Drug, alcohol database rule inches closer to approval

Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for final approval its drug and alcohol clearinghouse rule that would essentially set up a database of all drivers who have failed or refused to take a drug or alcohol test in the past.

The rule, if finalized, would require fleets to report to FMCSA and the clearinghouse when a CDL holder fails or refuses a drug test. That information would then be stored in the clearinghouse for future carrier employers to access.

Carriers would need written consent from the driver and/or applicant before making the query to the clearinghouse.

If the OMB approves the rule, it will be published in the Federal Register to allow for a public comment period.