Drug testing changes The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a final rule changing instructions to medical examiners and amending sections of Part 382 for clarity and consistency. The most important is a clarification for examiners that commercial drivers are never qualified to drive if they are taking Schedule 1 drugs. Schedule 1 drugs (opiates, opiate derivatives, psychedelics, depressants, stimulants) have no accepted medical use. Some non-Schedule 1 drugs can be used under limited circumstances when prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. In a related matter, however, the DOT’s Office of Drug Policy just announced approval of two recommendations. One would likely result in commercial drivers not being medically qualified if taking prescription pain medications currently on Schedule 2 such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. This will require a rulemaking. The other recommendation is to approve saliva (oral fluid) testing as an alternative specimen for drug testing. This also will take a rulemaking.               return