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Safety in the workplace hinges on supervisors' ability to recognize potential impairment – but how exactly should they make these critical determinations? Joe Reilly and Tom Fulmer, incoming president of the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association, tackle this question head-on with practical insights for employers navigating the complexities of reasonable suspicion testing.

The conversation reveals a crucial distinction many employers miss: the difference between immediate and non-immediate reasonable suspicion. While immediate situations require swift action based on specific, observable behaviors that suggest current impairment, non-immediate scenarios involve patterns of concerning behavior over time. Each requires a different approach, documentation method, and confrontation technique.

"Don't try and diagnose the problem. You're not a clinician," Reilly emphasizes, highlighting that reasonable suspicion isn't about catching employees or making accusations – it's fundamentally about workplace safety. The experts share valuable guidance on proper documentation (using objective criteria rather than subjective judgments), confrontation methods that keep discussions on track, and the importance of confidentiality throughout the process.

Perhaps most valuable is their practical advice for supervisors, including never allowing potentially impaired employees to drive, keeping emotions in check during confrontations, and understanding that many behaviors that mimic impairment could have alternative explanations like medical conditions or personal crises. The discussion underscores why supervisor training isn't just a compliance checkbox but an essential safety tool that can prevent accidents, reduce liability, and potentially save lives.

Whether you're developing a drug-free workplace program, training supervisors, or looking to strengthen your reasonable suspicion protocols, this episode delivers actionable insights that balance workplace safety with employee dignity. Subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to receive notifications when we upload new content about workplace drug testing and safety policies.

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Navigating the complex world of workplace drug testing starts with understanding what you're actually testing for. In this illuminating conversation with Tom Fulmer, Vice President of Business Development at National Drug Screening, we unpack the sometimes confusing terminology around drug testing "panels" and what employers need to know to make informed decisions.

Did you know that a standard "5-panel" drug test can actually detect up to 13 different substances? We explore what makes up the foundation of workplace drug testing programs, from the DOT-mandated SAMHSA 5-panel to expanded options that include emerging drugs of concern like fentanyl. Tom shares his journey from having no drug testing experience to becoming the incoming president of the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association, offering a unique perspective on how the industry has evolved.

For employers struggling with marijuana testing policies amid changing state laws, we offer practical guidance on developing compliant approaches. Whether you're operating in a single state or managing a multi-state workforce with different legal requirements, you'll learn strategies for crafting effective policies that balance safety concerns with legal compliance. We break down the differences between testing methods (lab-based vs. instant, urine vs. oral fluid vs. hair) and how panel options vary across these platforms.

Looking toward the future, we discuss SAMHSA's recent addition of fentanyl testing for federal employees, what this might mean for DOT regulations, and trends toward more customizable testing panels. Whether you're new to workplace drug testing or looking to update your current program, this episode provides the knowledge you need to select the right panels for your organization's needs. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to us directly at joe@nationaldrugscreening.com.

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What does it really take to start a successful drug testing business? Forget the TikTok get-rich-quick schemes promising overnight success - this episode delivers the unvarnished truth from someone who's actually done it.

Brandy Helveston, owner of Straight Line Mobile Testing and Lab Services LLC, shares her remarkable journey from initial concept to launching her thriving mobile drug testing business. After nearly five years of meticulous research and preparation, Brandy reveals the strategic decisions, challenges, and practical steps that transformed her vision into reality.

The conversation tackles crucial considerations often overlooked by newcomers: choosing between mobile operations versus brick-and-mortar facilities, identifying trustworthy mentorship, establishing essential business infrastructure, and most importantly - developing effective marketing strategies. As Brandy emphasizes repeatedly, success requires being "boots on the ground every single day" actively pursuing clients rather than expecting labs to deliver business to your doorstep.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode serves as both inspiration and warning. While Brandy demonstrates that launching a drug testing business is indeed achievable with proper preparation, she also dispels dangerous misconceptions propagated by dubious online "experts" promising instant success after brief training courses. Her candid insights about categorizing marketing targets, leveraging community resources like chambers of commerce, and building a supportive team provide a practical roadmap for those serious about entering the industry.

Whether you're considering starting a drug testing business or simply interested in entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable lessons about research, patience, and persistence that apply across all business ventures. Ready to learn what it really takes to succeed in this specialized field? This episode delivers the unfiltered reality you need to hear.

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The safety of America's transportation systems hinges on effective drug and alcohol testing programs. This deep dive with host Joe Riley and guest Brandy Helveston, President of Straight Line Mobile Drug Testing, reveals how the Department of Transportation's testing regulations were born from tragedy and now protect millions.

Following devastating accidents in the late 1980s that claimed multiple lives, Congress established the comprehensive DOT testing framework that fundamentally transformed workplace safety across transportation sectors. Today, these regulations impact approximately 8 million employees working for 700,000 employers across trucking, aviation, rail, transit, and pipeline industries.

The conversation clarifies critical aspects of DOT compliance, from the five drug classes being tested (marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP) to the six federally-mandated testing scenarios. Joe and Brandy explain why every DOT-regulated employer needs a trained Designated Employer Representative (DER), how supervisors must recognize impairment, and the severe penalties for non-compliance—including fines reaching $100,000 or complete operational shutdowns.

Transportation employers will particularly value the practical guidance on selecting qualified testing partners, understanding the differences between regulatory agencies, and navigating the specific requirements that apply to their industry. With oral fluid testing on the horizon and electronic record-keeping transforming compliance management, staying informed on these evolving regulations has never been more crucial.

Have a question about DOT testing for your transportation business? Share it with us for a chance to have it featured in an upcoming episode, and don't miss our next conversation about starting a drug testing business with Brandy returning to share her entrepreneurial journey.

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Drug testing for marijuana has become increasingly complex and challenging for employers as states pass conflicting laws while the drug remains federally illegal. We discuss the patchwork of marijuana laws across the U.S. and provide guidance for employers trying to maintain workplace safety while staying legally compliant.

• DOT-regulated employers must maintain marijuana testing regardless of state laws
• CBD products should be used with caution as they may contain THC and cause positive tests
• Many states have restrictive laws limiting when employers can test for marijuana
• New York, Nevada, California, Washington and Minnesota have some of the strictest marijuana testing restrictions
• Oral fluid testing provides an alternative solution in some restrictive states as it detects recent use
• Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas and Texas maintain employer-friendly marijuana testing environments
• Written drug testing policies are essential and must be state-specific
• Comprehensive drug-free workplace programs should include policies, supervisor training, employee education, and support resources
• Dropping marijuana from testing panels creates significant liability risks for employers

Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence or National Drug Screening to ensure your drug testing program remains compliant with your state's evolving marijuana laws.

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Drug testing impacts millions of Americans - from employees and job-seekers to probationers and individuals testing for personal reasons. Yet few understand the complex systems behind that cup or swab.

Joe Reilly draws from 33 years of industry expertise to demystify workplace drug testing, tracing its evolution from military testing in the 1980s after a shocking USS Nimitz incident to Reagan's Drug-Free Federal Workplace initiative and today's comprehensive programs. He unveils surprising statistics, including that 25% of Americans used illicit substances last year, with an estimated 16% of users employed.

The podcast dives deep into testing methodologies beyond the standard urine test. Hair testing reveals substance use patterns from up to 90 days ago, while oral fluid detects very recent use - crucial distinctions for employers developing safety programs. Reilly expertly breaks down the difference between DOT-regulated transportation testing and non-regulated workplace programs, explaining that what began as primarily DOT testing has flipped to 80% non-DOT testing today.

For employers, implementing drug-free workplace programs involves far more than ordering tests. Reilly outlines the five essential components: written policies, supervisor impairment recognition training, employee education, assistance programs, and testing procedures. This comprehensive approach addresses prevention, intervention, and compliance with the complex patchwork of federal regulations and state laws.

Looking to understand drug testing for your workplace? Need testing for personal reasons? Considering starting a drug testing business? This foundational episode answers these questions while setting the stage for future deep dives into marijuana testing considerations, DOT compliance, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the testing industry.

Contact Joe directly at joe@joereilly.com with your drug testing questions, and subscribe to catch upcoming episodes exploring this fascinating intersection of science, compliance, and workplace safety.