Q: What is the Drug & Alcohol Testing Alliance?
A: Formed in 1996, the Drug and Alcohol Testing Alliance (DATA), helps local governments in Iowa comply with federal requirements related to employee drug and alcohol testing. Three associations formed DATA; the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC), the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU), and the Iowa League of Cities (League). |
A: DATA provides testing to more than 400 local government employers, with over 6000 employees. Counties, cities, and municipal utilities comprise most of the membership, but any political subdivision in Iowa is eligible to join. | Q: Why would a governmental entity want to join DATA?
A: DATA provides services that assist local government employers in complying with federally mandated drug and alcohol testing requirements. By pooling many local government employers under one program, cost savings and administrative efficiencies are achieved. | Q: Could a governmental entity comply with these regulations on their own?
A: Yes, but many entities find it is less cost effective to arrange for laboratory services as a single employer. DATA negotiates pricing for a group of more than 6,000 employees and receives a very competitive rate. DATA and its third party administrator also provide many administrative functions that a local government employer would need to fulfill with its own personnel. It can be difficult to identify someone on staff with the time and expertise to administer drug and alcohol testing requirements. | Q: Where can I get a copy of the federal regulations?
A: The Federal Regulations are available on the web at: http:// www.dot.gov/ost | Q: Does DATA do everything for us?
A: No. The program is designed to alleviate as much of the administrative burden as possible on local government employers. Local government personnel must perform a few tasks to maintain compliancy. | Q: Does our entity have to do this?
A: If your entity has employees in safety-sensitive positions, as defined by federal regulations, you must comply with these regulations. Some examples of safety-sensitive positions include those requiring a commerical drivers license (CDL), bus drivers and other positions in public transit agencies, as well as pipeline personnel. | Q: What are the costs associated with DATA participation?
A: In addition to the $100 enrollment fee, each entity will be billed for each drug test conducted on its behalf. The current fee is $36 for a drug test. Since the testing is random, the cost will vary depending on the number of times your entity’s employees are selected for testing. There is also an annual administrative fee after the first year of participation. The annual administrative fee ranges from $30 to $100 depending on the number of employees the employer has enrolled in the program. | |
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