Certified Medical Review Officer (MRO-C)

Employee | Supervisor | DER | SAP | C-SAPA | BAT | CSP | STT | MRO-C | MRO-A

To be qualified as an MRO (Medical Review Officer) in any DOT drug testing program, an MRO (1) must meet DOT requirements regarding (a) credentials, (b) basic knowledge, (c) qualification training, (d) continuing education, and (e) documentation; and (2) must be certified by examination through a nationally-recognized MRO certification board. 

We strongly recommend using a DOT-qualified MRO for all employment-related drug testing whether or not the employer is regulated by DOT.  DOT qualifications are minimal qualifications and a proper Medical Review of an employer’s drug test results can have a major impact on the company’s liability not only for work-related issues, but especially for issues that affect non-employees. 

MRO certification groups have done a good job of certifying MROs…over 6000…based on 6,000,000 DOT drug tests per year and less than 5% non-negatives, that’s about 1 MRO for every 50 positive DOT drug tests!  Obviously, many MROs are not getting the depth and breadth of experience necessary to move beyond the initial “minimal” qualifications.  Medical Review of drug test results is a critical service.  When you contract for drug testing services, are you getting an MRO with depth and breadth of experience, or one trying to fit the occasional drug test review around the demands of his/her “real” job? 

Try asking “How many years of clinical experience do you have in controlled substances abuse disorders, Doctor?”  That’s one of the DOT’s “basic knowledge” requirements that while absolutely relevant to the Medical Review process, does not seem to have been selected as the medical practice of most MROs. 

The MRO has a lot of responsibilities in a DOT drug testing program, and the employer has a lot of responsibilities that are made much easier by working with a highly qualified and experienced MRO in combination with an equally qualified and experienced C-SAPA.

For a more thorough understanding of the Medical Review Officer and the Verification Process, see 49 CFR Part 40, Subpart G, 40.121 – 169.  Drug Screens Plus clients will find a copy of these regulations in Section 5 of your Model Program.