Joe Reilly on Drug Testing in America

Joe Reilly
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Curious about the drug screening industry? Looking to get your start in a rewarding career? Trying to navigate the changing landscape of federal and state laws and how they influence your companies drug testing policy? If you have leaned in for any of these questions then you have found the podcast you have been looking for. Join Joe Reilly on this informative and educational adventure in drug screening in America.

Episodes

  1. How The FMCSA Clearinghouse Keeps Unsafe Drivers Off The Road

    10/23/2025

    How The FMCSA Clearinghouse Keeps Unsafe Drivers Off The Road

    Send us a text Ever wonder how a driver with a positive test can’t just jump to another carrier and keep rolling? We dig into the FMCSA Clearinghouse and translate the rules into clear actions for drivers, employers, owner-operators, TPAs, and SAPs. You’ll hear what triggers prohibited status, how state DMVs downgrade CDLs, and the exact steps required to get back behind the wheel through the SAP-led return-to-duty process. We talk through the roles with precision: why drivers must register before seeking work, how employers run pre-employment and annual queries, and who reports positives, alcohol violations, and refusals. You’ll learn the difference between MRO-reported drug positives and employer-determined refusals, and why collectors document but never determine refusals. For carriers, we outline policy essentials, documentation tips, and the practical impact of zero-tolerance rules, including the mandatory SAP referral even at termination. Owner-operators and unemployed drivers get a roadmap too. We explain the mandatory CTPA designation, what a consortium handles inside the Clearinghouse, and the special carve-out that lets an out-of-work driver complete the RTD test by registering as both employer and driver. TPAs will hear how to register, price services, and support clients who struggle with queries, reporting, and follow-up schedules. SAPs’ responsibilities are spelled out, from initial assessment to final evaluation and the confidential follow-up testing plan that carriers must execute. Along the way, we share real numbers and real stakes: at one point, 174,000 open violations sat in the Clearinghouse. The system exists to keep roads safe while giving drivers a structured, verifiable path back to safety-sensitive duty. If you manage CDL compliance—or plan to get your CDL back—this guide will help you reduce risk, save time, and make smarter decisions. If this helped clarify the Clearinghouse, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review telling us what topic you want us to tackle next.

    39 min
  2. Safety vs. Legalization: The Future Employers Must Choose

    10/02/2025

    Safety vs. Legalization: The Future Employers Must Choose

    Send us a text A few crashes and one landmark act quietly rewired American workplaces: safety-sensitive jobs needed real guardrails. We sit down with Bill Current—consultant, author, and longtime industry leader—to map how drug testing grew from crisis response to a complex, compliance-driven system that still protects people today. From the Exxon Valdez era to the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, Bill explains why DOT rules became the blueprint for nearly every strong program and how that foundation still shapes policy, training, and defensibility. We dig into the real maze employers face now: thousands of state statutes, regulations, and court decisions layered with fast-changing marijuana laws. Can you still test for cannabis? Yes—but what you can do with a positive depends on where you operate and how the test detects use. We get practical on policy architecture for single-state and multi-state employers, the power of addendums, and when DOT preemption overrides restrictive state language. Then we turn to oral fluid testing—why parent-THC detection, shorter windows, and on-site collections make it a game changer for post-accident and reasonable suspicion cases. Bill also pulls back the curtain on the DOT Legends, a new resource channeling former federal and modal leaders to give employers and TPAs rapid, authoritative answers on Clearinghouse rules, audits, and complex compliance questions. The throughline is clear: abandoning testing is a risky bet as post-accident positivity rises and liability expands. Smarter testing—faster, targeted, and legally sound—wins. If you care about safety, cost, and culture, this conversation gives you the roadmap: update your policy, train supervisors well, consider oral fluid for recent use, and secure reliable compliance support. Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who manages safety or compliance. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners who need clear guidance on drug testing in America.

    56 min

  3. 09/22/2025

    Inside the World of Workplace Drug Testing: Rights, Rules, and Realities

    Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when someone tests positive on a workplace drug test? Or how marijuana legalization affects employer testing policies? Drug testing expert Joe Riley pulls back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of workplace drug screening in this comprehensive exploration of rights, regulations, and realities. With 30 years of industry experience, Riley addresses the confusion surrounding marijuana testing in states where recreational or medical use is legal. Despite shifting public attitudes and state laws, employers generally maintain the right to test for marijuana—especially in safety-sensitive positions. For DOT-regulated jobs like truck drivers and airline pilots, federal regulations trump state laws, meaning zero tolerance policies remain in effect regardless of local marijuana legislation. The conversation delves into the critical distinction between drug testing and impairment testing. Unlike alcohol breathalyzers that measure current intoxication, marijuana tests can only confirm past use without indicating when consumption occurred or current impairment. This limitation creates significant challenges for both employers implementing fair policies and employees navigating their rights across different regulatory environments. Riley also illuminates the essential roles of Medical Review Officers (MROs) and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) in creating legally sound testing programs. These professionals help employers avoid costly mistakes like inconsistent policy application or improper handling of positive results. From collection procedures to confirmation testing, each step must follow precise protocols to withstand potential legal challenges. Whether you're an employer developing a drug-free workplace program, an employee trying to understand your rights, or simply curious about how drug testing works, this episode provides invaluable insights into a complex system that affects millions of American workers. Subscribe to hear our upcoming interviews with more industry experts as we continue exploring workplace compliance issues that impact businesses and employees nationwide.

    1h 25m

  4. 09/05/2025

    Behind the Scenes: Drug Testing Support with Char Clark

    Send us a text Drug testing requires precision, expertise, and reliable customer service to ensure safety and compliance. Whether you're an employer running a program, an individual needing a personal test, or a service provider in the industry, navigating the complexities of drug testing demands knowledgeable support. This episode pulls back the curtain on what makes customer service work in the specialized world of drug testing. Featuring Char Clark, a nine-year veteran at National Drug Screening who serves as both customer service manager and trainer, we explore the challenges, questions, and solutions that arise daily in this essential industry. The conversation reveals how a commitment to expertise transforms customer interactions. "Knowledge is power" isn't just a catchphrase but a weekly practice, with the entire team participating in Tuesday training sessions covering regulations, state laws, and best practices. This foundation enables representatives to confidently address complex questions about results, testing procedures, and compliance requirements. What sets superior customer service apart? For starters, answering the phone. In an era of automated systems and endless hold times, the simple act of having a live person respond becomes a meaningful differentiator. The team structures their workflow specifically to ensure someone is always available to take calls, creating a seamless experience for clients needing immediate assistance. We tackle common questions about result timing, dilute specimens, post-accident protocols, and confidentiality requirements. Each scenario reveals how thoughtful customer service prevents compliance failures while guiding clients through challenging situations. The episode also explores NDS's reseller programs, which provide varying levels of support for businesses entering the drug testing industry. Perhaps most valuable is the philosophical approach: "Listen with intent to understand, not to reply." This mindset transforms every interaction from transactional to solution-oriented, ensuring clients receive guidance tailored to their specific needs rather than generic responses. For anyone managing workplace safety, dealing with compliance requirements, or navigating personal testing needs, this discussion offers valuable insights into getting the support you deserve. The next time you contact a service provider, you'll know exactly what excellence looks like.

    1h 2m

  5. 08/15/2025

    Reasonable Suspicion Testing Keeps Your Workplace Safe

    Send us a text Safety in the workplace hinges on supervisors' ability to recognize potential impairment – but how exactly should they make these critical determinations? Joe Reilly and Tom Fulmer, incoming president of the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association, tackle this question head-on with practical insights for employers navigating the complexities of reasonable suspicion testing. The conversation reveals a crucial distinction many employers miss: the difference between immediate and non-immediate reasonable suspicion. While immediate situations require swift action based on specific, observable behaviors that suggest current impairment, non-immediate scenarios involve patterns of concerning behavior over time. Each requires a different approach, documentation method, and confrontation technique. "Don't try and diagnose the problem. You're not a clinician," Reilly emphasizes, highlighting that reasonable suspicion isn't about catching employees or making accusations – it's fundamentally about workplace safety. The experts share valuable guidance on proper documentation (using objective criteria rather than subjective judgments), confrontation methods that keep discussions on track, and the importance of confidentiality throughout the process. Perhaps most valuable is their practical advice for supervisors, including never allowing potentially impaired employees to drive, keeping emotions in check during confrontations, and understanding that many behaviors that mimic impairment could have alternative explanations like medical conditions or personal crises. The discussion underscores why supervisor training isn't just a compliance checkbox but an essential safety tool that can prevent accidents, reduce liability, and potentially save lives. Whether you're developing a drug-free workplace program, training supervisors, or looking to strengthen your reasonable suspicion protocols, this episode delivers actionable insights that balance workplace safety with employee dignity. Subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to receive notifications when we upload new content about workplace drug testing and safety policies.

    35 min

  6. 08/01/2025

    Are You Testing for the Right Drugs?

    Send us a text Navigating the complex world of workplace drug testing starts with understanding what you're actually testing for. In this illuminating conversation with Tom Fulmer, Vice President of Business Development at National Drug Screening, we unpack the sometimes confusing terminology around drug testing "panels" and what employers need to know to make informed decisions. Did you know that a standard "5-panel" drug test can actually detect up to 13 different substances? We explore what makes up the foundation of workplace drug testing programs, from the DOT-mandated SAMHSA 5-panel to expanded options that include emerging drugs of concern like fentanyl. Tom shares his journey from having no drug testing experience to becoming the incoming president of the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association, offering a unique perspective on how the industry has evolved. For employers struggling with marijuana testing policies amid changing state laws, we offer practical guidance on developing compliant approaches. Whether you're operating in a single state or managing a multi-state workforce with different legal requirements, you'll learn strategies for crafting effective policies that balance safety concerns with legal compliance. We break down the differences between testing methods (lab-based vs. instant, urine vs. oral fluid vs. hair) and how panel options vary across these platforms. Looking toward the future, we discuss SAMHSA's recent addition of fentanyl testing for federal employees, what this might mean for DOT regulations, and trends toward more customizable testing panels. Whether you're new to workplace drug testing or looking to update your current program, this episode provides the knowledge you need to select the right panels for your organization's needs. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to us directly at joe@nationaldrugscreening.com.

    29 min

  7. 07/17/2025

    Starting a Drug Testing Business: The Complete Guide

    Send us a text What does it really take to start a successful drug testing business? Forget the TikTok get-rich-quick schemes promising overnight success - this episode delivers the unvarnished truth from someone who's actually done it. Brandy Helveston, owner of Straight Line Mobile Testing and Lab Services LLC, shares her remarkable journey from initial concept to launching her thriving mobile drug testing business. After nearly five years of meticulous research and preparation, Brandy reveals the strategic decisions, challenges, and practical steps that transformed her vision into reality. The conversation tackles crucial considerations often overlooked by newcomers: choosing between mobile operations versus brick-and-mortar facilities, identifying trustworthy mentorship, establishing essential business infrastructure, and most importantly - developing effective marketing strategies. As Brandy emphasizes repeatedly, success requires being "boots on the ground every single day" actively pursuing clients rather than expecting labs to deliver business to your doorstep. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode serves as both inspiration and warning. While Brandy demonstrates that launching a drug testing business is indeed achievable with proper preparation, she also dispels dangerous misconceptions propagated by dubious online "experts" promising instant success after brief training courses. Her candid insights about categorizing marketing targets, leveraging community resources like chambers of commerce, and building a supportive team provide a practical roadmap for those serious about entering the industry. Whether you're considering starting a drug testing business or simply interested in entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable lessons about research, patience, and persistence that apply across all business ventures. Ready to learn what it really takes to succeed in this specialized field? This episode delivers the unfiltered reality you need to hear.

    42 min

  8. 07/03/2025

    DOT Drug Testing: What Every Employer Needs to Know

    Send us a text The safety of America's transportation systems hinges on effective drug and alcohol testing programs. This deep dive with host Joe Riley and guest Brandy Helveston, President of Straight Line Mobile Drug Testing, reveals how the Department of Transportation's testing regulations were born from tragedy and now protect millions. Following devastating accidents in the late 1980s that claimed multiple lives, Congress established the comprehensive DOT testing framework that fundamentally transformed workplace safety across transportation sectors. Today, these regulations impact approximately 8 million employees working for 700,000 employers across trucking, aviation, rail, transit, and pipeline industries. The conversation clarifies critical aspects of DOT compliance, from the five drug classes being tested (marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP) to the six federally-mandated testing scenarios. Joe and Brandy explain why every DOT-regulated employer needs a trained Designated Employer Representative (DER), how supervisors must recognize impairment, and the severe penalties for non-compliance—including fines reaching $100,000 or complete operational shutdowns. Transportation employers will particularly value the practical guidance on selecting qualified testing partners, understanding the differences between regulatory agencies, and navigating the specific requirements that apply to their industry. With oral fluid testing on the horizon and electronic record-keeping transforming compliance management, staying informed on these evolving regulations has never been more crucial. Have a question about DOT testing for your transportation business? Share it with us for a chance to have it featured in an upcoming episode, and don't miss our next conversation about starting a drug testing business with Brandy returning to share her entrepreneurial journey.

    30 min

  9. 06/19/2025

    Why Employers Should Think Twice Before Dropping Marijuana Testing

    Send us a text Drug testing for marijuana has become increasingly complex and challenging for employers as states pass conflicting laws while the drug remains federally illegal. We discuss the patchwork of marijuana laws across the U.S. and provide guidance for employers trying to maintain workplace safety while staying legally compliant. • DOT-regulated employers must maintain marijuana testing regardless of state laws • CBD products should be used with caution as they may contain THC and cause positive tests • Many states have restrictive laws limiting when employers can test for marijuana • New York, Nevada, California, Washington and Minnesota have some of the strictest marijuana testing restrictions • Oral fluid testing provides an alternative solution in some restrictive states as it detects recent use • Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas and Texas maintain employer-friendly marijuana testing environments • Written drug testing policies are essential and must be state-specific • Comprehensive drug-free workplace programs should include policies, supervisor training, employee education, and support resources • Dropping marijuana from testing panels creates significant liability risks for employers Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence or National Drug Screening to ensure your drug testing program remains compliant with your state's evolving marijuana laws.

    44 min

  10. 06/05/2025

    Everything employers and individuals need to know about drug testing in 2025

    Send us a text Drug testing impacts millions of Americans - from employees and job-seekers to probationers and individuals testing for personal reasons. Yet few understand the complex systems behind that cup or swab. Joe Reilly draws from 33 years of industry expertise to demystify workplace drug testing, tracing its evolution from military testing in the 1980s after a shocking USS Nimitz incident to Reagan's Drug-Free Federal Workplace initiative and today's comprehensive programs. He unveils surprising statistics, including that 25% of Americans used illicit substances last year, with an estimated 16% of users employed. The podcast dives deep into testing methodologies beyond the standard urine test. Hair testing reveals substance use patterns from up to 90 days ago, while oral fluid detects very recent use - crucial distinctions for employers developing safety programs. Reilly expertly breaks down the difference between DOT-regulated transportation testing and non-regulated workplace programs, explaining that what began as primarily DOT testing has flipped to 80% non-DOT testing today. For employers, implementing drug-free workplace programs involves far more than ordering tests. Reilly outlines the five essential components: written policies, supervisor impairment recognition training, employee education, assistance programs, and testing procedures. This comprehensive approach addresses prevention, intervention, and compliance with the complex patchwork of federal regulations and state laws. Looking to understand drug testing for your workplace? Need testing for personal reasons? Considering starting a drug testing business? This foundational episode answers these questions while setting the stage for future deep dives into marijuana testing considerations, DOT compliance, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the testing industry. Contact Joe directly at joe@joereilly.com with your drug testing questions, and subscribe to catch upcoming episodes exploring this fascinating intersection of science, compliance, and workplace safety.

    1h 18m
  • 10 Episodes

About

Curious about the drug screening industry? Looking to get your start in a rewarding career? Trying to navigate the changing landscape of federal and state laws and how they influence your companies drug testing policy? If you have leaned in for any of these questions then you have found the podcast you have been looking for. Join Joe Reilly on this informative and educational adventure in drug screening in America.

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