As discussed in previous First Advantage updates since 2016 when the FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Final Rule was first published in the Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/05/2016-27398/commercial-drivers-license-drug-and-alcohol-clearinghouse  the FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is scheduled to be implemented on January 6, 2020.

This month, FMCSA announced its launch of a new website with information about the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov . The Website includes a timetable for implementation, questions and answers for all users of the Clearinghouse, and opportunities for users of the Clearinghouse to subscribe for future email notifications about the Clearinghouse. The Website states that Clearinghouse users will be able to register for the Clearinghouse starting in the fall 2019 and First Advantage has since learned that Registration will likely commence in October 2019.  Employers, MROs, SAPs, TPAs, and other authorized users of the Clearinghouse should sign up to receive notification confirming when the registration is active and to receive details concerning the registration process, including information on user fees, which is not available at this time.

Historically, a great deal of information was made available by such as overview documents, frequently asked questions and answers, and fact sheets.  The announcement of fall 2019 registration and the opportunity to subscribe for email notifications are new.  A PDF fact sheet is available for download on the clearinghouse website.

Please note that more information is needed before service agents, including First Advantage, can move forward with some of the practical steps necessary to comply with the Rule. That being said, preliminary work is in process to determine the support that First Advantage can offer our clients to ensure timely compliance as well as to ensure our compliance as a service agent.

FMCSA plans to hold industry briefings and discussions with Clearinghouse user groups throughout 2019. First Advantage is following developments on the Clearinghouse very closely.