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- Industry Representation and Information Dissemination
DATIA successfully monitored and commented on the extensive amount of drug and alcohol testing issues that were presented in 1999. Among these issues were the Drug Testing Advisory Board's review of alternative specimen testing, the Department of Transportation's proposed rule on Substance Abuse Professional Certification, the Empowering Parents to Fight Drugs Act of 1999 (HR 1735), and the Parental Consent Drug Testing and Counseling Act (HR 1642). In addition to representing the drug and alcohol testing industry on these issues, DATIA provided its members with ongoing and current information concerning the progress of these initiatives.
- Industry Directory & Buyers' Guide
DATIA significantly expanded its comprehensive source of information for locating drug and alcohol testing providers. This comprehensive directory, which includes laboratories, medical review officers, consortiums, TPAs, substance abuse professionals, employee assistance programs, on-site drug testing kits, collection supplies, and much more, was provided complimentary to over 1000 DATIA members and 3500 associations and employers representing safety sensitive industries. The directory is now available online and includes both proximity searching and mapping features.
- DATIA Red Book of Federal Rules
DATIA actively monitored changes to federal rules affecting drug testing in its Red Book publications of all federal drug testing rules. Five Redbook updates were sent to subscribers in 1999. These changes are sent to subscribers within two-weeks of publication. In addition to final rule changes, DATIA provided supplemental material to subscribers including federal guidance and the drug testing rates for each transportation mode. As part of keeping the Red Book updated, DATIA identified rule changes that affected the industry, analyzed the changes and sent comments to the appropriate Federal agency.
- DATIA Web Site
DATIA worked very hard to ensure that its site was updated weekly and as new legislative and regulatory information became available. The site features industry news, legislative and regulatory alerts, drug and alcohol testing regulations and legislation, as well as association information. The site consistently receives over 4000 direct hits a month. The website was continually improved upon during 1999 and features such additions as the DATIA Town Hall &emdash; a forum for industry professionals, and downloadable PDF versions of documents pertinent to industry professionals.
- Specimen Collector Certification and Facility Accreditation
DATIA expanded its efforts in 1999 to raise the level of accuracy and the quality of specimen collections through the Certified Professional Collector (CPC) and Certified Professional Collector Trainer (CPCT) program. Over 270 professionals were certified as Certified Professional Collector Trainers (CPCT), and over 260 collectors were trained by a CPCT and certified as a Certified Professional Collector (CPC). Over 40 collection facilities completed requirements during 1999 to achieve Accredited Collection Facility status including maintaining a staff of DATIA Certified collectors, maintaining adequate Professional Liability insurance, adhering to all regulations and laws pertaining to drug and alcohol testing, and providing superior services. This increased amount of proficiency within the industry will ensure that collections are performed in a standardized manner, resulting in a better perception of the drug testing process by government officials and employers.
- Consortium/TPA Management Training
During 1999, DATIA introduced the first ever course to address the ambiguity and lack of industry consensus regarding proper Consortium/TPA policies and procedures. This course, which attracted 200 industry professionals from across the nation, was rated an average of 9 out of ten by course attendees. The DATIA Consortium/TPA course achieved its goal of providing industry professionals with the foundation necessary to develop and implement drug free workplace programs that exceed mandatory regulations and provide exceptional client services. In addition, as part of the course, attendees were provided with the first and only published manual on policies and regulations affecting Consortium/TPA management.
- Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
DATIA successfully published 6 issues of its bi-monthly newsletter, Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News. The newsletter featured up to date legislative and regulatory information, association news, as well as features on industry business trends and legal aspects of the industry. The newsletter continues to serve as a vital forum for providing members with information crucial to their operations.
- Federal Custody and Control Form
DATIA was successful in having its major recommendations to improve the Federal Custody and Control Form incorporated into SAMHSA's Notice of Proposed Revision. If approved as written, the NPR would make the CCF a more user friendly, less costly document for users. In addition, the revised form will provide for a higher quality product by reducing errors and offering more defined reporting options.
- Small Business Association Drug Free Workplace Grants
DATIA was instrumental in convincing the Small Business Administration to revise the eligibility requirements for its drug-free workplace program. The change, which allowed for-private companies to compete for grants to develop drug-free workplace programs for small businesses, resulted in four DATIA member companies being among the 16 eligible intermediary winners.
- Electronic Signature Legislation
An important DATIA initiative to permit the use of electronic signatures on chain of custody forms moved a step closer to reality in 1999. The House of Representatives passed the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, which extends the same validity to electronic signatures as is currently accorded written signatures.
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