Proposed Hair Drug Testing Rules sent to OMB

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sent the proposed final rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on Tuesday, June 11. This hair-test rule would establish the scientific and technical guidelines for the inclusion of hair specimens in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs and establishes standards for certification of laboratories engaged in drug testing for federal agencies. Currently, a urine sample satisfies drug and alcohol testing requirements for the FMCSA. Due to the significance of the regulation, OMB will have 60 to 90 days to review it. Once approved, federal agencies will be able to review the rule prior to posting it for public comments in the Federal Register.