The U.S. Department of Transportation will consider allowing electronic forms and signatures to be used as part of its drug and alcohol testing regulations.

The U.S. DOT published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on Friday, Aug. 5. Comments on the notice will be accepted through Oct. 4.

Specifically, the U.S. DOT wants feedback on how regulations could be amended to allow electronic signatures on documents required under the regulations. In addition, changes also will be considered regarding the allowance of electronic forms.

“The regulatory changes would apply to DOT-regulated employers and their contractors who administer their DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing programs,” the notice stated. “Currently, employers and their service agents must use, sign and store paper documents exclusively, unless the employer is utilizing a laboratory’s electronic Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form system that has been approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.”

U.S. DOT’s goal is to provide additional flexibility and reduced costs for the industry “while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality requirements of the drug and alcohol testing regulations.”

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the possible advantages, risks, ramifications and required safeguards associated with the use of electronic forms, signatures and records in the drug testing program.

Comments, which include answers to those questions and others, can be made here, or by going to the Regulations.gov website and entering Docket No. DOT-OST-2022-0027. LL

Mark Schremmer, senior editor, joined Land Line in 2015. An award-winning journalist and former assistant news editor at The Topeka Capital-Journal, he brings fresh ideas, solid reporting skills, and more than two decades of journalism experience to our staff.

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