Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 9 | How to Survive a DOT Audit of Your Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

Talking the Whiz Quiz: Ep 9 | How to Survive a DOT Audit of Your Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

In this episode of Talking the Whiz Quiz, Lori and Gary Oshmann of AZC Drug Testing break down how to prepare for and survive a DOT audit of your drug and alcohol testing program. DOT audits can be stressful, but consistent preparation and strong recordkeeping make all the difference. Gary explains how the audit experience varies by mode, covering who conducts audits under FMCSA, FAA, PHMSA, FTA, FRA, and the US Coast Guard, and shares real client stories about the difference a knowledgeable Designated Employer Representative makes versus letting a dispatcher or administrative assistant take the call. Lori and Gary walk through the records auditors typically request, why you should provide only what is asked for, how to disclose and correct issues proactively, and how to respond to and appeal findings. AZC Drug Testing is 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: * How audits differ by mode and who conducts them * Interstate versus intrastate authority and what auditors can cite * Choosing who represents your company and the case for a knowledgeable DER * Making recordkeeping an everyday habit * In-person audit best practices and limiting employee exposure * Digitizing and organizing records * Using DOT audit and new-hire checklists * Providing only what the auditor asks for * Disclosing and correcting violations proactively * How your C/TPA helps you locate and reproduce records * The records auditors request, including policies, previous employer checks, and Clearinghouse queries * Auditing drug test results and chain of custody forms as they arrive * Alcohol testing form errors the FAA writes up * Random selection draw letters and eligible employee lists * Cross-referencing pool lists to avoid missed random selections * Employer copy versus donor copy of testing forms * Challenging gray-area findings during the audit * Responding to violations with a corrective action plan * Appealing findings and penalties Learn more about AZC Drug Testing: https://azcdt.com/ [https://azcdt.com/]

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.