DOT Wants to Add Opioids to Drug Panels

Mindful of the rampant overuse and abuse of opioid medications, the U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed adding four of the most common—hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone—to its list of drugs that drivers must be screened for in urine analysis tests. Following through would bring the DOT testing protocol up to date with current Health and Human Services guidelines. There’s no date set for when the proposed changes would take effect. Urgent care providers who offer operator drug testing as part of their occupational medicine services should evaluate their needs and any changes they need to make so they can move fast once the new rule takes effect.