Designated Employer Representative (DER) with FAA Training

Designated Employer Representative (DER) Online Training

Course Outline

Introductory vocabulary (Who’s who in the process?)

Section 1: DER Responsibilities

This section provides an introduction to the DOT Federal Regulations for workplace drug and alcohol testing (49 CFR Part 40), as well as what the DER's responsibilities are under the rules. The student is also introduced to Service Agents in the DOT testing process.

Section 2: Operating Agencies & Other Entities in the Testing Process

This section discusses the operating agencies (modes) under the DOT and provides a description of each of the DOT operating agencies, as well as an introduction to the types of employees covered by the DOT rules. Time is also spent discussing the role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) and Consortiums/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs).

Section 3: Hiring Procedures for DOT Safety-sensitive Employees

In this section, the student is familiarized with the DERs responsibilities in hiring new safety-sensitive workers, including DOT background checking requirements, such as requesting information from past employers, providing information requested by other employers, and record keeping.

Section 4: DOT vs. non-DOT Testing, What Drugs We Test For & What Types of Tests Must We Perform, Alcohol Testing

This section compares for the student DOT (Federal) and non-DOT testing, appropriate forms to use for each, the types of drugs we test for (DOT 5-panel), and the types (reasons) for testing under the DOT program and rules. The student is also introduced to supervisory training requirements and who can perform DOT collections for drug testing, as well as the alcohol testing process.

Section 5: Refusals To Test

In this section we discuss what constitutes a "refusal to test", who determines whether or not an action by an employee is a refusal, and what action the DER must take in a refusal event.

Section 6: The SAP and Return-to-duty Process, and Violations of DOT Rules

In this section, the student gains a deeper understanding of the Substance Abuse Professional's (SAPs) role in the DOT testing process, specifically the return-to-duty process. Time is also spent on "violations" and pre-duty alcohol use prohibitions.

Section 7: Direct Observation Collections, Problems in Drug & Alcohol Testing, Flaws, Cancelled Tests

This section outlines when and how a direct observation collection must be conducted. The student will also learn in this section about different types of problem collections and the types of flaws in the testing process (fatal and correctable flaws) and cancelled tests. Plus, other problems tests and collections are covered such as: shy bladder, insufficient breath, and dilute specimens.

Section 8: Employer Record Keeping Requirements & Confidentiality

This section discusses the employer's responsibility for maintaining records relating to the DOT drug and alcohol testing process, as well as the confidentiality requirements for keeping such records. This section also covers which records must be kept for certain time periods, and briefly introduces the student to Management Information Systems (MIS) reports.

Section 9: Additional Requirements and Info for DERs

This short section discusses employee training/education requirements, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and the use of consent/authorization forms in DOT drug and alcohol testing.

There is a Section Quiz after each section, also.

In addition, the agency-specific course modules include the following:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Training Module for DERs

The FAA training module contains pertinent information relating to the FAA’s drug and alcohol testing program and testing requirements for air traffic controllers, Part 119 Certificate Holders authorized to conduct operations under Part 121 or Part 135, or Operators under 91.147. This module will assist the Designated Employer Representative (DER) with the knowledge needed to execute a drug and alcohol testing program that meets the FAA requirements found in 14 CFR Part 120.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Training Module for DERs

This section/module covers the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules found in 49 CFR Part 655 – Prevention of Alcohol Misuse and Prohibited Drug Use. Topics covered include: Who is covered under the FTA and when they are covered by the rules; employer notice and education requirements for employees; alcohol and drug testing rules, including those related to post-accident testing and reasonable suspicion; record retention requirements; and MIS reporting.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Module for DERs

This section/module covers the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules found in 49 CFR Part 382 – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing. Topics covered include: Who is covered under the FMCSA and when they are covered by the rules; employer notice and education requirements for employees; alcohol and drug testing rules, including those related to post-accident testing and reasonable suspicion; record retention requirements; and MIS reporting.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Training Module for DERs

This section/module covers the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rules found in 49 CFR Part 199– DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING. Topics covered include: Who is covered under the PHMSA and when they are covered by the rules; employer notice and education requirements for employees; alcohol and drug testing rules, including those related to post-accident testing and reasonable suspicion; record retention requirements; and MIS reporting.