The Difference Between a Drug Testing Consortium and a Third-Party Administrator
If you are an employer or a self-employed individual who needs to comply with the DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations, you may have heard of the terms drug testing consortium and third-party administrator. But what do they mean and what is the difference between them?
What is a Drug Testing Consortium?
A drug testing consortium is a group of employers or self-employed individuals who join together to meet the DOT random testing requirements. A consortium pools its members’ employees and conducts random selections and testing for them. A consortium is especially useful for owner-operators and small businesses who cannot manage their random testing program.
What is a Third-Party Administrator?
A third-party administrator is an entity that coordinates various services for employers to maintain a drug and alcohol testing program. A TPA may perform tasks such as:
- Developing and implementing a drug and alcohol testing policy
- Managing the random testing pool and selection process
- Arranging for collection sites, laboratories, medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals
- Maintaining records and reporting results
- Providing education and training for employees and supervisors
- Assisting with DOT safety audits and inspections
A third-party administrator may also act as a consortium for its clients or contract with a separate consortium to provide random testing services. A consortium third-party administrator is expected to have the knowledge and expertise to help employers comply with the DOT regulations and best practices.
goMDow Consortium and TPA Services:
If you are looking for a reliable and professional drug testing consortium and third-party administrator, you can trust goMDnow, to provide you with the best service and support.
Contact goMDnow today to learn how we can help you with your drug and alcohol testing program.
