The objective of this course is to provide instruction that enables the Designated Employer Representative (DER) of a company whose employees fall under United States Coast Guard (USCG) to understand the role and responsibilities of the DER in their drug and alcohol testing program. As a DER, it is essential you understand the drug and alcohol testing process and what actions are required under DOT - USCG regulations. This course will assist you in remaining in compliance with the federal rules and regulations. As the Designated Employer Representative for your company, you must also be knowledgeable about other service agents involved in the testing process, including collectors, MROs, laboratory personnel, SAPs, and C/TPAs. This training course will provide you with the information necessary to effectively manage your drug and alcohol testing program while maintaining compliance with the Regulations.

YOUR DUTIES AS A DOT DESIGNATED EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVE

As a Designated Employer Representative, you will have specific duties for DOT compliance. In addition to managing the drug and alcohol testing program, you will be required to:

• Manage with assistance from TPA or Third Party Administrator, the random drug & alcohol testing
• Receive drug & alcohol test results
• Remove employees from safety-sensitive functions when the result is positive or test is refused
• Refer employees to the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and facilitate return to duty, if allowed
• Coordinate follow up testing after a return to duty
• Coordinate physician referrals for “shy bladder” and “shy lung” situations
• Report test results to agency and/or state and local authorities, if necessary
• DER must be familiar with the entire testing process
• Responsible for compliance with 49 CFR Part 40 and USCG Regulations
• Knowledge of Urine Collection Procedures
• Knowledge of Breath Alcohol Testing procedures
• Receive Breath Alcohol Results from BAT
• Knowledge of Correction of flaws, fatal flaws, and problem tests
• Determining Refusals to Test
• Responsible for compliance with Drug & Alcohol Testing Program regulations

DER OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

As a DER, you are responsible for administering the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. You will act as the liaison with drug and alcohol testing service agents. Every DER is informed of every test and its result. The DER performs the functions necessary according to the results of the tests and is authorized by the employer to take immediate action(s) including:

• To remove employees from safety-sensitive duties
• To make necessary decisions in the testing and evaluation process
• Receives test results and other communications for the employer

• Be able to manage a drug and alcohol free workplace policy within their organization including providing the necessary training to employees and making determinations of when to test and when a refusal should be determined.
• Be able to express an understanding of industry terms and the protocols involved with the DOT and USCG regulations by completing an online quiz with 75% or greater proficiency.