On August 9, 2001, the Department of Transportation made a series of technical amendments to its drug and alcohol testing procedural rule, which go into effect August 1, 2001. The purpose of these technical amendments is to clarify certain provisions of the rule and address omissions or problems which have been called to the DOT's attention since the publication of the final rule in December 2000. This includes multiple changes and clarifications to definitions (e.g. what is an "invalid drug test"), and other guidance (e.g. can an employer require an employee to sign a consent or release), etc.

Also on August 9, the DOT responded to comments by maritime industry groups and others concerning the pre-employment inquiry provision of the Department-wide regulations on transportation workplace drug and alcohol testing procedures (Part 40 rule). They also published a "common preamble" discussing issues raised with respect to the Part 40 rule in comments to DOT agency proposals to amend their drug and alcohol testing rules to conform to the Part 40 rule.

Both documents are available on RCP's website here, 66 FR 41944 8-9-01 Drug Testing Amendments.pdf, and 66 FR 41955 8-9-01 Drug Testing – other amendments.pdf.