Talking the Whiz Quiz: An HR Guide to Drug Testing

AZC Drug Testing

Welcome to Talking the Whiz Quiz — the podcast that takes the confusion out of workplace drug testing. Designed for HR professionals, business owners, and managers, this show breaks down the regulations, best practices, and real-world challenges of drug testing in a simple, straightforward way. Join us as we talk policy, prevention, and people with an honest, no-nonsense approach that helps you handle testing the right way. Whether you’re new to the process or refining an existing program, Talking the Whiz Quiz will help you create a safer, more supportive workplace — one episode at a time!

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 9 | How to Survive a DOT Audit of Your Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

    In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz, Lori and Gary Oshmann of AZC Drug Testing break down how to prepare for and survive a DOT audit of your drug and alcohol testing program. DOT audits can be stressful, but consistent preparation and strong recordkeeping make all the difference. Gary explains how the audit experience varies by mode, covering who conducts audits under FMCSA, FAA, PHMSA, FTA, FRA, and the US Coast Guard, and shares real client stories about the difference a knowledgeable Designated Employer Representative makes versus letting a dispatcher or administrative assistant take the call. Lori and Gary walk through the records auditors typically request, why you should provide only what is asked for, how to disclose and correct issues proactively, and how to respond to and appeal findings. AZC Drug Testing is celebrating 30 years in business, with services including drug testing, alcohol testing, background checks, fingerprinting, mobile testing, C/TPA support, and employer compliance assistance. Topics covered: How audits differ by mode and who conducts themInterstate versus intrastate authority and what auditors can citeChoosing who represents your company and the case for a knowledgeable DERMaking recordkeeping an everyday habitIn-person audit best practices and limiting employee exposureDigitizing and organizing recordsUsing DOT audit and new-hire checklistsProviding only what the auditor asks forDisclosing and correcting violations proactivelyHow your C/TPA helps you locate and reproduce recordsThe records auditors request, including policies, previous employer checks, and Clearinghouse queriesAuditing drug test results and chain of custody forms as they arriveAlcohol testing form errors the FAA writes upRandom selection draw letters and eligible employee listsCross-referencing pool lists to avoid missed random selectionsEmployer copy versus donor copy of testing formsChallenging gray-area findings during the auditResponding to violations with a corrective action planAppealing findings and penalties Learn more about AZC Drug Testing: https://azcdt.com/

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 9 | How to Survive a DOT Audit of Your Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

  2. May 11

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 8 | DOT Drug Testing Updates for Employers & HR

    In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz, Lori and Gary Oshman of AZC Drug Testing discuss important DOT drug and alcohol testing updates for employers, HR teams, owner-operators, and safety-sensitive workplaces.Gary shares key takeaways from the 2026 NDASA conference, including FMCSA Clearinghouse identity verification changes, concerns around fraudulent Substance Abuse Professionals, the current status of DOT oral fluid testing, and the proposed addition of fentanyl to DOT drug testing panels.AZC Drug Testing is also celebrating 30 years in business, with services including drug testing, alcohol testing, background checks, fingerprinting, mobile testing, C/TPA support, and employer compliance assistance.Topics covered:0:10 - Welcome and AZC Drug Testing’s 30-year anniversary2:01 - What this episode covers2:36 - What NDASA is and why the conference matters5:55 - FMCSA Clearinghouse identity verification updates8:55 - Why SAP fraud creates safety and compliance concerns11:12 - How new identity checks may affect employers, drivers, and C/TPAs14:52 - Clearinghouse query credit challenges for owner-operators and small companies16:44 - Current status of DOT oral fluid drug testing20:17 - Proposed changes related to FDA clearance requirements21:51 - What future testing methods, including hair testing, could mean for employers24:43 - Proposed fentanyl testing updates for DOT drug testing panels26:53 - Why fentanyl does not currently show up unless specifically tested for29:50 - How DOT fentanyl testing could impact non-regulated drug testing costs31:09 - Final thoughts and future AZC Drug Testing updatesLearn more about AZC Drug Testing:https://azcdt.com/

  3. Apr 13

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 7 | What is a Medical Review Officer? FT. DR. Scott A. Krasner, MD

    Episode 7 features Dr. Scott A. Krasner, MD, MPH, FACOEM of Krasner Medical Consultants for a conversation about the Medical Review Officer process and its role in workplace drug testing. Lori and Gary talk with Dr. Krasner about what an MRO does, how prescriptions are documented and verified, what happens with non-negative, invalid, diluted, adulterated, and substituted results, and why the MRO process is so important for protecting both employers and donors. Featuring Dr. Scott A. Krasner, MD, MPH, FACOEM | Occupational Medicine | Krasner Medical Consultants | Tucson, AZ

  4. Mar 27

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 6 | Drug Test Collection Process

    The Collection Process: Where Most Drug Tests Fail Most people think a drug test starts and ends with a specimen cup. In reality, the collection process is the most vulnerable link in your entire testing program. One missed step or a paperwork error can turn a valid test into a fatal flaw that stalls your hiring process for days. Lori and Gary pull back the curtain on the 25-step federal collection process. They explain why seemingly small details, like blueing agents in toilets and water shut-offs, are actually critical security measures. In this episode: The 25-step walkthrough: Why the order of operations matters for a solid chain of custodyRed flags: How collectors spot fake specimens by checking temperature, odor, and even “the bubble”Direct observation: What triggers the “Hokey Pokey” protocol and how to handle it professionallyThe DER’s role: Why the employer is ultimately responsible for collection site mistakesWhether you’re managing random testing, post-accident testing, or pre-employment screens, this episode gives you the insight to spot a mishandled collection before it becomes a bigger compliance problem.

  5. Feb 18

    Talking The Whiz Quiz: Ep 5 | Non-Regulated Testing & Drug Free Workplace

    Are you overpaying for insurance or risking a costly DOT violation? In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz: An HR Guide, Gary and Lori Oshman break down the major Arizona drug testing and federal compliance changes coming in 2026. From marijuana rescheduling to new digital Med-Cert requirements, they share practical guidance to help HR professionals, safety leaders, and fleet managers stay compliant, reduce risk, and build a stronger workplace culture. You will learn how modern testing programs protect your team, lower hidden costs, and help businesses stay ahead of evolving regulations while maintaining a drug-free environment. Episode Highlights:5:24 Why Testing Matters: Prevention vs. Punishment8:34 Midwest Case Study: When 10% of a Workforce Tests Positive10:51 Identifying the “Eager Applicant” Red Flag12:35 Lunchtime Cheating: How Employees Attempt to Swap Specimens14:30 Oral Fluid Testing Explained17:19 Building a Safety Culture21:40 Drug Use Across Roles and Industries24:06 The 5% Safety Dividend25:16 The Hidden Cost of Employee Turnover26:17 The 5 Pillars of a Testing Program29:44 Arizona Voluntary Laws and State Benefits35:00 Supervisor Training: Mandatory vs Best Practice43:40 The Role of the DER48:40 Medical Review Officers and Prescription Verification53:10 Collection Site Integrity57:41 What is a TPA?1:01:25 Why Small Fleets Need a Consortium1:13:10 DOT Reportable Accidents vs Private Property Incidents1:15:35 Federal Mandates vs State Marijuana Laws1:21:00 Rapid Testing vs Certified Labs Need a compliance review?Make sure your policy is ready for 2026: azcdt.com/contact Follow the show for more conversations on workplace safety, HR strategy, and DOT regulations.

  6. Jan 23

    Talking The Whiz Quiz: Ep 4 | FMCSA Clearinghouse & the Return-To-Duty Process

    In this episode of Talking The Whiz Quiz, Lori and Gary break down what employers must do when an employee violates federally regulated drug and alcohol testing rules — and what it takes to properly clear a violation. You’ll learn:• What counts as a DOT “violation” (it’s more than just a positive test)• Why employees must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately• Employer responsibilities after a violation, including SAP referrals• The DOT return-to-duty process and why the order of steps matters• Return-to-duty and follow-up testing rules, including observed collections• Key alcohol thresholds and what is and is not reportable• FMCSA Clearinghouse basics, prohibited status, and CDL downgrade or revocation timelines• Who reports what to the Clearinghouse (MRO vs employer vs C/TPA)• Clearinghouse queries (limited vs full), annual requirements, and best practices to avoid fines• Why violations can restart the process from step one, even years later This episode is especially helpful for motor carriers, DERs, safety managers, owner-operators, and anyone responsible for DOT compliance. Subscribe for more episodes of Talking The Wiz Quiz on AZCDT.

  7. 12/29/2025

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 3 | Designated Employer Representative (DER) Responsibilities & Training

    Understanding the Designated Employer Representative (DER) role is critical for DOT compliance and workplace drug testing program success. This episode covers everything employers need to know about DER responsibilities, training requirements, and managing drug and alcohol testing programs. What You'll Learn: DER Role & Definition - What is a Designated Employer Representative and why this position is essential for DOT-regulated companies. Core responsibilities include test result management, employee removal from safety-sensitive functions, and coordination with Medical Review Officers (MROs), Third Party Administrators (TPAs), and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs). DOT Regulations & Compliance - Understanding 49 CFR Part 40 requirements for DER qualifications. Differences between regulated testing (FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, USCG) and non-regulated workplace testing. Why DERs must be actual employees, not contractors, and FMCSA Clearinghouse reporting requirements. Test Result Interpretation - How to review drug and alcohol test results including negative results, positive results, dilute specimens, invalid tests, and refusals to test. Understanding the MRO process, negative dilute protocols, when immediate recollection is required, and cancelled test procedures. Collection Procedures - Direct observation requirements, same-gender observer protocols, shy bladder protocols, out of temperature procedures, and chain of custody documentation. Refusal to Test Scenarios - What constitutes a refusal under DOT regulations, immediate action requirements, and proper Clearinghouse reporting. Employer Training Requirements - Workplace substance abuse training for all employees, supervisor reasonable suspicion training (FAA requires recurrent training every 18-24 months), and DER training recommendations. Audit Readiness - Essential record-keeping requirements, random selection documentation, consortium summary reports, employee file requirements, and quarterly, semi-annual, and annual MIS report preparation. Return to Duty & Follow-Up Testing - SAP return to duty process requirements, follow-up testing program compliance, and FMCSA Clearinghouse notifications. This episode provides HR professionals, fleet managers, and business owners with compliance knowledge to effectively manage DOT drug and alcohol testing programs, avoid violations, and maintain audit readiness. ➡Learn more about AZC Drug Testing: azcdt.com

  8. 11/24/2025

    Talking the Whiz Quiz Ep 2: Understanding Random Drug Testing + Consortiums

    In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz, Gary and Lori Oschmann from AZC Drug Testing break down one of the most important topics in workplace compliance: random testing and consortiums. We cover:• What random testing is and why employers use it• Key DOT requirements for safety-sensitive employees• The difference between regulated and non-regulated programs• How to use a scientifically valid selection method• How consortiums work and when companies should join one• Employer, DER, and employee responsibilities• What counts as a refusal, an excused test, or a valid result• How to stay compliant and avoid violations Whether you're an HR professional, safety manager, or business owner, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance for managing a strong random testing program. 🔗Learn more about AZC Drug Testing: https://azcdt.com/

  9. 10/23/2025

    Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 1 | Why Drug Testing Matters: Building Safer, Stronger Workplaces

    Welcome to the very first episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz: An HR Guide to Drug Testing! In this episode, we’re unpacking what workplace drug testing is really about — and what it’s not. It’s not about catching people; it’s about prevention, safety, compliance, and support for employees and organizations alike. If you’re an HR professional, business owner, or manager, this episode will help you understand the purpose behind drug testing and how it can build trust, consistency, and safety in your workplace. We’ll break down: How consistent drug testing programs reduce accidents and improve productivity The difference between DOT and non-DOT testing Key roles involved: Designated Employer Representatives, MROs, laboratories, and collection sites How HR teams can simplify compliance and handle testing with confidence The five essential components of a strong drug-free workplace program You’ll also learn how proactive drug testing supports employees by identifying issues early, improving safety, and helping connect people with resources — not punishment. Whether you’re new to HR or experienced in compliance, this episode gives you a clear foundation for understanding how to build a safer, healthier, and legally sound workplace. 👉 Learn more: azcdrugtesting.com👉 Follow us:Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to Talking the Whiz Quiz — the podcast that takes the confusion out of workplace drug testing. Designed for HR professionals, business owners, and managers, this show breaks down the regulations, best practices, and real-world challenges of drug testing in a simple, straightforward way. Join us as we talk policy, prevention, and people with an honest, no-nonsense approach that helps you handle testing the right way. Whether you’re new to the process or refining an existing program, Talking the Whiz Quiz will help you create a safer, more supportive workplace — one episode at a time!

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