What is a Medical Review Officer (MRO) Part II

Medical Review Officer (MRO): Ensuring Accurate Drug Test Results (Part II)

An integral part of any drug testing program is the involvement of a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO plays a crucial role in conducting a comprehensive final review of laboratory results, including verifying documentation and interviewing the specimen donor to explore potential medical explanations for the results.

It's essential to use a laboratory certified by the Federal government for initial screening and confirmation testing. The MRO receives results from such laboratories and carefully reviews and verifies the findings. This process helps prevent false positive drug test results and ensures accurate outcomes. At Workplace Safety Screenings, we adhere to the guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in delivering MRO services.

The MRO safeguards both the donor and the employer, providing a legally defensive drug test result. By involving the MRO, employers can avoid issues related to EEOC, ADA, and HIPAA, as medical information collected during the drug testing process remains confidential and protected.

The MRO process includes reviewing test results and conducting an interview with the employee, either in person or over the phone. During the interview, the employee can present any relevant medical information, and the MRO can inquire further if needed. If the employee cannot be reached for an interview, the MRO proceeds without it, seeking assistance from the employer if required.

Furthermore, MROs now have additional responsibilities due to the FMCSA Clearinghouse requirement, where they must report DOT verified positive and MRO verified refusal to test for CDL drivers. Despite the increased workload, National Drug Screening offers MRO services reporting to the Clearinghouse, ensuring continued support and assistance for employers. For more information, visit FMCSA Clearinghouse Services.