the collector to stop
the collection, note the circumstances on the CCF, and report the
information to the employer/DER to make the refusal determination. To
the maximum extent practicable, to provide for uniformity and
consistency in the requirements for urine and oral fluid testing
throughout part 40, the Department proposes to remove the last sentence
in section 40.61(f) and mirror section 40.72(b)(2), stating the
collector must terminate the collection, note the circumstances in the
Remarks section of the CCF, and report the information to the DER as
described in section 40.191(a)(8) (failure to cooperate) so that the
employer can decide whether to deem the situation a refusal. Except for
section 355(j), a service agent should not be determining a refusal
that may have part 40 and DOT agency consequences; this is the purview
of the employer.
Section 40.65 What does the collector check for when the employee
presents a urine specimen?
Part 40 authorizes an employer to use oral fluid specimen
collections. For problematic urine collections (e.g., insufficient
specimen), section 40.193(a) authorizes the employer to either continue
with the original specimen type (urine) for the second collection, or
to continue with an alternate specimen type (oral fluid). Section
40.65, however, instructs the urine collector that, in the event of an
insufficient urine specimen, the collector is to follow the ``shy
bladder'' procedures in section 40.193(b), which instruct the collector
to collect another urine specimen. This is contrary to the instructions
in section 40.193(a) that offer the employer the choice of continuing
with a urine specimen or to move to an oral fluid specimen. Therefore,
the Department proposes to revise the incorrect reference to have
section 40.65(a)(1) read ``If it does not, you must follow the
procedures in 40.193(a).''
Section 40.72 What steps does the collector take in the collection
process before the employee provides an oral fluid specimen?
In section 40.72(b)(2), the Department proposes to correct a
typographical error. Specifically, at the end of the paragraph, the
last word ``refusal'' should read ``refusal to test.''
Section 40.73 How is an oral fluid specimen collected?
In Sec. 40.73(c)(4), DOT requires an oral fluid collector to
collect a second oral fluid specimen if it is apparent to the collector
that the employee tampered with the first specimen. The logical
progression would be for the oral fluid collector to complete the first
specimen collection, prepare it for shipment to the laboratory,
immediately begin a second oral fluid specimen collection, and send
both specimens to the laboratory. The instructions in section
40.73(c)(4), however, only tell the collector to collect a second
specimen and are currently silent as to what to do with the tampered
first specimen. The Department proposes to correct this ``gap'' by
including supplemental instructions for the collector to complete the
first collection and to send both specimens to the laboratory. In this
same section, there are no instructions regarding what a collector is
to do if the donor refuses to provide a subsequent oral fluid specimen
due to tampering with their first specimen. Therefore, the Department
proposes to add a new subparagraph to (c)(4)(iii) instructing the
collector to discard any specimen the employee provided during the
specimen collection procedure, and to notify the DER as soon as
practicable so the employer can determine whether the situation
constitutes a refusal to test by the employee. Both proposals are
consistent with existing part 40 procedures for urine specimen
collections (See section 40.65(c)).
Section 40.83 How do laboratories process incoming specimens?
Section 40.199 What problems always cause a drug test to be cancelled?
HHS added a new ``fatal flaw'' to its OFMG specifying that the
laboratory must reject an oral fluid specimen when a collector fails to
document that she or he observed the volume indicator at the time of
the collection. (88 FR 70814) \27\ HHS's basis for this amendment was
that the oral fluid specimen volume is critical to determining specimen
concentration, therefore the collector must document that she or he
observed the volume indicator at the time of the collection. The
Department agrees with this important procedural check, and therefore
proposes to amend sections 40.83(c) and 40.199(b) to add this new
``fatal flaw'' in each section.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\27\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-12/pdf/2023-21735.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-12/pdf/2023-21735.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 40.141 How does the MRO obtain information for the verification
decision?
MROs are authorized to ask HHS certified labs to run additional
drug tests on a case-by-case basis and use the results of those tests
to provide information that the MRO would use to verify a drug test
result. These additional tests included D, L stereoisomers of
amphetamine and methamphetamine (for amphetamine results) and
tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V) (for marijuana results). In its October
2023 OFMG, HHS did not include testing for THC-V as it relates to oral
fluid drug testing because in oral fluid drug testing the test is for
active THC, the parent drug, and not for the THCA metabolite. Because
the oral fluid test is for the parent drug, THC, there is no question
that the employee ingested marijuana and no need for additional
testing. The Department agrees and proposes to clarify in section
40.141(b)(2) that the MRO's request for additional testing for
tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V) would only apply to urine specimens.
Section 40.181 What does the second laboratory do with the split
specimen when it is tested to reconfirm a substituted test result?
In both the UrMG and OFMG, HHS added procedures for how a
laboratory tests a split specimen when the primary specimen was
reported substituted based on testing for a biomarker. As such, the
Department is proposing to amend section 40.181 to provide instructions
to the ``B'' laboratory on how to test a urine or oral fluid specimen
when testing the split specimen for biomarkers.
When it comes to what action a laboratory and MRO must take when a
split is identified as substituted, the Department looks to section
40.187(b)(2). Should biomarker testing be authorized, laboratories and
MROs would need instructions on how to proceed if the split specimen
was
[[Page 42372]]
reported substituted based on biomarker testing. The Department
believes section 40.187(b)(2) contains the necessary instructions for
laboratories and MROs and does not propose to amend it. DOT
specifically requests comments from MROs and laboratories on this
issue.
Section 40.193 What happens when an employee does not provide a
sufficient amount of specimen for a drug test?
In Sec. 40.193(a) the Department proposes to add the words ``or
standing orders'' after the word ``instructions.'' This is to ensure
consistency with section 40.210, which instructs the collector to
follow the employer's instructions, which could be via a discussion or
``standing orders'' when a decision needs to be made on whether a
different specimen type is to be collected during the testing event.
The Department is also proposing to amend section 40.193(b)(2) by
adding two sets of instructions for the oral fluid collector. The first
proposal is to discard any insufficient specimen the employee provided
that had unusual characteristics or signs of tampering (See section
40.73(c)(4)), which results in a subsequent oral fluid specimen
collection where the employee fails to provide a sufficient oral fluid
specimen after the one hour wait period. Regarding this proposal, it
makes sense to rely solely on the outcome of the insufficient specimen
process (See section 40.193(c)) as the intent of the ``dry mouth''
evaluation is to provide the employee with an opportunity to provide an
explanation for the inability to provide a sufficient oral fluid
specimen. In the insufficient specimen process, an MRO with advice from
a referral physician determines whether a medical condition has, or
with a high degree of probability could have, precluded the employee
from providing a sufficient amount of specimen. This rationale becomes
blurred with a verified drug test result from the same collection
event. The reasoning for discarding the insufficient ``suspect''
specimen is simple. It should reduce opportunities for confusion by the
collector on whether to send an insufficient ``specimen'' to the
laboratory when the employee did not provide a sufficient specimen
after the one hour wait period and will leave the MRO to report only
the outcome of the ``dry mouth'' evaluation. This proposal is
consistent with the existing part 40 instructions for urine collectors
during the ``shy bladder'' period (See section 40.193 (b)(1)(iv)).
The second proposal is to include instructions in section
40.193(b)(2) for the oral fluid collector to discontinue the collection
if the employee refuses to provide a subsequent specimen and to notify
the employer of the refusal event. The Department is proposing this
because this section does not address this possibility. This proposal
is consistent with the existing part 40 instructions for urine
collectors during the ``shy bladder'' period (See section 40.193
(b)(1)(iii)).
In the Department's May 2023 final rule, DOT established a 15-
minute period during which the employee is permitted to attempt to
provide a sufficient oral fluid specimen, codified in 49 CFR
40.193(b)(2)(i). If the employee does not provide a sufficient
specimen, the oral fluid collector will again attempt to collect a
sufficient specimen. DOT established the 15-minute wait period based on
the HHS OFMG (84 FR 57554). According to HHS, the collector sets the
reasonable time limit for the specimen collection (based on the device
used, but not to exceed 15 minutes (per device)). It was our
understanding that the 15-minute period was more of a general rule, and
not device-specific. The Department has since learned that for at least
one specific oral fluid collection device that has been approved by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the 15-minute period exceeds that
device's instructions on the specified period (10 minutes) in which to
collect a sufficient specimen. The Department understands that
exceeding that device's timeframe for collecting a sufficient specimen
would not in and of itself cause the device to fail, but doing so could
potentially expose the device to unintentional tongue or other oral
movement that may end up breaking or tearing the pad. The Department
has also learned that for this specific device, if the volume indicator
does not register a sufficient volume during the 10-minute period,
waiting an additional 5 minutes will not result in the device
registering a sufficient volume. The Department expects that other oral
fluid devices will eventually be approved, and that those other devices
may have different specimen collection timeframes. To ensure the
timeframe in which oral fluid specimens are being collected in
accordance with the device manufacturer's instructions, the Department
proposes to amend section 40.193(b)(2)(i) to remove the 15-minute
period, and instead refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Section 40.311 What are the requirements concerning SAP reports?
Section 40.329(c) directs the SAP to redact the follow-up testing
plan from the SAP report when providing the report to an employee.
Section 40.311(f) directs the SAP to provide the SAP reports to the
employee if the employee has no current employer but makes no mention
of redacting the follow up testing information as stated in section
40.329(c). Without a cross-reference to section 40.329(c), it may lead
the SAP or the employee to believe that the reports in their entirety
are to be provided.
As such, the Department is proposing to amend section 40.311(f) to
clarify that in cases where the report required by section 40.311 is
provided to an employee with no current employer, the follow-up testing
plan information (required by section 40.311(d)(9) of that report) must
be redacted before it is sent to the employee, consistent with section
40.329(c).
Section 40.355 What limitations apply to the activities of service
agents?
Section 40.355(j)(2) states that an MRO may make a determination
that an employee has refused a drug or alcohol test on the basis of
adulteration or substitution. However, the Department omitted the
scenario in which the MRO also makes the refusal to test determination
when there is not an adequate basis for determining that a medical
condition has, or with a high degree of probability could have,
precluded the employee from providing a sufficient amount of specimen
(See section 40.191(d)(2) and section 40.193(d)(2)(i)). As such the
Department is proposing to include this ``refusal to test'' scenario to
section 40.355(j)(2) as another situation in which an MRO makes the
determination on a refusal to test.
Changes to the HHS Mandatory Guidelines That DOT Is Not Proposing To
Adopt
While the Department is proposing to harmonize part 40 with the
laboratory drug testing standards in the revised HHS Mandatory
Guidelines as required by OTETA of 1991, which are the core scientific
laboratory functions necessary for the DOT's program, there are some
items in the revised HHS Mandatory Guidelines that are not specifically
related to laboratory drug testing standards that DOT is not proposing
to adopt. It is important to note the DOT has the discretion concerning
many other aspects of the regulations governing testing in the
transportation industries' regulated programs.
For example, HHS established a requirement in both the UrMG and
OFMG that MROs must submit semiannual reports to HHS on laboratory-
reported positive specimens
[[Page 42373]]
that were verified negative by the MRO, including the reason for the
negative verification. Specifically, these reports provide HHS with
oversight of the MRO reporting practices for such specimens, enhance
HHS's ability to verify the accuracy of MRO reports, and address areas
of confusion about the Mandatory Guideline requirements. These
semiannual reports also provide HHS with a clearer picture of illicit
drug use by Federal job applicants and employees.
The DOT's drug testing program already has other mechanisms in
place to assess MRO compliance, and to gauge illicit drug use by
applicants and DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees. For example,
during inspections, audits,\28\ or both, DOT agency auditors,
inspectors, or investigators review the MRO drug test verifications and
reporting practices for compliance with part 40. Also, when required by
DOT agency regulations, DOT-regulated employers submit their Management
Information System (MIS) reports (i.e., annual aggregate drug/alcohol
testing data) to the DOT agency. The DOT agencies use this data to
assess illicit drug use by employees and applicants and to calculate
the yearly industry annual drug/alcohol random testing rates.
Therefore, requiring approximately 2,400 MROs involved in the DOT drug
testing program to submit semi-annual reports on laboratory-positive/
MRO-verified negative results to DOT would be an undue burden to the
industry, and an added, unnecessary administrative task for DOT to
review, analyze, and follow up on each report. For these reasons, the
Department is not proposing this non-laboratory drug testing
requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\28\ DOT Agencies inspect/audit DOT-regulated employers and
their service agents (e.g., MRO, SAP, collectors/BATs) as part of
the Agency's efforts to ensure employer compliance with Part 40 and
the respective modal regulations. The inspections/audits are
conducted at a frequency determined by the DOT Agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HHS also revised both the UrMG and OFMG to remove two exceptions
for collectors reporting a refusal to test for a pre-employment test:
(1) when an applicant fails to appear for the collection in a
reasonable time; and (2) when an applicant leaves the collection site
before the collection process begins. HHS explained that there is no
justification for altering a refusal to test determination based on
whether a test is being conducted in the employment, or pre-employment,
context, and removed the exceptions.\29\ HHS requires all donors to
arrive at the collection site in a reasonable time (as established by
the Federal agency employer) and requires all donors to remain at the
collection site until the collection is complete. When the collector
reports a refusal to test, the Federal agency takes action consistent
with applicable agency regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\29\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-04-07/pdf/2022-06886.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-04-07/pdf/2022-06886.pdf</a> (pg. 20563).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the August 9, 2001 final rule (66 FR 41944),\30\ DOT clarified
the application of refusal determinations during pre-employment
testing. The Department said that an applicant can fail to appear for a
test for a number of legitimate reasons (e.g., took another job,
decided they did not want to change their present job, or decided they
did not want to work for a particular employer). In this type of
situation, the Department believed--and still does--that it would be
unfair to impose the consequences of a refusal (e.g., having to
complete the return-to-duty process or take actions to revoke a
certification under some DOT agency regulations) on the applicant.
Similarly, there can be situations in which an applicant could
legitimately leave a collection site before the test actually commences
(e.g., there is a long wait for the test and the applicant has another
obligation). DOT additionally clarified that, for the purposes of this
provision, the commencement of the pre-employment test means the
collector or applicant has selected a collection container (See section
40.191(a)(2) & (3)). Once the collection has commenced, the applicant
has committed to the process and must complete it. If the applicant
then leaves before the process is complete, or takes another action
listed in this section as a refusal, the consequences of a refusal
attach. However, if the applicant leaves the site before the test
commences, then the applicant is in the same situation as someone who
does not appear at all for the pre-employment test. The consequences of
a refusal do not apply in this situation. For these reasons, which the
Department believes are still valid today, DOT is not proposing this
non-laboratory drug testing standard issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\30\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2001-08-09/pdf/01-19232.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2001-08-09/pdf/01-19232.pdf</a> (pg., 41947).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Though HHS did not propose any changes to the MRO training
requirements, they did receive and respond to comments. Specifically, a
commenter said there needs to be substantial clarification regarding
additional MRO training on the annual drug testing panel changes and
suggested that MROs register with SAMHSA to get updates/announcements
and acknowledge review of the information received. For oral fluid
testing, a commenter stated that new and existing MROs should receive
additional training for oral fluid testing.
HHS responded, and revised its MRO training requirements to clarify
that MROs must be trained on any revisions to the drug and biomarker
testing panels. HHS stated that it relies on the approved MRO
certification entities to ensure that the MROs certified by their
organizations meet the HHS Mandatory Guidelines requirements. HHS also
clarified that, in addition to posting the HHS Medical Review Officer
Guidance Manual and MRO case studies (urine and oral fluid) on its
website, it issues notices through the NLCP to the approved MRO
certification entities for dissemination to their certified MROs.
DOT believes that its MRO training requirements in section 40.121
already address both issues. First, DOT requires MROs to be
knowledgeable of alternative medical explanations for laboratory-
confirmed drug test results (urine and oral fluid), and issues relating
to substituted specimens. Part 40 also requires the MRO training to
include instruction on interpreting drug and validity test results. The
Department addressed the issue of whether MROs need additional training
for oral fluid testing in our May 2023 rule that permits the use of
oral fluid testing in the DOT program. Based on public comments
received, DOT stated that it would not require MROs to undergo
recertification training, but strongly suggested that MROs seek
supplemental information about oral fluid testing by the time HHS
certifies at least two oral fluid drug testing laboratories. The
Department also stated that it supported the approach of MRO training
organizations offering oral fluid modules to augment the training of
MROs who are already current on their training certification
requirements. Like HHS, DOT relies on the MRO certification
organizations to ensure MROs meet the DOT training requirements.
Second, regarding receiving updates/announcements from DOT, the
Department already has a regulatory requirement in place for MROs to
subscribe to ODAPC's listserv as a mechanism for MROs to keep current
on any changes to part 40 and other DOT agency-related information.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\31\ <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/get-odapc/email-updates">https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/get-odapc/email-updates</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HHS revised both the UrMG and OFMG to clarify that only
prescription medications can be offered as a legitimate medical
explanation for a positive drug test. HHS made this clarification given
its concern, rightfully
[[Page 42374]]
so, that several State laws currently allow a physician to write an
``authorization'' or ``medical recommendation'' for a Schedule I
substance, specifically marijuana. However, no Schedule I drug,
including marijuana, has a currently accepted medical use in the United
States. Part 40 already requires the MRO to accept only a legally valid
prescription consistent with the Controlled Substance Act (See section
40.137(a) & 40.141(b)).
V. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several analyses.
First, Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 and E.O. 13563 direct that each
Federal agency shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its
costs. Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354),
as codified in 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to analyze the
economic impact of regulatory changes on small entities. The Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) requires that DOT
consider the impact of paperwork and other information collection
burdens imposed on the public and, under the provisions of PRA section
3507(d), obtain approval from OMB for each collection of information it
conducts, sponsors, or requires through regulations. Section (a)(5) of
division H of the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Act, Public
Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 3268 (Dec. 8, 2004), and section 208 of the E-
Government Act of 2002, Public Law 107-347, 116 Stat. 2889 (Dec. 17,
2002) require DOT to conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) of a
regulation that will affect the privacy of individuals. Finally, the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) requires DOT to analyze this action to determine whether it will
have an effect on the quality of the environment. This portion of the
preamble summarizes DOT's analyses of these impacts with respect to
this notice.
E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, and DOT's Regulatory Policies and Procedures
This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under
E.O. 12866 and E.O. 13563, as well as under the Department's Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (49 CFR part 5 and DOT Order 2100.6B). It
harmonizes specific part 40 procedures with recently revised HHS
Mandatory Guidelines for urine and oral fluid. The economic impact of
this rulemaking is discussed in the sections that follow.
E.O. 14192
OST has reviewed this NPRM for compliance with E.O. 14192
(``Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation''), which requires
Federal agencies to offset the number and cost of new regulations
through the repeal, revocation, or revision of existing regulations. As
discussed above, this action is not a significant rule under E.O.
12866. Accordingly, this proposed rule is not an E.O. 14192 regulatory
action because this rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.
Costs
HHS addressed the cost burdens associated with the addition of a
new drug to the drug testing panel during the March 5, 2024 DTAB open
session and its January 16, 2025 Federal Register notice (90 FR
4662).\32\ According to HHS, HHS-certified test facilities and MROs
will incur initial costs for administrative and programming changes for
the addition of fentanyl and norfentanyl.\33\ The cost impact of drug
testing for fentanyl and norfentanyl would be minimal for those
laboratories that already offer fentanyl and norfentanyl testing for
non-DOT testing. Those laboratories that use the same cutoff(s) for
their non-regulated clients may experience some savings compared to
laboratories that do not test for these analytes. Because these costs
would be realized due to participating in the Federal Workplace Drug
Testing program, the proposed rule will not duplicate this cost.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\32\ <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-16/pdf/2025-00425.pdf">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-16/pdf/2025-00425.pdf</a>.
\33\ SAMHSA DTAB Meeting, March 5, 2024, Transcript, at 44,
<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/transcripts/dtab-meeting-transcript-03052024.pdf">https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/meeting/transcripts/dtab-meeting-transcript-03052024.pdf</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once the testing has been implemented, according to HHS, the
laboratory cost for screening a specimen for the added analytes would
range from $0.23 to $5.00 due to reagent and administrative costs
(sample preparation, analysis, and reporting). The cost for each
confirmatory test would range from $8.00 to $25.00 for each specimen
due to reagent and administrative costs.\34\ For our analysis, the
Department will use the average of the low and high values for
screening ($2.61) and confirmation ($16.5) costs for testing, given
that the cost will be less based on the volume of tests a laboratory
conducts and that a majority of the specimens are analyzed by less than
half of the laboratories conducting the testing. DOT will not consider
the cost of reviewing negative fentanyl results in this analysis as it
would be duplicative of costs already incurred for the administrative
task of reviewing/reporting other negative results for the same
specimen. Similarly, DOT will not consider specimen collection costs as
there will not be any additional costs related to the collection of a
urine specimen, as the urine specimen is already being collected for
the analysis of the other drugs for which the Department requires
testing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\34\ SAMHSA DTAB Meeting, March 5, 2025. Presentation, slide 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HHS indicated that based on information from non-regulated
workplace drug testing for these analytes in 2017, 2019, and 2022 and
testing performed on de-identified federally regulated specimens in
2023, approximately 0.19 percent of the submitted specimens are
expected to be screened as positive for the added analytes and that 84
percent of those specimens that screen positive will confirm positive.
Based on this information and the approximate 6.9M annual DOT drug
tests, DOT estimates 13,110 specimens to screen positive (6.9M x .19%)
and 11,012 specimens to confirm positive (13,110 x 84%). The estimated
lab costs for screening tests are $18,009,000 (6.9M x $2.61) and the
estimated lab costs for confirmation tests are $216,315 (13,110 x
$16.5).
Testing for fentanyl will also result in an increased number of
positive results requiring MRO reviews. Regarding MRO review fees, the
Department understands that most MROs offer bundled pricing (e.g., one
fee for reviewing/reporting negative and non-negative results). The
Department also understands that the fee for a bundled review ranges
from $8-$18. Using an average of the high and low fee of $13 for our
analysis, DOT estimates $143,156 in MRO costs (11,102 x $13/MRO review)
for reviewing laboratory confirmed fentanyl results.
Therefore, with the estimated 6.9M drug tests conducted annually,
laboratory and MRO costs, an estimated annual cost of $18,368,471 would
be realized in the DOT-regulated urine drug testing program.
Regarding the adjustment to the morphine cutoff from 2,000 ng/mL to
4,000 ng/ml, DOT estimates that approximately 1,782 of the 6.9 million
drug tests administered in the DOT program in 2023 were reported with
morphine results between 2,000 ng/mL and 15,000 ng/mL (899 tests were
between 2,000-4,000 ng/mL, and 883 tests were between 4,000-15,000 ng/
mL). Based on the current morphine cutoff, with an average clinical
exam cost of $200 and $13 for the MRO review, DOT estimates the cost
for the 1,782 clinical exams would be
[[Page 42375]]
approximately $379,566. Given the proposed morphine cutoff, those same
1,782 test results would now just be MRO reviewed with no clinical exam
resulting in a cost of $23,166 (1,782 x $13). Therefore, the Department
estimates a cost savings of approximately $356,400 ($379,566-$23,166).
At this time, HHS does not require HHS-certified test facilities to
implement authorized biomarker tests. Each laboratory and IITF should
conduct its own cost analysis when deciding whether to offer biomarker
testing to federally regulated clients. HHS will consider costs when
deciding whether to require all certified test facilities to test for a
specific biomarker.
Economic Impact
The estimated cost of adding fentanyl to the drug testing panel and
adjusting the morphine cutoff level and not requiring a clinical exam
would be $18,102,071. If identifying illicit drug use by safety-
sensitive transportation employees subjected to drug testing prevents a
single serious accident, then the benefits of this rule outweigh its
minimal cost. Testing for fentanyl will add another layer of deterrence
to illicit drug use. Identifying fentanyl as the drug used by the
employee will assist SAPs in their assessments and determinations on
the appropriate recommendations for education or treatment, or both, of
the employee. This rule would not have a major impact under Executive
Order 12866 because it would not have an annual effect on the economy
of $100 million or more, nor would it adversely affect any sector of
the economy. Because fentanyl is extremely potent, powerful, addictive,
and dangerous, it is a significant factor in both fatal and nonfatal
overdoses in the United States, making it a crucial public safety
issue. Therefore, the Department believes that the benefits of this
rulemaking outweigh the associated costs.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of their regulatory
actions on small businesses and other small entities and minimize any
significant economic impact. The term ``small entities'' comprises
small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields,
and governmental jurisdictions with a population of less than 50,000.
The Department does not expect that the proposed rule would have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Many thousands of covered employers are small businesses (e.g., small
trucking companies, small transit authorities), as are many service
agents (e.g., drug testing laboratories, medical review officers), but
given the small net change in regulatory costs spread over these
thousands of small entities, the cost impact per entity is expected to
be negligible. Our ability to create special provisions for small
entities is limited by the need to have uniform requirements to ensure
safety and fairness to employees. There must be a single standard for
the accuracy and integrity of the program and the protection of
legitimate employee interests that cannot vary with the size of the
employer or service agent.
The proposed rule, if adopted, would modify certain part 40
procedures and is intended only to further align our laboratory
procedures and processes and MRO procedures, with those requirements
that are being directed by the HHS Guidelines, which were considered
nonsignificant. The Department would note that all HHS-certified
laboratories must have the capability to accurately test for fentanyl
and norfentanyl to pass certification requirements of the National
Laboratory Certification Program. In addition, Federal agency employee
testing programs are already testing for fentanyl and norfentanyl and
MROs are no longer required to conduct clinical evaluations to
determine illicit opioid use. Our harmonizing on these matters will
only bring clarity and consistency to the efforts of the Federal
testing programs, programs that are internal to the Federal Government,
and those that are regulated by the Federal Government.
Federalism
E.O. 13132 requires Federal agencies to carefully examine actions
to determine if they contain policies that have federalism implications
or that preempt State law. As defined in the order, ``policies that
have federalism implications'' refer to regulations, legislative
comments or proposed legislation, and other policy statements or
actions that have substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.
Most of the regulated parties under the Department's drug testing
program are private entities. Some regulated entities are public
entities (e.g., transit authorities and public works departments);
however, the Secretary has determined that the proposed rule, which, if
adopted, would require the testing of safety-sensitive employees in the
transportation industry for fentanyl and norfentanyl, remove the
requirement for MROs to look for clinical evidence of illicit opiate
use, and authorize the use of biomarker testing to determine if a
specimen was substituted does not contain policies that have federalism
implications.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) (PRA)
requires that DOT consider the impact of paperwork and other
information collection burdens imposed on the public. This proposed
rule would not require any new collection of information under the PRA.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject
to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information
subject to the PRA that does not display a currently valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Information collections for
part 40 currently are approved under OMB Control No. 2105-0529. This
proposed rule will not create any new paperwork or other information
collection burdens that require approval.
Privacy Act
The Privacy Act provides safeguards against invasion of personal
privacy through the misuse of records by Federal agencies. It
establishes controls over what personal information is collected,
maintained, used, and disseminated by agencies in the executive branch
of the Federal Government. Anyone is able to search the electronic form
of all comments received in any of our dockets by the name of the
individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted
on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). For
information on DOT's compliance with the Privacy Act, please visit
<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/privacy">https://www.transportation.gov/privacy</a>.
National Environmental Policy Act
The Department has analyzed the environmental impacts of this
notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.). The Department has determined that this rule is categorically
excluded pursuant to 23 CFR 771.118(c)(4). Categorical exclusions are
categories of actions that the agency has determined normally do not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment and therefore
do not require either an environmental
[[Page 42376]]
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS). See DOT Order
5610.1D Sec. 9. In analyzing the applicability of a categorical
exclusion, the agency must also consider whether extraordinary
circumstances are present that would warrant the preparation of an EA
or EIS. Id. Sec. 9(b). The Department's Operating Administrations
(OAs) may apply CEs established in another OA's procedures. Id. Sec.
9(f). To do so, the Operating Administration ``must evaluate the action
for extraordinary circumstances identified in the OA procedures in
which the CE is established to determine if a normally excluded action
may have a significant impact and coordinate with the originating OA to
ensure that the CE is being applied correctly.'' Id. This rulemaking,
which proposes to amend its drug-testing program regulation, 49 CFR
part 40 (part 40), to add fentanyl and norfentanyl to its drug testing
program, to amend certain provisions of part 40 to harmonize, as
appropriate, with the recently revised HHS Mandatory Guidelines using
urine and oral fluid, and to make technical amendments, is
categorically excluded pursuant to 23 CFR 771.118(c)(4): ``Planning and
administrative activities not involving or leading directly to
construction, such as: Training, technical assistance and research;
promulgation of rules, regulations, directives, or program guidance;
approval of project concepts; engineering; and operating assistance to
transit authorities to continue existing service or increase service to
meet routine demand.'' The Department has coordinated with the Federal
Transit Administration to ensure that this CE is being applied
correctly. The Department does not anticipate any environmental
impacts, and there are no extraordinary circumstances present in
connection with this rulemaking.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Secretary has examined the impact of this proposed rule under
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4). This
proposed rule does not trigger the requirement for a written statement
under sec. 202(a) of the UMRA because this rulemaking does not impose a
mandate that results in an expenditure of $100 million or more by
either State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate or by the
private sector in any one year.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 40
Administrative practice and procedures, Alcohol abuse, Alcohol
testing, Drug abuse, Drug testing, Laboratories, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Safety, Transportation.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
For reasons discussed in the preamble, the Department of
Transportation proposes to amend part 40 of Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations, as follows:
PART 40--PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL
TESTING PROGRAMS
0
1. The authority citation for 49 CFR Part 40 is amended to read as
follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 102, 301, 322, 5331, 20140, 31306, 45101 et
seq., and 60102 et seq.
0
2. In Sec. 40.3, revise the following definitions to read as follows,
keeping them in their correct alphabetical order:
Sec. 40.3 What do the terms used in this part mean?
* * * * *
Adulterated specimen. A specimen that has been altered, as
evidenced by test results showing either a substance that is not a
normal constituent for that type of specimen or showing an abnormal
concentration of a normal constituent (e.g., nitrite in urine).
* * * * *
Cutoff. The analytical value (e.g., drug, drug metabolite, or
biomarker concentration) used as the decision point to determine a
result (e.g., negative, positive, adulterated, invalid, or substituted)
or the need for further testing.
* * * * *
Initial specimen validity test. The first analysis used to
determine if a specimen is adulterated, invalid, substituted, or (for
urine) diluted.
* * * * *
Negative result. The result reported by an HHS-certified laboratory
to an MRO when a specimen contains no drug or drug metabolite, or both;
or the concentration of the drug or drug metabolite is less than the
cutoff for that drug or drug class and the specimen is a valid
specimen.
* * * * *
Positive result. The result reported by an HHS-certified laboratory
when a specimen contains a drug or drug metabolite equal to or greater
than the confirmatory test cutoff.
* * * * *
Substituted specimen. A specimen not consistent with a normal human
specimen, as determined by HHS (e.g., a urine specimen, with creatinine
and specific gravity values that are outside the physiologically
producible ranges of human urine, or a urine or oral fluid specimen as
evidenced by the absence of a biomarker or a biomarker concentration
inconsistent with that established for a human specimen).
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec. 40.3, add the following definition, in proper alphabetical
order:
Sec. 40.3 What do the terms used in this part mean?
* * * * *
Biomarker is an endogenous substance used to validate a biological
specimen.
* * * * *
0
4. In Sec. 40.14, revise paragraphs (d) and paragraph (f) to read:
Sec. 40.14 What collection information must employers provide to
collectors?
* * * * *
(d) Employer name, address, and phone number (can be pre-printed on
the CCF at Step 1-A). A fax number may be included but is not required.
* * * * *
(f) MRO name, address, and phone number (can be pre-printed on the
CCF at Step 1-B). A fax number may be included but is not required.
* * * * *
0
5. In Sec. 40.25, revise subparagraph (a)(2) and subparagraph (b)(5)
to read:
Sec. 40.25 Must an employer check on the drug and alcohol testing
record of employees it is intending to use to perform safety-sensitive
duties?
* * * * *
(a)(2) If you are an employer regulated by FMCSA, you must comply
with the requirements of this section by using the FMCSA's Drug and
Alcohol Clearinghouse in accordance with 49 CFR 382.701(a). In
addition, you must continue to comply with the requirements of Sec.
40.25 when checking an employee's testing history with employers
regulated by a DOT operating administration other than FMCSA.
* * * * *
(b)(5) With respect to any employee who violated a DOT drug and
alcohol regulation, documentation of the employee's successful
completion of DOT return-to-duty requirements (including the initial
and follow up SAP reports, which includes the follow-up testing plan,
the return to duty test result(s), and completed follow-up tests). If
the previous employer does not have information about an employee's
return-do-duty process (e.g., an employer who did not hire an employee
who tested positive on a pre-employment test), you must seek to
[[Page 42377]]
obtain this information from the employee.
* * * * *
0
6. In Sec. 40.31, revise paragraph (a) to remove the word ``urine''
and redesignate paragraphs (b) and (c) as subparagraphs (a)(1) and
(a)(2). Redesignate paragraph (d) as paragraph (b), paragraph (e) as
paragraph (c), and paragraph (f) as paragraph (d).
0
7. In Sec. 40.33, revise paragraph (d) to read:
Sec. 40.33 What training requirements must a collector meet for urine
collection?
* * * * *
(d) Schedule for qualification training and initial proficiency
demonstration. You must meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c)
of this section within 30 days of completing the qualification
training. If you do not complete the initial proficiency demonstration
within 30 days of successfully completing the qualification training,
you must again complete the qualification training.
* * * * *
0
8. In Sec. 40.35, revise subparagraph (c)(1), and paragraphs (d) and
(f) to read:
Sec. 40.35 What training requirements must a collector meet for oral
fluid collection?
* * * * *
(c)(1) The five mock collections for each device must include one
uneventful collection scenario; one insufficient specimen quantity
scenario; one scenario in which the employee has something in their
mouth that might interfere with the collection; one scenario in which
the employee attempts to tamper with the specimen; and one scenario in
which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen
bottle tamper-evident seal. For each of the five mock collections, the
collector must check the expiration date of the device, show the
expiration date to the employee, and record the date on the CCF used.
The collector must ensure that when applying the labels, they do not
cover the expiration dates.
* * * * *
(d) Schedule for qualification training and initial proficiency
demonstration. You must meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c)
of this section within 30 days of completing the qualification
training. If you do not complete the initial proficiency demonstration
within 30 days of successfully completing the qualification training,
you must again complete the qualification training.
* * * * *
(f) Error Correction Training. If you make a mistake in the
collection process that causes a test to be cancelled (i.e., a fatal or
uncorrected flaw), you must undergo error correction training. This
training must occur within 30 days of the date you are notified of the
error that led to the need for retraining. If a cancellation is due to
an error that occurs outside the collection process (e.g., when a
specimen is crushed or otherwise damaged during the transportation
process, or is lost in transit), the cancellation is not the result of
an error by the collector during the collection process and does not
require the collector to be retrained.
* * * * *
0
9. In Sec. 40.61, revise the introductory text of paragraph (f) to
read:
Sec. 40.61 What are the preliminary steps in the drug testing
collection process?
* * * * *
(f) Direct the employee to remove outer clothing (e.g., coveralls,
jacket, coat, hat) that could be used to conceal items or substances
that could be used to tamper with a specimen. You must also direct the
employee to leave these garments and any briefcase, purse, or other
personal belongings with you or in a mutually agreeable location. If
the employee refuses, the collector must terminate the collection, note
the circumstances in the Remarks section of the CCF, and report the
information to the DER as described in Sec. 40.191(a)(8) (failure to
cooperate), so that the employer can decide whether to deem the
situation a refusal.
* * * * *
0
10. In Sec. 40.65, revise paragraph (a)(1) to read:
Sec. 40.65 What does the collector check for when the employee
presents a urine specimen?
* * * * *
(a)(1) ``If it does not, you must follow the procedures in Sec.
40.193(a).''
0
11. In Sec. 40.72, revise subparagraph (b)(2) to read:
Sec. 40.72 What steps does the collector take in the collection
process before the employee provides an oral fluid specimen?
* * * * *
(b)(2) If the employee refuses to remove the item or rinse, the
collector must terminate the collection, note the circumstances in the
Remarks section of the CCF, and report the information to the DER as
described in Sec. 40.191(a)(8) (failure to cooperate), so that the
employer can decide whether to deem the situation a refusal.
* * * * *
0
12. In Sec. 40.73, revise subparagraph (c)(4)(i) and (ii) and add
subparagraph (c)(4)(iii) to read:
Sec. 40.73 How is an oral fluid specimen collected?
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(4) * * *
(i) Document any unusual characteristics referenced above in the
Remarks section of the CCF and complete the collection.
(ii) Proceed with obtaining the new oral fluid specimen from the
donor. You must process both the original specimen and the newly
collected specimen and send the two sets of specimens to the
laboratory. Note on the new CCF that this is another collection for the
same testing event (e.g., document in the Remarks section that this is
Specimen 2 of 2 and include the Specimen ID number of the other
specimen). Make the same notation on the CCF of the suspect specimen
but note that it is Specimen 1 of 2.
(iii) If the employee refuses to provide another specimen, you must
discard any specimen the employee provided previously during the
collection procedure. Note the circumstances in the Remarks section of
the CCF and report the information to the DER as described in
40.191(a)(8) (failure to cooperate), so that the employer can determine
whether to deem the situation a refusal.
0
13. In Sec. 40.83 add subparagraph (c)(10) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.83 How do laboratories process incoming specimens?
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(10) For an oral fluid collection, the collector failed to document
the observation of the volume indicator(s) at the time of the
collection for a collection device containing a dilutant.
* * * * *
0
14. Amend Sec. 40.85 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.85 What are the cutoff concentrations for urine drug tests?
(a) As a laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations
displayed in the following table for initial and confirmatory drug
tests for urine specimens. All cutoff concentrations are expressed in
nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The table follows:
[[Page 42378]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Confirmatory test
Initial test Confirmatory test analyte cutoff
Initial test analyte cutoff \1\ (ng/mL) (abbreviation) concentration (ng/
mL)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marijuana metabolite ([Delta]9THCC)....... 50 [Delta]9THCC................ 15
Cocaine metabolite (Benzoylecgonine)...... \2\ 150 Benzoylecgonine............. 100
Codeine/Morphine.......................... 2,000 Codeine..................... 2,000
Morphine.................... 4,000
Hydrocodone/.............................. 300 Hydrocodone................. 100
Hydromorphone............................. Hydromorphone............... 100
Oxycodone/................................ 100 Oxycodone................... 100
Oxymorphone............................... Oxymorphone................. 100
6-Acetylmorphine.......................... 10 6-Acetylmorphine............ 10
Phencyclidine............................. 25 Phencyclidine............... 25
Fentanyl \3\.............................. 1 Fentanyl.................... 1
Norfentanyl................. 1
Amphetamine/Methamphetamine............... 500 Amphetamine................. 250
Methamphetamine............. 250
MDMA/MDA.................................. 500 Methylenedioxymethamphetamin 250
e.
Methylenedioxyamphetamine... 250
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For grouped analytes (i.e., two or more analytes that are in the same drug class and have the same initial
test cutoff):
Immunoassay: The test must be calibrated with one analyte from the group identified as the target analyte. The
cross-reactivity of the immunoassay to the other analyte(s) within the group must be 80 percent or greater; if
not, separate immunoassays must be used for the analytes within the group.
Alternate technology: Either one analyte or all analytes from the group must be used for calibration, depending
on the technology. For a technology that measures a response from the entire group without differentiating
between analytes (e.g., an activity-based assay, a mass spectrometric assay that does not differentiate
isobaric compounds), the laboratory must compare the result to the initial test cutoff. In the case of an
alternate technology that differentiates and quantifies each analyte in the group, the laboratory must compare
each analyte's result to the confirmatory test cutoff and reflex specimens with a positive initial test result
to confirmatory testing.
\2\Alternate technology (BZE): The confirmatory test cutoff must be used for an alternate technology initial
test that is specific for the target analyte (i.e., 100 ng/mL for benzoylecgonine).
\3\A fentanyl immunoassay must have at least 5% cross-reactivity to norfentanyl.
0
15. Amend Sec. 40.86 by adding a new paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.86 What is urine validity testing and are laboratories
required to conduct it?
* * * * *
(c) As a laboratory, you may conduct biomarker testing. If you
conduct biomarker testing, you must only test for those biomarkers
identified in the `biomarker testing panel' referenced in the HHS
Mandatory Guidelines, with analytes and cutoffs for initial and
confirmatory biomarker tests.
0
16. Amend Sec. 40.87 by adding a new paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.87 What validity tests must laboratories conduct on primary
urine specimens?
* * * * *
(f) As a laboratory if you conduct biomarker testing, you must only
test for those biomarkers identified in the ``biomarker testing panel''
referenced in the HHS Mandatory Guidelines, with analytes and cutoffs
for initial and confirmatory biomarkers.
0
17. Amend 40.88 by adding a new paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.88 What criteria do laboratories use to establish that a
urine specimen is dilute or substituted?
* * * * *
(c) As a laboratory, you must consider the primary specimen to be
substituted when a biomarker is absent or when its concentration is not
consistent with that established for human urine.
0
18. Amend Sec. 40.91 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.91 What are the cutoff concentrations for oral fluid drug
tests?
(a) As a laboratory, you must use the cutoff concentrations
displayed in the following table for initial and confirmatory drug
tests for oral fluid specimens. All cutoff concentrations are expressed
in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The table follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Confirmatory test
Initial test Confirmatory test analyte cutoff
Initial test analyte cutoff \1\ (ng/mL) (abbreviation) concentration (ng/
mL)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marijuana ([Delta]9THC)................... 4 [Delta]9THC................. 2
Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine................... 15 Cocaine..................... 8
Benzoylecgonine............. 8
Codeine/Morphine.......................... 30 Codeine..................... 15
Morphine.................... 15
Hydrocodone/Hydromorphone................. 30 Hydrocodone................. 15
Hydromorphone............... 15
Oxycodone/Oxymorphone..................... 30 Oxycodone................... 15
Oxymorphone................. 15
6-Acetylmorphine.......................... \2\ 4 6-Acetylmorphine............ 2
Fentanyl.................................. 4 Fentanyl.................... 1
Phencyclidine............................. 10 Phencyclidine............... 10
Amphetamines/Methamphetamine.............. 50 Amphetamines................ 25
Methamphetamine............. 25
MDMA/MDA.................................. 50 Methylenedioxymethamphetamin 25
e.
Methylenedioxyamphetamine... 25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For grouped analytes (i.e., two or more analytes that are in the same drug class and have the same initial
test cutoff):
[[Page 42379]]
Immunoassay: The test must be calibrated with one analyte from the group identified as the target analyte. The
cross-reactivity of the immunoassay to the other analyte(s) within the group must be 80 percent or greater; if
not, separate immunoassays must be used for the analytes within the group.
Alternate technology: Either one analyte or all analytes from the group must be used for calibration, depending
on the technology. For a technology that measures a response from the entire group without differentiating
between analytes (e.g., an activity-based assay, a mass spectrometric assay that does not differentiate
isobaric compounds), the laboratory must compare the result to the initial test cutoff. In the case of an
alternate technology that differentiates and quantifies each analyte in the group, the laboratory must compare
each analyte's result to the confirmatory test cutoff and reflex specimens with a positive initial test result
to confirmatory testing.
\2\Alternate technology (6-AM): The confirmatory test cutoff must be used for an alternate technology initial
test that is specific for the target analyte (i.e., 2 ng/mL for 6-AM).
0
19. Revise Sec. 40.92 by adding a new paragraph (d), redesignating
paragraph (c) as paragraph (d) and revising paragraph (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 40.92 What is oral fluid validity testing, and are laboratories
required to conduct it?
* * * * *
(c) You may perform initial and confirmation biomarker testing as
authorized by the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for oral fluid.
* * * * *
0
20. Revise Sec. 40.93 to read as follows:
Sec. 40.93 What validity tests must laboratories conduct on primary
oral fluid specimens?
As a laboratory, if you conduct validity testing under Sec. 40.92,
you must conduct it in accordance with the applicable HHS Mandatory
Guidelines requirements for validity testing or biomarker testing, or
both.
0
21. Create a new Sec. 40.95 to read as follows:
Sec. 40.95 What criteria do laboratories use to establish that an
oral fluid specimen is substituted?
As a laboratory, you must consider the primary specimen to be
substituted when a biomarker is not detected or is present at a
concentration inconsistent with that established for a human oral fluid
for both the initial test and the confirmatory test on two separate
aliquots (i.e., using the test analytes and cutoffs listed in the HHS
biomarker testing panel).
0
22. Amend Sec. 40.137 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 40.137 On what basis does the MRO verify test results involving
marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, or PCP?
(a) As the MRO, you must verify a confirmed positive test result
for one or more of either marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, or
PCP, unless the employee presents a legitimate medical explanation for
the presence of the drug(s)/metabolite(s) in his or her system. In
determining whether an employee's legally valid prescription consistent
with the Controlled Substances Act for a substance in these categories
constitutes a legitimate medical explanation, you must not question
whether the prescribing physician should have prescribed the substance.
* * * * *
(c)(1) The employee has the burden of proof that a legitimate
medical explanation exists. The employee must present information
meeting this burden at the time of the verification interview. As the
MRO, you have discretion to extend the time available to the employee
for this purpose for up to five days before verifying the test result,
if you determine that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the
employee will be able to produce relevant evidence concerning a
legitimate medical explanation within that time.
(2) If the laboratory confirms the presence of 6-acetylmorphine (6-
AM) in the specimen, you must verify the test result as positive.
(3) When verifying codeine or morphine results in urine,
consumption of food products (e.g., poppy seeds) must not be considered
a legitimate medical explanation for the employee having morphine or
codeine results above the confirmatory cutoffs listed in Sec. 40.85.
(4) When verifying codeine or morphine results in oral fluid, you
must verify a result between 15 ng/mL and 150 ng/mL as ``negative''
when the employee claims ingestion of poppy seed products, unless the
employee admits to unauthorized use.
(5) For all other results, you must verify the result as `positive'
unless the employee presents a legitimate medical explanation for the
presence of the drug/metabolite in his or her system.
* * * * *
0
23. Remove Sec. 40.139.
0
24. Revise Sec. 40.141(b)(2) to read:
Sec. 40.141 How does the MRO obtain information for the verification
decision?
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) When verifying lab results, you may, as you deem necessary,
request that an HHS-certified laboratory with validated protocols (see
Sec. 40.81(c)) to conduct testing for D,L stereoisomers of amphetamine
and methamphetamine (for either urine or oral fluid specimens) or for
tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V) (for urine only).
0
25. Revise Sec. 40.145 (d), (e)(2), and (h) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.145 On what basis does the MRO verify test results involving
adulteration or substitution?
* * * * *
(d) You must offer the employee the opportunity to present a
legitimate medical explanation for the laboratory findings with respect
to the presence of the adulterant in the specimen, the creatinine and
specific gravity findings for the urine specimen, or the absence of a
biomarker or a biomarker concentration that is not consistent with that
established for human urine or oral fluid.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(2) To meet this burden in the case of a substituted specimen, the
employee must demonstrate that he or she did produce or could have
produced a specimen through physiological means, for urine, meeting the
creatinine concentration criterion of less than 2 mg/dL and the
specific gravity of less than or equal to 1.0010 or greater than or
equal to 1.0200 (see Sec. 40.88(b)), or for urine or oral fluid,
absent a biomarker or with a biomarker concentration that is not
consistent with that established for human urine or oral fluid..
* * * * *
(h) The following are examples of types of evidence an employee
could present to support an assertion of a legitimate medical
explanation for a substituted result.
(1) Medically valid evidence demonstrating that the employee is
capable of physiologically producing urine meeting the creatinine and
specific gravity criteria of Sec. 40.88(b) or producing a specimen
absent a biomarker or with a biomarker concentration that is not
consistent with that established for human urine or fluid.
(i) To be regarded as medically valid, the evidence must have been
gathered using appropriate methodology and controls to ensure its
accuracy and reliability.
(ii) Assertion by the employee that his or her personal
characteristics (e.g., with respect to race, gender, weight, diet, or
working conditions) are responsible for
[[Page 42380]]
the substituted result does not, in itself, constitute a legitimate
medical explanation. To make a case that there is a legitimate medical
explanation, the employee must present evidence showing that the cited
personal characteristics actually result in the physiological
production of urine meeting the creatinine and specific gravity
criteria of Sec. 40.88(b) or of a specimen absent a biomarker or with
a biomarker concentration that is not consistent with that established
for human urine or fluid.
(2) Information from a medical evaluation under paragraph (g) of
this section that the individual has a medical condition that has been
demonstrated to cause the employee to physiologically produce urine
meeting the creatinine and specific gravity criteria of Sec. 40.93(b),
or physiologically producing a specimen absent a biomarker or with a
biomarker concentration that is not consistent with that established
for human urine or fluid.
(i) A finding or diagnosis by the physician that an employee has a
medical condition does not in itself constitute a legitimate medical
explanation.
(ii) To establish there is a legitimate medical explanation, the
employee must demonstrate that the cited medical condition actually
results in the physiological production of urine meeting the creatinine
and specific gravity criteria of Sec. 40.88(b) or of a specimen absent
a biomarker or with a biomarker concentration that is not consistent
with that established for human urine or fluid.
0
26. Revise Sec. 40.151(d) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.151 What are MROs prohibited from doing as part of the
verification process?
* * * * *
(d) It is not your function to consider explanations of confirmed
positive, adulterated, or substituted test results that would not, even
if true, constitute a legitimate medical explanation. For example, an
employee may tell you that someone slipped amphetamines into her drink
at a party, that she unknowingly ingested a marijuana brownie, or that
she traveled in a closed car with several people smoking crack. MROs
are unlikely to be able to verify the facts of such passive or
unknowing ingestion stories. Even if true, such stories do not present
a legitimate medical explanation. Consequently, for all drugs except
codeine/morphine oral fluid results as described in Sec. 40.137(c)(4),
you must not declare a test as negative based on an explanation of this
kind.
* * * * *
0
27. Revise 40.181 to read:
Sec. 40.181 What does the second laboratory do with the split
specimen when it is tested to reconfirm a substituted test result?
(a) As the laboratory testing a urine split specimen, you must test
the split specimen using the confirmatory tests for creatinine and
specific gravity, using the criteria set forth in Sec. 40.88.
(b) As the laboratory testing a urine split specimen reported as
substituted based on biomarker testing, you must test for the biomarker
using its confirmatory test (i.e., using the confirmatory test analytes
and cutoffs in the HHS biomarker testing panel)
(c) As the laboratory testing an oral fluid split specimen, you
must only conduct the confirmatory biomarker test(s) needed to
reconfirm the substituted results reported by the first HHS-certified
laboratory.
0
28. In Sec. 40.193, revise paragraph (a) introductory text and
paragraph (b)(2) to read:
Sec. 40.193 What happens when an employee does not provide a
sufficient amount of specimen for a drug test?
(a) If an employee does not provide a sufficient amount of specimen
to permit a drug test (i.e., 45 mL of urine in a single void, or 2 mL
oral fluid in a single sampling, as applicable) you, as the collector,
must provide another opportunity to the employee to do so. In
accordance with the employer's instructions or standing orders, this
can be done using the same specimen type as the original collection or
this can be done by a collector qualified to use an alternate specimen
type for this purpose.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) As the collector, you must do the following when continuing
with an oral fluid specimen collection under this section:
(i) Discard the insufficient specimen except where the insufficient
specimen showed unusual characteristics (see Sec. 40.73(c)(4)).
(ii) If the employee demonstrates an inability to provide a
specimen in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for using
the collection device, and if the donor states that he or she could
provide a specimen after drinking some fluids, urge the employee to
drink (up to 8 ounces) and wait an additional 10 minutes before
beginning the next specimen collection (a period of up to one hour must
be provided, or until the donor has provided a sufficient oral fluid
specimen, whichever occurs first). If the employee simply needs more
time before attempting to provide an oral fluid specimen, the employee
is not required to drink any fluids during the one-hour wait time. It
is not a refusal to test if the employee declines to drink. The
employee must remain at the collection site, in a monitored area
designated by the collector, during the wait period.
(iii) If the employee refuses to attempt to provide a new oral
fluid specimen or leaves the collection site before the collection
process is complete, you must discontinue the collection, note that
fact on the ``Remarks'' line of the CCF (Step 2), and immediately
notify the DER of the conduct as provided in Sec. 40.191(e)(1); the
employer decides whether the situation is deemed to be a refusal.
(iv) If the employee has not provided a sufficient specimen within
one hour of the first unsuccessful attempt to provide the specimen, you
must discontinue the collection, note the fact on the ``Remarks'' line
of the CCF (Step 2), and immediately notify the DER. You must also
discard any specimen the employee previously provided, including any
specimen that shows any unusual characteristics or signs of tampering.
In the Remarks section of the CCF that you will distribute to the MRO
and DER, note the fact that the employee provided a ``specimen that
shows unusual characteristics or signs of tampering'' and that it was
discarded because the employee did not provide a sufficient specimen.
* * * * *
0
29. Revise Sec. 40.199 by adding a new (b)(10) to read as follows:
Sec. 40.199 What problems always cause a drug test to be cancelled?
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(10) For an oral fluid collection, the collector failed to document
the observation of the volume indicator(s) at the time of the
collection for a collection device containing a diluent.
* * * * *
0
30. In Sec. 40.213, revise paragraph (d) to read:
Sec. 40.213 What training requirements must STTs and BATs meet?
* * * * *
(d) Schedule for qualification training and initial proficiency
demonstration. You must meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c)
of this section within 30 days of completing the qualification
training. If you do not complete the initial proficiency demonstration
within 30 days of
[[Page 42381]]
successfully completing the qualification training, you must again
complete the qualification training.
* * * * *
0
31. In Sec. 40.311, revise paragraph (f) to read:
Sec. 40.311 What are the requirements concerning SAP reports?
* * * * *
(f) As a SAP, you must also provide these written reports directly
to the employee if the employee has no current employer and to the
gaining DOT regulated employer in the event the employee obtains
another transportation industry safety-sensitive position. When
providing the reports to the employee, you must redact the follow up
testing plan information (see Sec. 40.329(c)).
* * * * *
0
32. In Sec. 40.355, revise subparagraph (j)(2) to read:
Sec. 40.355 What limitations apply to the activities of service
agents?
* * * * *
(j) * * *
(2) As an MRO, you determine that an individual has refused to test
on the basis of adulteration, substitution, or there is not an adequate
basis for determining that a medical condition has, or with a high
degree of probability could have, precluded the employee from providing
a sufficient amount of specimen.
* * * * *
0
33. Revise Appendix D to Part 40 to read as follows:
Appendix D to Part 40--DOT Drug-Testing Semi-Annual Laboratory Report
to Employers
The following items are required on each laboratory report:
Reporting Period: (inclusive dates)
Laboratory Identification: (name and address)
Employer Identification: (name; may include Billing Code or ID code)
C/TPA Identification: (where applicable, name and address)
A. Urine Specimens
1. Urine Specimen Results Reported (total number)
By Test Reason
(a) Pre-employment (number)
(b) Post-Accident (number)
(c) Random (number)
(d) Reasonable Suspicion/Cause (number)
(e) Return-to-Duty (number)
(f) Follow-up (number)
(g) Type of Test Not Noted on CCF (number)
2. Urine Specimens Reported
(a) Negative (number)
(b) Negative and Dilute (number)
3. Urine Specimens Reported as Rejected for Testing (total number)
By Reason
(a) Fatal Flaw (number)
(b) Uncorrected Flaw (number)
4. Urine Specimens Reported as Positive (total number) By Drug
(a) Marijuana Metabolite (number)
(b) Cocaine Metabolite (number)
(c) Opiates/Opioids (number)
(1) Codeine (number)
(2) Morphine (number)
(3) 6-AM (number)
(4) Hydrocodone (number)
(5) Hydromorphone (number)
(6) Oxycodone (number)
(7) Oxymorphone (number)
(8) Fentanyl (number)
(9) Norfentanyl (number)
(d) Phencyclidine (number)
(e) Amphetamines (number)
(1) Amphetamine (number)
(2) Methamphetamine (number)
(3) MDMA (number)
(4) MDA (number)
5. Urine Adulterated (number)
6. Urine Substituted (number)
7. Urine Invalid Result (number)
B. Oral Fluid Specimens
1. Oral Fluid Specimen Results Reported (total number)
By Test Reason
(a) Pre-employment (number)
(b) Post-Accident (number)
(c) Random (number)
(d) Reasonable Suspicion/Cause (number)
(e) Return-to-Duty (number)
(f) Follow-up (number)
(g) Type of Test Not Noted on CCF (number)
2. Oral Fluid Specimens Reported
(a) Negative (number)
(b) Negative and Dilute (number)
3. Oral Fluid Specimens Reported as Rejected for Testing (total
number)
By Reason
(a) Fatal Flaw (number)
(b) Uncorrected Flaw (number)
4. Oral Fluid Specimens Reported as Positive (total number) By Drug
(a) Marijuana Metabolite (number)
(b) Cocaine Metabolite (number)
(c) Opiates/Opioids (number)
(1) Codeine (number)
(2) Morphine (number)
(3) 6-AM (number)
(4) Hydrocodone (number)
(5) Hydromorphone (number)
(6) Oxycodone (number)
(7) Oxymorphone (number)
(8) Fentanyl (number)
(d) Phencyclidine (number)
(e) Amphetamines (number)
(1) Amphetamine (number)
(2) Methamphetamine (number)
(3) MDMA (number)
(4) MDA (number)
5. Oral Fluid Adulterated (number)
6. Oral Fluid Substituted (number)
7. Oral Fluid Invalid Result (number)
0
34. Revise Appendix E to Part 40 to read as follows:
Appendix E to Part 40--DOT Drug-Testing Semi-Annual Laboratory Report
to DOT
Mail, fax, or email to: U.S. Department of Transportation,
Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Fax: (202) 366-3897, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d59a9194859682b0b798b4bcb995b1baa1fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="642b2025342733010629050d0824000b104a030b12">[email protected]</span></a>.
The following items are required on each report:
Reporting Period: (inclusive dates)
Laboratory Identification: (name and address)
1. Specimen
--oral fluid or urine
2. DOT agency
--FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, or USCG
3. Test Reason
--Pre-Employment, Random, Reasonable Suspicion/Cause, Post-
Accident, Return-to-Duty, Other, and Follow-up
A. DOT Specimen Results Reported (total number)
B. Negative Results Reported (total number)
1. Negative (number)
2. Negative-Dilute (number)
C. Rejected for Testing Results Reported (total number)
By Reason
1. Fatal flaw (number)
2. Uncorrected Flaw (number)
D. Positive Results Reported (total number)
By Drug
1. Marijuana or Marijuana Metabolite (number)
2. Cocaine or Cocaine Metabolite (number), or both
3. Opioids (number)
a. Codeine (number)
b. Morphine (number)
c. 6-AM (number)
d. Hydrocodone (number)
e. Hydromorphone (number)
f. Oxycodone (number)
g. Oxymorphone (number)
h. Fentanyl (number)
i. Norfentanyl (number)
4. Phencyclidine (number)
5. Amphetamines (number)
a. Amphetamine (number)
b. Methamphetamine (number)
c. MDMA (number)
d. MDA (number)
E. Adulterated Results Reported (total number)
By Reason (number)
F. Substituted Results Reported (total number)
G. Invalid Results Reported (total number)
By Reason (number)
Issued in Washington, DC.
Sean P. Duffy,
Secretary of Transportation.
[FR Doc. 2025-16720 Filed 8-29-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 2, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.