The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is an essential tool in ensuring the safety and compliance of commercial drivers. However, there are common misconceptions regarding the requirements for contacting previous employers in relation to the Clearinghouse policies. DISA Global Solutions aims to provide clarity on the obligations of employers when it comes to previous employer checks. By understanding these requirements, employers can navigate the Clearinghouse more effectively and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is an essential tool in ensuring the safety and compliance of commercial drivers. However, there are common misconceptions regarding the requirements for contacting previous employers in relation to the Clearinghouse policies. DISA Global Solutions aims to provide clarity on the obligations of employers when it comes to previous employer checks. By understanding these requirements, employers can navigate the Clearinghouse more effectively and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse, established on January 6, 2020, serves as the central repository for drug and alcohol violations related to FMCSA drug testing. Its primary objective is to ensure that drivers who have failed previous FMCSA drug tests complete the necessary return-to-duty process before being eligible for employment with any regulated organization. By centralizing this information, the Clearinghouse plays a crucial role in promoting safety within the transportation industry.
Despite the implementation of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, there is a prevailing misconception that it eliminates the requirement to contact previous employers. However, this is not the case. According to the regulations outlined in 391.23(d) of the FMCSA guidelines, employers are still obligated to contact previous employers to obtain safety performance history to include "general employment details" and accident records. The Clearinghouse does not override this requirement.
On January 6, 2023, the Clearinghouse became the primary repository for information required under 391.23(e). This regulation entails the collection of drug and alcohol-related information on commercial drivers for the past three years. While the Clearinghouse will house this crucial data, it does not eliminate the need to contact previous employers for specific details related to drug and alcohol questions. This is particularly applicable to drivers who held positions under the Department of Transportation (DOT) other than FMCSA, such as PHMSA, or those who are ineligible for Clearinghouse verification.
To summarize, clients should keep the following key points in mind when it comes to FMCSA Clearinghouse policies:
As your trusted TPA, DISA can conduct your queries to check if prospective employees are prohibited from jobs that require safety-sensitive related work, such as operating CMVs, due to an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation. DISA can also assist in the annual queries that employers are required to run. Our professionals understand the complexities and misconceptions that arise from the Clearinghouse and will continue to help you meet requirements.
Clarity regarding FMCSA Clearinghouse policies is essential for ensuring compliance and safety within the transportation industry. It’s crucial that employers understand that while the Clearinghouse serves as the primary repository for certain information, contacting previous employers is still necessary for obtaining general employment details and accident records. By adhering to these requirements, you can ensure compliance and contribute to building a culture of safety and responsibility in the industry.
Global HR Research, a DISA company, has earned the trust of Fortune's Top 50, Forbes' Largest Private Companies, and Inc's Top 5000 companies across the U.S. by leveraging our employment screening technology and helping clients build and manage effective screening programs. Our advanced proprietary technology provides our customers with employment screening, compliance, risk management solutions, and comprehensive tools to help make better and quicker hiring decisions. These distinctions have consistently made GHRR a better alternative for their customers, providing better data intelligence, better technology, and better teams. In November 2022, DISA Global Solutions, the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services, acquired GHRR.
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