Written by Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn
A blog titled “New to Drug Testing: Designated Employer Representative” who inquired about the external processes that employers must carry out once they have implemented a drug testing program, introduced a Designated Employer Representative (DER) who agreed to share her experiences and DER responsibilities.
“The DER is the primary point of contact between the employer, drug test donor and provider. They receive drug test results and other communications on behalf of the employer. As such, each DER should have the knowledge and authority to make decisions about their employer’s drug and alcohol testing program.”
The post on the Quest Diagnostics Blog Solutions Employers explained that the DER is responsible for educating employees, performing drug and alcohol testing, maintaining program confidentiality, maintaining all documentation, and ensuring program compliance to US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
“The DER is authorized by the employer to take immediate action to remove or cause to be removed employees from safety-critical duties and to make any decisions required as part of the drug testing and evaluation process. The role of the DER is critical to keeping the company in compliance with DOT agency regulations. »
The DER “must be thoroughly familiar with state and federal regulations, company policy, union agreements, and day-to-day operating procedures. With all the different information coming from multiple sources, it’s comforting to know that a single person manages the day-to-day drug testing operations for an employer.
The Leading Workplace Drug Testing Provider Blog Quest Diagnosis concluded that having a DER “is essential for companies that perform regulated drug testing. For unregulated companies, a human resources, safety or health professional should be able to assume the responsibilities of an DER. The blog is available here.
Employment Screening Resources (ESR) is a service offering from ClearStar, a leading human resources technology company specializing in background, addiction and occupational health screening. Clear Star offers drug testing fully integrated with major labs such as Quest Diagnostics. To learn more, contact Clear Star.
On September 21, 2022, ClearStar will be sponsoring a free webinar titled “Continue the discussion” hosted by Bill Current, President and Founding Partner of Expert Drug Testing Industry Consultants Current Advisory Group (CCG). To register for the free webinar, Click here.
Employment Screening Resources (ESR) – a service offering of ClearStar – does not provide or offer legal services or legal advice of any kind. All information on this website is for educational purposes only.
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