News and Notices

District Court Decision - Direct Observation

Posted on Thu, May 21, 2009

From: DOT - Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance [usdot@govdelivery.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 9:50 AM
Subject: District Court Decision

We are pleased to announce that on May 15, 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld DOT’s direct observation drug testing rules applicable to return-to-duty, safety-sensitive transportation industry employees who have already failed or refused to take a prior drug test. The Court found that the rules were not arbitrary or capricious and did not violate the Fourth Amendment constitutional prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures.

Because there is an opportunity for the parties to seek rehearing of the Court’s ruling, the Court’s stay of the direct observation rule continues in effect. Direct observation collections for follow-up and return-to-duty testing will remain an employer’s option for the duration of the rehearing process. We will provide status updates to you on a regular basis.

Safety is the highest priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the upholding of our direct observation drug testing rules helps to support this mission.

Jim L. Swart
Director
Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance
U.S. Department of Transportation

Please e-mail info@natacompliance.com  for Court’s full determination.

Tags: Airport, Fixed Base Operator, Crewmember, News, Aircraft Operator, Operation, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Management, Maintenance Operator, Anti-Drug & Alcohol Program Manager

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