MRO Report to DER: Key Responsibilities and Process

The MRO report to DER is a crucial step in workplace drug testing. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) serves as a vital link in ensuring accurate drug testing processes. Before informing the Designated Employer Representative (DER) of any test results, the MRO verifies the findings with the employee, maintaining a fair and regulated process. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and information shared by the MRO.

MRO Report to DER: Key Steps Before Notification

Before informing the employer, the MRO report to DER involves several critical steps:

  • Confirming Results with the Employee

The employee must provide evidence, such as medical records, to explain any positive, adulterated, or substituted test results.

  • Determining the Final Outcome

    • If the employee provides a valid medical reason, the test is reported as negative.

Without a valid reason, the test is verified as positive or classified as a refusal to test due to adulteration or substitution.

What the MRO Reports to the DER

Positive Test Results

  • The MRO notifies the DER if the drug(s) tested positive after verification.
  • Employers are instructed to immediately remove the employee from safety-sensitive functions.

Adulterated or Substituted Test Results

  • Classified as a refusal to test unless the employee provides a legitimate explanation.
  • Employers must take action promptly by suspending the employee from safety-related duties.

Negative Test Results with Safety Concerns

  • If the MRO finds that the employee’s medication poses a significant safety risk, they will notify the DER, even if the test result is negative.

Employers must act immediately upon receiving MRO-reported results to maintain workplace safety and legal compliance.

Regulatory Standards Behind MRO Reporting

Regulation What It Covers
49 CFR § 40.137 MRO’s duty to verify test results and assess medical explanations.
49 CFR § 40.327 Reporting safety risks, even for negative test results, if they pose a danger.
49 CFR § 40.23 Employer obligations to remove employees from safety-sensitive roles after verified results.

For Employers: What You Need to Know

Act Immediately

Employers must remove employees from safety-sensitive roles as soon as verified results are received, even if awaiting split specimen results.

Ensure Compliance

Keeping records and following up on MRO notifications ensures alignment with federal regulations.

For Employees: Key Takeaways

MRO Report to DER: Provide Accurate Information

Share valid medical documents or explanations when contacted by the MRO.

MRO Report to DER: Be Aware of Safety Concerns

Understand how medications might impact your ability to perform safety-sensitive duties.

Best Practices for Compliance

Employers

Develop clear communication protocols for MRO(Medical Review Officer) and DER (Designated Employer Representative) interactions to ensure immediate action on verified results.

Employees

Be transparent about prescription medications during the verification process to avoid complications.

MRO reporting plays a critical role in workplace safety. By adhering to these processes, employers and employees contribute to a safer, more compliant work environment.

Prioritize safety. Stay informed!

Need Help?

InOut Labs is a national provider of employee drug testing services, specializing in FMCSA compliance. Join our DOT consortium here: www.inoutlabs.com/consortium