DATIA To Address Drug Test Specimen Collection Errors in Minneapolis

The Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) is on its way to Minneapolis in an effort to increase professionalism within the drug and alcohol testing industry. In a story originally reported by Minneapolis's Fox 9 (www.myfoxtwincities.com), it was uncovered that a number of collection facilities were not performing their duties to federal regulations or industry standards. This news item was picked up on by Federal Legislators, and a nationwide investigation was performed by the Government Accountability Office revealing similar findings (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08225t.pdf).

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 24, 2008 -- The Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) is on its way to Minneapolis in an effort to increase professionalism within the drug and alcohol testing industry. In a story originally reported by Minneapolis's Fox 9 (www.myfoxtwincities.com), it was uncovered that a number of collection facilities were not performing their duties to federal regulations or industry standards. This news item was picked up on by Federal Legislators, and a nationwide investigation was performed by the Government Accountability Office revealing similar findings (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08225t.pdf).

DATIA has been offering training for drug test specimen collectors since 1997. While we are pleased that none of those investigated by Fox 9 were DATIA members or recipients of DATIA training, we are disappointed that such a level of service is still being provided. DATIA's Certified Professional Collector ® program educates on the highest standards of practice for specimen collections, and focuses on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process. Industry leaders interested in increasing the level of professionalism and the public's perception of drug testing programs developed the program. There are currently nearly 4,000 Certified Professional Collectors ® and Certified Professional Collector Trainers ®. In addition, since 1997 over 11,000 specimen collectors have received training using DATIA's curriculum.

In addition to DATIA's Certified Professional Collector ® Training, we will also be offering the following courses while in Minneapolis: Medical Review Officer Assistant Training, Designated Employer Representative Training, Ins & Outs of Drug & Alcohol Testing (geared towards those new to the industry), Specimen Collector Refresher Training, and Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Management training. All courses are designed to teach industry standards and best practices to those performing services in the drug and alcohol testing industry.

We encourage all involved in drug and alcohol testing in the Minneapolis metropolitan area to join us for these educational programs being held May 7-9, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Complete information can be found at www.datia.org.

DATIA is a 1,400-member national trade association representing the full spectrum of drug and alcohol testing service agents including laboratories, collection sites, C/TPAs, BATs, MROs, SAPs, employers, and testing device manufacturers. DATIA works closely with key policy makers in federal agencies and in Congress, as well as the industry, to promote effective drug testing standards, practices, and initiatives.

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