19th Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference

Advanced Drug and Alcohol Program Manager (DAPM)
Alexa D'Adamo & Michael Redington
Explore advanced program topics with FTA's Drug and Alcohol Program Office staff. In this session, you will learn about key technical issues and interpretations, and best practices for maintaining a compliant drug and alcohol program.
Note: This class is for DAPMs with over 3 years of experience in their position.
Download Presentation

Beginner Drug and Alcohol Program Manager (DAPM)
Toni Clay & George Gilpatrick
This all-day class is designed for the true beginner, where you will learn about the basic requirements and DAPM/DER responsibilities under 49 CFR Part 655 and Part 40. Step by step, the speakers will guide you through the building blocks that make up a compliant FTA program. Topics include policy and training requirements, categories of testing, testing procedures, responsibilities of service agents, recordkeeping and DAMIS reporting.
Download Presentation

Compliant FTA Drug and Alcohol Policies
Sebastian Knott
The FTA drug and alcohol policy is the foundation of your testing program, the document to which both you and your covered employees turn when seeking information about the relevant prohibitions, tests, and consequences set forth by FTA, DOT, and your company. In this session, you will learn about the required elements of the policy, and how to develop your own compliant policy.
Download Presentation

Contractor Coverage
Erin Dietz
This session will assist FTA covered grantees in determining if contractors are subject to FTA drug and alcohol testing requirements. This session will discuss the applicability, regulatory requirements, and common coverage exceptions. This session will also cover the minimum requirements for oversight and numerous best practices used.
Download Presentation

DOT and Non-DOT Testing
Toni Clay
The DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations require that DOT tests be separate from non-DOT tests in all respects. In this session, you will learn how to ensure compliance with DOT and FTA requirements when implementing a non-DOT testing program for safety-sensitive employees.
Download Presentation

DOT Test Refusals
George Gilpatrick
Hear 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, you will learn the DOT refusals as defined in Part 40, as well as some common mistakes and best practices to avoid them.
Download Presentation

Duties of the DER
Alexa D'Adamo & Lori DeCoste
In this session, FTA Auditors will walk through the definition of the Designated Employer Representative (DER), who can be a DER in accordance with Part 40, and the roles and responsibilities of the DER.
Download Presentation

Ensuring Your Service Agent's Compliance
Toni Clay
Covered employers are responsible for ensuring service agents hired to assist in the FTA drug and alcohol testing process are compliant with 49 CFR Part 40 regulations. This session will walk attendees through how to ensure compliance with their collection sites, Medical Review Officer (MRO), Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA).
Download Presentation

FTA Drug and Alcohol Management Information System (MIS)
Jennifer Gissel & Michael Redington
This session will provide guidance and answer commonly asked questions about how to complete the annual FTA/DOT reporting requirement quickly and accurately. In addition, you will look at interesting trends compiled from nationwide results submitted over the last several years.
Download Presentation

How to Monitor Collection Site Compliance
Diana Byrnes
The collection site is an integral part of a DOT drug and alcohol testing program. In this session, you will learn key strategies for assessing the compliance of your collection sites. Topics include physical site security and integrity, the review of federal forms, and the mock collection process.
Download Presentation

In-House DOT Testing: Benefits, Challenges and Compliance
Sean Oswald
Thinking about performing DOT testing in-house? This session will provide an overview of the applicable regulatory authority and discuss the pros and cons of doing DOT drug and alcohol testing in-house to help FTA covered employers make an informed decision.
Download Presentation

Jeopardy!
Michael Redington
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.

Non-Negative Results
Joseph Lofgren
Learn about the different types of non-negative test results, such as positives, refusals, and cancelled tests. This session will cover the lifecycle of a DOT test, from test trigger to specimen collection/screening to adjudication and disposition and will guide participants on the required actions when such a result is received.
Download Presentation

Now What? FTA's Guide to (Most of) Your Challenges
Lori DeCoste & Joseph Lofgren
In this session, FTA Auditors will walk through real-world scenarios transit employers face in meeting FTA and DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements—and show you how to fix, pivot, or improve your approach. We'll also cover key FTA tools and resources to help you navigate your toughest compliance challenges.
Download Presentation

ODAPC Updates
Jennifer Lancaster
In this session, a representative from the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC) will provide an update on issues on the horizon related to the drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive transportation employees.

Post-Accident Testing: Thresholds and Determinations
Jennifer Gissel & Michael Redington
In this session, learn the steps to ensure a well-run post-accident testing program. The speakers will discuss the FTA's definition of an accident and the thresholds for testing. The speakers will also walk the audience through scenarios to ensure decision-makers have the information and tools needed to make compliant post-accident testing determinations.
Download Presentation

Pre-Employment Testing and Onboarding Requirements
Diana Byrnes
In this session, you will learn the central elements of hiring and onboarding safety-sensitive employees, including the basic requirements for FTA pre-employment testing, training, and previous-employer checks, as well as some best-practices associated with these requirements.
Download Presentation

Random Testing Requirements and Best Practices
Jennifer Gissel & Felicity Shanahan
This session will provide an overview of how to maintain an FTA-compliant random pool for the drug and alcohol program. This session will also provide best practices for making selections, spreading random tests as required by Part 655, and keeping proper records.
Download Presentation

Records Retention Requirements and Best Practices
Trent Fontanella
In this session, an FTA auditor will discuss FTA's record retention requirements and best practices for compliant records maintenance. Learn what drug and alcohol testing records FTA requires you to keep, and how best to store them to ensure they are secure, organized, and accessible.
Download Presentation

Second Chance Programs and the Return to Duty Process
Trent Fontanella & Mark Ketterson
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. Learn about the SAP process and best practices for maintaining an effective and compliant follow-up testing program.
Download Presentation

State DOT Oversight
Diana Byrnes
This session will explore the role of the State DOT in maintaining responsibility for their covered subrecipients' and contractors' compliance with the requirements of Part 655. The speaker will cover FTA's oversight requirements and provide best practices for ensuring employers maintain compliance with FTA and DOT drug and alcohol regulations.
Download Presentation

Training Personnel for Reasonable Suspicion
George Gilpatrick
In this session, an FTA Auditor will discuss the requirements of reasonable suspicion testing, when it is required, who can order a test, and who in your company should be trained to make reasonable suspicion determinations. This session will also cover the process from the initial suspicion through final determination to conduct a test.
Download Presentation

Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Open Forum
Do you have a question about the information you received at the conference? In this open forum, FTA's Drug and Alcohol Program staff and industry experts will be available to answer questions and provide clarification.

Trends in Cannabis Use & Continued Impacts on Transit Operations
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.
Download Presentation

FTA Drug and Alcohol Project Office at
(617) 494-6336 or fta.damis@dot.gov.

Register for the conference