what is a drug and alcohol consortium
A drug and alcohol consortium, formally a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA), is a service agent that provides or coordinates drug and alcohol testing services for employers under DOT rules (49 CFR 40.3). It can also be a group of employers that run their testing programs together.
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49 CFR 40.3 defines a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) as a service agent that provides or coordinates a variety of drug and alcohol testing services to employers. The term includes groups of employers who join together to administer, as a single entity, the DOT testing programs of its members.
What it does
The rule says C/TPAs typically perform administrative tasks for the operation of employers’ testing programs. A service agent is anyone other than an employee of the employer who provides services in connection with DOT testing, such as collectors, laboratories, medical review officers, substance abuse professionals and C/TPAs.
What it is not
- A C/TPA is not an employer for purposes of that part.
- Service agents must meet DOT qualifications, where those apply.
Who is affected
Which testing rules apply to you depends on your industry. Ask your employer or the DOT agency that covers your work which rules apply. This page is general information, not legal advice.
See also laws and travel.
People also ask
What does C/TPA stand for?
Consortium/third-party administrator, defined in 49 CFR 40.3 as a service agent that provides or coordinates drug and alcohol testing services for employers.
Is a consortium the employer?
No. 49 CFR 40.3 says C/TPAs are not employers for purposes of that part.
Can a consortium be a group of employers?
Yes. The definition includes groups of employers who join together to run their DOT testing programs as a single entity.
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