CA PUC Drug Testing Services

Test Connect provides drug and alcohol testing programs for California PUC regulated workplaces. See our program options and get compliant today!
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Comprehensive Programs

What's included in my program?

  • Documentation and Record-keeping: We provide detailed records of drug testing results, including documentation of the testing process, employee consent forms, and any disciplinary actions taken as a result of positive test results.
  • Employee and Supervisor Education: Each regulated employee and supervisor will be given education materials that explain their program policy. Supervisors will also be given reasonable suspicion training as well as guidance on program administration.
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing: 5-panel urine drug tests and breath alcohol tests for pre-employment, random selections, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty circumstances. All our tests are conducted by trained collection specialists and tested at an HHS-certified laboratory.

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Covered Employees

Who is required to enroll?

The CA PUC requires businesses with passenger stage corporation (PSC) certificates and charter-party carrier (TCPs) permits and certificates for companies transporting 15 or fewer passengers in California, and some transportation network companies (TNCs) to enroll in a mandatory drug and alcohol program.

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Drug & Alcohol Tests

What tests are required by the CA PUC?

Charter-party carriers in California, regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), require drivers to undergo specific drug and alcohol tests as part of their safety protocols. Here's what they typically include:

  • Pre-employment Testing: Before being hired, drivers must take a drug and alcohol test to make sure they are not under the influence when they start working.
  • Random Testing: Even after being hired, drivers may be tested randomly at any time. This helps ensure they don't use drugs or alcohol while on the job.
  • Post-Accident Testing: If there's an accident, drivers involved may need to undergo testing to check if drugs or alcohol played a role.

These tests and programs aim to keep passengers safe by ensuring that drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating charter-party vehicles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are all programs compliant with CPUC regulations?

Test Connect offers programs that comply with all CPUC regulations relevant to their industry and mode of transportation. All programs meet and exceed Public Utilities Code Sections 1032.1 and 5374(a)(2) and b)(1)(I) requirements.

What testing services do you offer?

Our programs offer pre-employment testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, post-accident testing, and return-to-duty testing. Alcohol tests are conducted by a certified breath alcohol technician using an evidential breath alcohol tester. Urine drug screens will test for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

What is the drug testing specimen collection procedure?

  • Selection of Collection Site: Employees are directed to a designated collection site approved by the CPUC for specimen collection. These sites must follow specific guidelines outlined by the CPUC.
  • Arrival and Check-In: Upon arrival at the collection site, the employee presents identification and completes necessary paperwork.
  • Privacy and Security: The collection site ensures privacy and security during the entire collection process to maintain the integrity of the testing.
  • Providing the Sample: The employee provides a urine sample in a collection container provided by the collector. The collector ensures that the employee provides an adequate amount of urine for testing.
  • Split Specimen Collection: The collected urine sample is divided into two separate containers - a primary specimen and a split specimen. This is done to allow for confirmatory testing if the primary sample tests positive.
  • Sealing and Labeling: Both the primary and split specimens are securely sealed and labeled with unique identifiers to ensure accurate tracking throughout the testing process.
  • Documentation: The collector completes documentation detailing the collection process, including the chain of custody form, specimen ID numbers, and any relevant information.
  • Shipping to Laboratory: The sealed specimens are packaged securely and shipped to a certified laboratory for testing following strict chain of custody procedures.

What is the alcohol testing specimen collection procedure?

  • Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT): Employees subject to alcohol testing typically undergo breath alcohol testing using an evidential breath testing (EBT) device approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  • Calibration and Calibration Checks: Before administering the test, the BAT device must undergo calibration and calibration checks to ensure accuracy.
  • Observation and Test Administration: A trained Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) administers the breath alcohol test to the employee, following specific procedures outlined by the CPUC.
  • Documentation: The BAT documents the test results, including the time of the test, the employee's breath alcohol concentration, and any relevant information.
  • Confirmation Testing: If the initial breath alcohol test result is at or above the CPUC's specified threshold, a confirmation test may be conducted using the same or a different EBT device.

Is testing conducted by an accredited laboratory?

Yes! The laboratory used for testing is accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and meets CPUC requirements.

What is the turnaround time for results?

Breath alcohol tests results are immediate. Drug testing turnaround times may vary. Samples are usually sent to the laboratory the same day as collection, and will be tested by the HHS certified lab within 24-72 hours. MRO reports are usually submitted to your client portal 24-48 hours after the specimen is tested by the lab. Turnaround times do vary, but the our average is between 2-3 business days.

Do your programs include comprehensive reporting?

Yes! We provide comprehensive reports, including detailed results and documentation of compliance with CPUC regulations. These can be accessed 24/7 through our MyCompliance portal.

Do you provide compliance support?

Yes! We provide compliance assistance and support services to help clients navigate CPUC regulations, including updates on regulatory changes and guidance on program administration.

Do you provide employee education and training?

Yes! Our programs offer employee education and supervisor training on CPUC drug and alcohol testing requirements, including online courses, and PDF materials.

What is your confidentiality and privacy policy?

Test Connect follows all HIPAA protocols. We provide strict confidentiality and privacy protections for all testing-related information, in compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.

How do I contact customer support if I have questions?

Please send us an email and one of our experienced team members will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have: info@test-connect.com