Drug and Alcohol Testing


Incentive Federation Welcomes New OSHA Clarification

An Oct. 11 memo clarifies OSHA's position that 29 CFR 1904.35(b)(1)(iv) does not prohibit workplace safety incentive programs or post-incident drug testing.

The impairment argument is incredibly complex. Many employers use the term in workplace drug and alcohol policies but this may not be the most prudent choice as marijuana impairment cannot necessarily be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Recreational Marijuana Now Legal in Canada

In its Fall Economic Statement 2017, the government announced $546 million over five years to ensure appropriate capacity to license, inspect, and enforce all aspects of the Cannabis Act and to undertake public education and awareness activities.

New NIOSH Resource Addresses Workplace Naloxone Programs

NIOSH Publishes Fact Sheet on Workplace Naloxone Programs

The new NIOSH document provides a series of steps for employers to consider when deciding whether their workplace should make the overdose reversal medication available on site in the event of an overdose.

The expo will take place inside the George R. Brown Convention Center, which opened on the east side of downtown Houston on Sept. 26, 1987. (Julie Soefer Photography)

Get Ready for the Year's Biggest Trade Show

Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center is the site for this year's NSC Congress & Expo.

Treating marijuana the same as alcohol is impossible for several reasons. There are no measurements for marijuana impairment that relate across the board to how we understand alcohol impairment.

NY Listening Sessions on Legalizing Marijuana Under Way

"As we begin the process of creating a model regulated marijuana program, it is critical that we reach communities across the state in order to hear what New Yorkers have to say," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.

HHS Agencies Award $1 Billion in Opioid Grants

"Addressing the opioid crisis with all the resources possible and the best science we have is a top priority for President Trump and for everyone at HHS," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "The more than $1 billion in additional funding that we provided this week will build on progress we have seen in tackling this epidemic through empowering communities and families on the front lines."

New Chair Elected, Policies Updated for GHSA

The Governors Highway Safety Association's updated policy statements reflect the latest science and expert consensus to address drugged driving, including zero tolerance laws for illicit drugs, use of electronic warrants, and marijuana open container laws.

Ohio BWC Program Supports Hiring of Workers in Addiction Recovery

The Opioid Workplace Safety Program will provide up to $5 million over two years to help employers in Montgomery, Ross, and Scioto counties hire, manage, and retain employees in recovery from addiction.



Agreement Raises Canadian Investment in Substance Abuse Treatment

"The opioid crisis continues to have a profound impact on thousands of people and their families across the country. I am pleased that we have signed this agreement with the government of British Columbia to help accelerate access to treatment services," said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada's minister of Health.

More Montana Pharmacies to Get Drug Collection Boxes

The 38-gallon boxes and starter packs of liners are being offered at no cost to retail pharmacies and hospitals and clinics with on-site pharmacies to be used to collect and then dispose of prescription drugs.

Arizona's Safe Drug Disposal Program Expands

Gov. Doug Ducey's partnership with Walgreens started with disposal kiosks at 18 Walgreens locations in 2016. Arizona now has 35 kiosks around the state with 24-hour accessibility.

1,776 Overdose Deaths in Tennessee Last Year

Deaths related to fentanyl rose significantly. Heroin was associated with the deaths of 311 Tennesseans in 2017, a 20 percent increase over the previous year, but fentanyl was associated with 500 deaths, a 70 percent increase since 2016.

NY State Sues OxyContin's Maker

"Our investigation found a pattern of deception and reckless disregard for New Yorkers' health and well-being as Purdue lined its own pockets by deliberately exploiting our communities and fueling an opioid epidemic that's destroyed families across the state," Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood said Aug. 14.

ABA Releases Report on Opioids Crisis

It makes nine recommendations and suggests 45 action items, including recommending more education and training opportunities to leverage existing policies that protect people dealing with substance misuse and providing treatment for under-insured and uninsured people.

National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association Formed

NDASA launched in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Jo McGuire. It has announced its first Annual Conference & Trade Show will take place March 26-29, 2019, at the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk hotel.

'Overdose Prevention Site' Naming Raises Support, Study Shows

A team from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that only 29 percent of Americans are in favor of "safe consumption sites," but 45 percent support them when the name "overdose prevention sites" is used instead.

NIOSH Evaluating Opioid Epidemic's Effects on Workers

Director Dr. John Howard's August 2018 "From the Director's Desk" message discusses the research that is under way, including field investigations.

Reasonable suspicion drug testing is a critical safety measure.

Missouri Voting on Medical Marijuana Measures This Fall

The three marijuana measures may cause confusion among voters, given that each proposes a different tax on retail sales of medical marijuana.

There are a few gloves on the market today that meet or exceed NIOSH recommendations for safety, allowing no permeation of either fentanyl or gastric acid for greater than 240 minutes. (Ansell photo)

Fentanyl Risks Put Focus on Hand Protection in Many Environments

Those most likely to be exposed, such as police and fire personnel, EMTs, ER staff, and forensic lab personnel, should be transitioning to gloves that provide comprehensive protection against fentanyl.

TN Governor Praises Commission's Work on Core Competencies

Gov. Bill Haslam established the 19-member commission by executive order in January as part of the TN Together plan to fight opioid addiction in Tennessee.

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