Medical Review Officer
An essential part of the drug- testing program is the final review of negative and positive results from the laboratory. A positive test result does not automatically identify an employee/ applicant as having used drugs in a violation of DOT agency regulations. An individual with a detailed knowledge of possible alternate medical explanations is essential to the review of results. This review shall be performed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) prior to the transmission of the results to the employer administrative officials.
Prior to making a final decision to verify a positive test result for an individual, the MRO shall give the individual an opportunity to discuss the test results confidentially, Also to determine whether any medications the donor may be taking could be reason for a positive result.
Following verification of a positive result, the MRO shall, as provided in the employer’s policy, refer the case to the employer’s employee assistance or rehabilitation program, if applicable, to the management official empowered to recommend or take administrative action, or both.