White House clears final rule on drug testing clearinghouse

A final rule to establish a central database for verified positive controlled substances and alcohol test results for commercial driver´s license (CDL) holders – as well as those who refuse to submit to testing – could be published any day now as the White House Office of Management and Budget on October 31 completed its review of the rule. Under the rule as proposed, employers of CDL holders and service agents would be required to report positive test results and refusals to test into the clearinghouse. In addition, prospective employers acting on an application for a CDL driver position would, with the applicant’s written consent, be required to query the database before hiring.