The U.S. Department of Transportation plans on January 1, 2018 to begin testing truck drivers and other “safety-sensitive” transportation employees for the semi-synthetic opioids hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone and oxycodone, the agency announced November 9, 2018
Part 40 Final Rule - DOT Summary of Changes
The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule in the Federal Register (82 FR52229). The rule, among other items, added four semi-synthetic opioids (i.e., hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone). It also added methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) as an initial test analyte and removed the testing for methylenedioxyethylamphetaime (MDEA).
When is the final rule effective?
The final rule is effective January 1, 2018.
What does this mean for employees?
You will also be tested for four semi-synthetic opioids (i.e., hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone). Some common names for these semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, Exalgo®. In addition, you will no longer be tested for MDEA.
You can view the final rule on the following web site: www.transportation.gov/odapc/frpubs.