FRA Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements Flashcards

What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) responsible for in the FRA return-to-duty process?

Answer: Evaluating employees who violate drug/alcohol rules and recommending treatment and follow-up testing

A SAP evaluates employees who have violated drug or alcohol rules, recommends appropriate treatment or education, and determines when the employee is ready for return-to-duty testing.

Under FRA regulations, for how long must follow-up drug and alcohol testing continue after an employee returns to safety-sensitive duty?

Answer: At least 12 tests in the first 12 months following return to duty

The SAP must direct at least 6 unannounced follow-up tests in the first 12 months, with additional testing possible for up to 60 months total.

Which railroad employees are classified as performing 'covered service' under 49 CFR Part 219 for drug and alcohol testing purposes?

Answer: Locomotive engineers, conductors, train dispatchers, and signal employees

Covered service under 49 CFR Part 219 includes locomotive engineers, conductors, train dispatchers, signal employees, and others in safety-sensitive roles.

What FRA requirement applies to a railroad before an employee can be hired into a safety-sensitive position?

Answer: Pre-employment drug testing with a negative result required before starting work

FRA regulations require a negative pre-employment drug test result before any new employee can begin performing safety-sensitive covered service duties.

Which entity is responsible for certifying the laboratories that perform FRA-mandated drug testing?

Answer: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) / SAMHSA

Drug testing laboratories used for federal workplace testing must be certified by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) under HHS.

What is a Medical Review Officer (MRO) responsible for in the FRA drug testing process?

Answer: Reviewing and interpreting drug test results and determining whether a positive result has a legitimate medical explanation

An MRO is a licensed physician who reviews positive drug test results, contacts the employee for an explanation, and determines whether a legitimate medical reason exists before reporting the result.