Talking the Whiz Quiz: An HR Guide to Drug Testing

Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 8 | DOT Drug Testing Updates for Employers & HR

In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz, Lori and Gary Oshman of AZC Drug Testing discuss important DOT drug and alcohol testing updates for employers, HR teams, owner-operators, and safety-sensitive workplaces.Gary shares key takeaways from the 2026 NDASA conference, including FMCSA Clearinghouse identity verification changes, concerns around fraudulent Substance Abuse Professionals, the current status of DOT oral fluid testing, and the proposed addition of fentanyl to DOT drug testing panels.AZC Drug Testing is also celebrating 30 years in business, with services including drug testing, alcohol testing, background checks, fingerprinting, mobile testing, C/TPA support, and employer compliance assistance.Topics covered:0:10 - Welcome and AZC Drug Testing’s 30-year anniversary2:01 - What this episode covers2:36 - What NDASA is and why the conference matters5:55 - FMCSA Clearinghouse identity verification updates8:55 - Why SAP fraud creates safety and compliance concerns11:12 - How new identity checks may affect employers, drivers, and C/TPAs14:52 - Clearinghouse query credit challenges for owner-operators and small companies16:44 - Current status of DOT oral fluid drug testing20:17 - Proposed changes related to FDA clearance requirements21:51 - What future testing methods, including hair testing, could mean for employers24:43 - Proposed fentanyl testing updates for DOT drug testing panels26:53 - Why fentanyl does not currently show up unless specifically tested for29:50 - How DOT fentanyl testing could impact non-regulated drug testing costs31:09 - Final thoughts and future AZC Drug Testing updatesLearn more about AZC Drug Testing:https://azcdt.com/

Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 7 | What is a Medical Review Officer? FT. DR. Scott A. Krasner, MD

Episode 7 features Dr. Scott A. Krasner, MD, MPH, FACOEM of Krasner Medical Consultants for a conversation about the Medical Review Officer process and its role in workplace drug testing. Lori and Gary talk with Dr. Krasner about what an MRO does, how prescriptions are documented and verified, what happens with non-negative, invalid, diluted, adulterated, and substituted results, and why the MRO process is so important for protecting both employers and donors. Featuring Dr. Scott A. Krasner, MD, MPH, FACOEM | Occupational Medicine | Krasner Medical Consultants | Tucson, AZ

Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 6 | Drug Test Collection Process

The Collection Process: Where Most Drug Tests Fail Most people think a drug test starts and ends with a specimen cup. In reality, the collection process is the most vulnerable link in your entire testing program. One missed step or a paperwork error can turn a valid test into a fatal flaw that stalls your hiring process for days. Lori and Gary pull back the curtain on the 25-step federal collection process. They explain why seemingly small details, like blueing agents in toilets and water shut-offs, are actually critical security measures. In this episode: * The 25-step walkthrough: Why the order of operations matters for a solid chain of custody * Red flags: How collectors spot fake specimens by checking temperature, odor, and even “the bubble” * Direct observation: What triggers the “Hokey Pokey” protocol and how to handle it professionally * The DER’s role: Why the employer is ultimately responsible for collection site mistakes Whether you’re managing random testing, post-accident testing, or pre-employment screens, this episode gives you the insight to spot a mishandled collection before it becomes a bigger compliance problem.

Talking The Whiz Quiz: Ep 5 | Non-Regulated Testing & Drug Free Workplace

Are you overpaying for insurance or risking a costly DOT violation? In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz: An HR Guide, Gary and Lori Oshman break down the major Arizona drug testing and federal compliance changes coming in 2026. From marijuana rescheduling to new digital Med-Cert requirements, they share practical guidance to help HR professionals, safety leaders, and fleet managers stay compliant, reduce risk, and build a stronger workplace culture. You will learn how modern testing programs protect your team, lower hidden costs, and help businesses stay ahead of evolving regulations while maintaining a drug-free environment. Episode Highlights: 5:24 Why Testing Matters: Prevention vs. Punishment 8:34 Midwest Case Study: When 10% of a Workforce Tests Positive 10:51 Identifying the “Eager Applicant” Red Flag 12:35 Lunchtime Cheating: How Employees Attempt to Swap Specimens 14:30 Oral Fluid Testing Explained 17:19 Building a Safety Culture 21:40 Drug Use Across Roles and Industries 24:06 The 5% Safety Dividend 25:16 The Hidden Cost of Employee Turnover 26:17 The 5 Pillars of a Testing Program 29:44 Arizona Voluntary Laws and State Benefits 35:00 Supervisor Training: Mandatory vs Best Practice 43:40 The Role of the DER 48:40 Medical Review Officers and Prescription Verification 53:10 Collection Site Integrity 57:41 What is a TPA? 1:01:25 Why Small Fleets Need a Consortium 1:13:10 DOT Reportable Accidents vs Private Property Incidents 1:15:35 Federal Mandates vs State Marijuana Laws 1:21:00 Rapid Testing vs Certified Labs Need a compliance review? Make sure your policy is ready for 2026: azcdt.com/contact Follow the show for more conversations on workplace safety, HR strategy, and DOT regulations.

Talking The Whiz Quiz: Ep 4 | FMCSA Clearinghouse & the Return-To-Duty Process

In this episode of Talking The Whiz Quiz, Lori and Gary break down what employers must do when an employee violates federally regulated drug and alcohol testing rules — and what it takes to properly clear a violation. You’ll learn: • What counts as a DOT “violation” (it’s more than just a positive test) • Why employees must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately • Employer responsibilities after a violation, including SAP referrals • The DOT return-to-duty process and why the order of steps matters • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing rules, including observed collections • Key alcohol thresholds and what is and is not reportable • FMCSA Clearinghouse basics, prohibited status, and CDL downgrade or revocation timelines • Who reports what to the Clearinghouse (MRO vs employer vs C/TPA) • Clearinghouse queries (limited vs full), annual requirements, and best practices to avoid fines • Why violations can restart the process from step one, even years later This episode is especially helpful for motor carriers, DERs, safety managers, owner-operators, and anyone responsible for DOT compliance. Subscribe for more episodes of Talking The Wiz Quiz on AZCDT.