You are here


14th Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference

April 2-4, 2019 / Milwaukee, WI

Skip Navigation Links
Presentations & Course Descriptions
Advanced DAPM Training
Lori DeCoste, Michael Redington & Felicity Shanahan
Explore advanced program topics with the Volpe Center’s FTA Drug and Alcohol Project Office staff. In addition to hearing about key technical issues and interpretations, attendees will be able to discuss their own questions with the auditors and their peers in an open-forum format. Note: This class is for DAPMs with over 5 years of experience in their position.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Beating the Cheaters
Craig McNulty
Though the increased use of directly-observed urine collections has helped reduce cheating in DOT drug testing, the adulteration and substitution of urine samples remains a problem. In this session, learn from an FTA auditor numerous best practices to employ in pursuit of the elimination of common vulnerabilities within the DOT testing process.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Beginner Drug and Alcohol Program Manager (DAPM)
George Gilpatrick & Joseph Lofgren
This all-day class is designed for the true beginner where he or she can learn about the history of drug and alcohol testing in the transit industry, the basic requirements of the federal rules, and DAPM/DER responsibilities under 49 CFR Part 655 and Part 40. Step by step, the speakers will guide the participants through the building blocks that make up a compliant FTA program. Through discussion of "best practices," the participant will learn efficient and effective methods used by covered employers to comply with the regulations. Other topics include: policy and training requirements, categories of testing, testing procedures, responsibilities of service agents, recordkeeping and DAMIS reporting.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Collection Site Review and Mock Collection
Toni Clay & Trent Fontanella
The collection site is an integral part of a compliant drug and alcohol testing program. In this session, participants will learn key strategies for assessing the compliance of their collection sites. Topics include physical site security and integrity, the review of federal forms, and the mock collection process.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

DOT Test Refusals
Craig McNulty
Learn from an FTA auditor about the different circumstances that lead to a determination that an employee has refused a DOT drug or alcohol test. In this session, the speaker will discuss the DOT refusals as defined in Part 40, as well as some common pitfalls and best practices to avoid them.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

DOT Testing: Mobile and In-House Collections
Lori Jones, Julie Tennant, & Andre Welsh
In this session, attendees will hear from DAPMs about the use of mobile collection services, and about the implementation of an in-house testing program. The speakers will discuss the benefits and challenges of each.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Drug and Alcohol Testing Trends: MIS Reporting
Michael Redington
This session will provide guidance and answer commonly asked questions about how to quickly and accurately complete the annual FTA/DOT reporting requirement. In addition, attendees will look at interesting trends and testing results compiled from nationwide results submitted over the last several years.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Drug and Alcohol Program Check-up
George Gilpatrick
In this session, an FTA auditor will discuss some ongoing metrics that DAPMs can use to gauge their own drug and alcohol programs. Attendees will learn how to make an initial assessment and set up an internal monitoring system for the total health of the program.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Employers Who are Covered by FTA and FMCSA: How to Manage the Dual Modes
Iyon Rosario, John Spelman, & Juan Moya
Learn from key oversight personnel about the important commonalities and differences in FTA and FMCSA and testing regulations. Topics will include safety-sensitive personnel designations, testing category overlaps and separations, and best practices for dual-program management.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

FMCSA Clearinghouse
Barbara Baker & Gian Marshall
The new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse established by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) will contain information pertaining to controlled substances and alcohol testing violations for holders of CDLs subject to FMCSA regulations. In this session, attendees will learn about the Clearinghouse, including implementation milestones and required actions that users must take once the Clearinghouse is operational.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Jeopardy
Michael Redington, Lori DeCoste & Felicity Shanahan
Jeopardy, one of the most popular game shows in history with its unique answer-and-question format, will be revamped to showcase contestant knowledge of DOT and FTA drug and alcohol regulations. Watch your peers participate or request to be one of the contestants.

Post-Accident Testing Thresholds and Scenarios
Diana Byrnes
This session will present the FTA’s definition of an accident and the thresholds for testing in clear, layman’s terms. It will cover the necessary steps that must be taken once a post-accident testing decision has been made, including the testing windows and documentation of the event. It will conclude with a collaborative review of several real-life accident scenarios.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Q&A with the Experts
Iyon Rosario, Mark Snider, Juan Moya, & Joseph Lofgren
Moderator: Michael Redington
This session will provide an open forum for asking questions of several DOT drug and alcohol industry experts.

The Roles of the MRO and MRO Assistant
Dr. Gina Pervall & Toni Clay
Learn about the important work MROs and MROAs do to review and verify DOT drug tests. This session will feature an MROCC-certified MRO and MRO Assistant discussing their respective functions with regard to processing DOT tests, as well as the role the DAPM plays in using their services.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Small Transit Employers: Challenges and Best Practices
Robbie Sarles
Although small transit employers generally have limited resources, personnel and service vendor options they are responsible for the same level of compliance as their urban counterparts when it comes to the FTA drug and alcohol testing regulations. In this session, discuss best practices and get practical solutions to challenges directly related to creating and maintaining a compliant drug and alcohol program for small transit employers.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

A Second Chance after a DOT Testing Violation
John Spelman & Sandra Sullivan
If your organization has a second-chance program, one of the most important ways to support employees who have substance abuse problems is by maintaining a robust deterrent against recidivism. This session will focus on how to return employees to safety-sensitive duties following a DOT drug or alcohol violation. Participants will learn about the SAP process and best practices for maintaining an effective and compliant follow-up testing program.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Subrecipient and Contractor Oversight: A Panel Discussion
Deborah Ellis, Lori Jones, & Jeffrey Waxman
Moderator: Diana Byrnes
This session will explore the role of the FTA grantee in maintaining responsibility for their covered subrecipients’ and contractors’ compliance with the requirements of Part 655. Learn about the minimum requirements for oversight, and about numerous best practices used.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Discussion Forum
Trent Fontanella & George Gilpatrick
This session will provide an open forum for participants to interact with other agencies, to solve problems common to the industry, and to increase their professional resources for better performance. Two FTA auditors will be on-hand to promote and support conversation.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Trends in Cannabis Use
Sean Oswald
This session will provide information about trends in marijuana use, including public opinions, popular products, and the workplace impact. The speaker will also provide answers to frequently asked questions and bust a few myths.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

Unique Applicability Case Studies
Joseph Lofgren
Public transportation can come in many shapes and sizes. In this session, an FTA auditor will discuss some unusual coverage and modal scenarios. Participants will learn how to examine their own workforce to ensure appropriate employees are subject to FTA drug and alcohol rules.
Powerpoint Download Presentation

US Department of Transportation-Regulated Testing: Hot Topics
Patrice Kelly & Mark Snider
The DOT’s drug and alcohol testing regulation, 49 CFR Part 40, has been around for more than 25 years. As the guardian of Part 40, DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, sees it all! Learn about the most commonly asked questions and most misunderstood provisions. Find out about data trends and other topics that are pertinent to your work as regulated employers.

Working with a Labor Union
Phyllis Walker
In this session, learn best practices for working with your labor union to ensure your program’s compliance with DOT and FTA drug and alcohol regulations. The speaker will discuss creating a strong policy, maintaining transparency, and developing relationships.
Powerpoint Download Presentation



Updated: Friday, October 9, 2020
Submit Feedback >