FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are a substance abuse professional’s (SAP’s) responsibilities for reporting information to the Clearinghouse?

Per § 382.705(d), the SAP must report the following:

Date of initial SAP assessment. This must be reported by the close of the business day following the assessment.
Date the SAP determined the driver demonstrated successful compliance with education and treatment requirements and is eligible for return-to-duty (RTD) testing. This must be reported by the close of the business day following the determination.

Can Canadian and Mexican medical review officers (MROs) report confirmed positive test results and refusals to test to the Clearinghouse?

Yes, if the MRO meets the requirements under § 40.121.

How is an employer notified of changes to a driver’s Clearinghouse record?

As of March 8, 2023, an employer will be notified via email if a driver they have queried has new information (such as an updated return-to-duty status, a removed violation, or a new violation) recorded in their Clearinghouse record within 12 months of a pre-employment or annual query.

Can a driver correct information recorded about him or her in the Clearinghouse?

Yes. The final rule provides a petition process for drivers to request corrections to their Clearinghouse record (§ 382.717). Drivers may challenge only the accuracy of information reported, not the accuracy or validity of test results or refusals.

If a driver has a drug and alcohol program violation in one State, then applies for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in another State, will the Clearinghouse be able to connect that driver’s drug and alcohol violation history to the new CDL?

Yes. The Clearinghouse will identify drivers who move frequently and obtain CDLs in different States and link those CDLs, in order to maintain complete and accurate information on such drivers.

For more FAQ,visit: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/FAQ/Topics/