Meet Stacy Fuller, the Collection Manager at our Tyler office! https://youtu.be/7TQqL9px_fE

Introduction In a significant development, the United States government has responded to the changing landscape of the American workforce and the demands of modern Human Resources (HR) processes by announcing the introduction of remote verification for identification and work authorization documents associated with Form I-9. Effective August 1, this alternative option will be available to qualified E-Verify users in good standing. This groundbreaking change aligns with the release of the new I-9 form, offering employers a forward-looking solution to the evolving challenges of employee verification. Eileen Lohmann, an attorney with Berry Appleman & Leiden in Washington, D.C., affirmed that "the regulatory process worked as it should." This pivotal shift in Form I-9 verification processes was not only a response to the demands of the modern workforce but also an acknowledgment of the critical role played by HR professionals in ensuring the integrity and security of the U.S....

Introduction The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a stark warning to the American public about the increasing prevalence of fentanyl mixed with xylazine, a potent veterinary sedative. Xylazine, also known as "Tranq," was originally intended for veterinary use and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for that purpose. However, its misuse in combination with fentanyl has created a deadly drug threat that is taking lives at an alarming rate. This article explores the grave implications of this drug mixture, its impact on public health, and the efforts being made to combat this crisis. The Rise of Fentanyl and Xylazine Mixtures Administrator Milgram of the DEA has characterized the mixture of fentanyl and xylazine as the most lethal drug threat the United States has ever faced. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is already responsible for a significant portion of drug-related deaths. When combined with xylazine, the danger intensifies. According to...

Master Trainer Aleasa Roberts has been with DATCS for 6 years. She is originally from Houston, TX where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Texas Southern University. Aleasa has a strong background working in mental health and chemical dependency. Aleasa started at DATCS in 2017 as a professional collector in our Longview Office. She has also worked in our Customer Service Department and held the title of School Coordinator for several years. Aleasa holds over 30 collector certifications, but she became a certified Master Trainer in April 2021! To achieve this certification, she completed over 100 specimen collections, demonstrated expert understanding of DOT drug and alcohol and HHS specimen collection requirements, and passed the CPCT examination. She manages out of our Shreveport office, but is in our corporate office often. When she's not busy being an awesome employee, Aleasa spends her free time being an amazing cheer/football mom to her 8-year old daughter and...

Introduction In a world grappling with the complex challenges of substance abuse and addiction, International Overdose Awareness Day stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for compassion, education, and intervention. Observed on August 31st every year, this day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about overdose, commemorate those who have lost their lives, and advocate for strategies that can prevent future tragedies. It is a day to unite, reflect, and collaborate in the fight against a crisis that knows no geographical or social boundaries. The Global Overdose Crisis The global overdose crisis has reached alarming proportions, cutting across demographics, socioeconomic classes, and regions. Substance abuse, particularly involving opioids, has surged to become one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 585,000 people died due to drug use disorders in 2017. Of these...

Introduction The safety and well-being of students within educational institutions have always been a top priority for schools and districts. As part of their commitment to providing a secure environment, the Region 7 Education Service Center has taken a proactive step by approving DATCS (Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services) as an authorized vendor. Region 7 Education Service Center's dedication to improving student performance, operational efficiency, and legislative initiatives is mirrored in their careful selection of partners. After the recent of passing of Texas H.B. No. 114, DATCS is a natural choice for assisting schools in addressing substance abuse concerns. Region 7 Education Service Center's Mission Region 7 Education Service Center stands as a cornerstone in the educational landscape, serving as a vital resource for school districts within its jurisdiction. The center's core mission revolves around improving student performance, operational efficiency and...

Have you heard about the recent changes in our school drug laws? If not, let's dive into House Bill 114 (H.B. No. 114) and see how it might shape the future of our schools. And don't worry, we'll keep things simple and straightforward! What's House Bill 114 All About? In a nutshell, H.B. No. 114 focuses on the possession, use, or delivery of marijuana or e-cigarettes in or near our public schools. It's all about keeping our schools safe and ensuring that students are in the best environment for learning. Key Points of the Bill 1. Marijuana and E-cigarettes: The bill clearly states that students who possess, use, or deliver marijuana or e-cigarettes within 300 feet of school property or during school-related activities will be placed into a disciplinary alternative education program. This means that even if they're just near the school with either of these things, they could get in trouble. 2. Alcohol and Other Substances: The bill also addresses the use of alcohol and other...

What is Nifoxipam? Nifoxipam is a benzodiazepine drug, similar to other medications such as diazepam (brand name Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax). It is a psychoactive substance often used for treating anxiety and panic disorders. Nifoxipam works by regulating the balance of certain brain chemicals and neurotransmitters, helping to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and apprehension. It is sold under various brand names and formulations, typically taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. However, Nifoxipam is not approved for medical use in many countries, including the United States and much of Europe, due to concerns about its safety and potential for abuse. In some cases, it has been associated with adverse side effects such as sedation, drowsiness, and impaired cognitive function. Legal Status in the United States In the United States, Nifoxipam is not approved for medical use and is not available for prescription. Despite this, it is possible to obtain the drug...

Beth Haley has been with DATCS for 9-1/2 years. She continually shows her dedication to DATCS every day. Her knowledge of the company shows how exceptional she is when helping customers and coworkers. Beth is originally from Milwaukee, WI where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin Parkside. Beth moved to Texas in 2007. She is married to Bob and between the two of them they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Beth likes to draw and paint, and she is a member of the “Urban Sketches Group” at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. Beth and her husband like to do wine tastings and attend art events. She is also very aware of how important it is to stay healthy and active and loves to bike ride and exercise. Beth and her husband adopted a cat who is now 10 months old and named Kat. Thank you, Beth, for all you do here at DATCS.

Tow truck drivers play a vital role in ensuring public safety on Texas roads. To maintain a safe and drug-free work environment, the state of Texas has implemented strict drug and alcohol testing requirements for tow truck drivers. In this blog post, we will explore the specific guidelines established by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) and provide credible sources to support the information presented. Pre-Employment Testing Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is an essential component of the hiring process for tow truck drivers in Texas. According to the TDLR, potential employees must undergo drug and alcohol screening before they can be employed in a safety-sensitive position such as operating a tow truck. This test uses the same panel as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA sets the guidelines for drug testing procedures and substance categories to be screened for, which typically...

Hello, transportation industry leaders! Today, we're addressing an urgent matter that could significantly impact your business: registration with the FMCSA Clearinghouse. If you're part of the transportation industry, you're undoubtedly aware of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But have you realized the potential risks of not registering with the FMCSA Clearinghouse? If not, this blog post is a wake-up call! The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a comprehensive online database that provides real-time information about commercial driver's license (CDL) and commercial learner's permit (CLP) holders' drug and alcohol program violations. This resource is not just a tool; it's a necessity for safety and compliance in the transportation industry.  Registration for the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) began for all user roles on September 28, 2019. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit...

If you are part of a DOT company or any organization which is required to stay in compliance your have likely already met Brandi Jordon our compliance specialist and the beating heart of our customer service department. Brandi has been with DATCS for just over 15 years and her work has impacted every part of DATCS. It would be impossible to put but all the good things people inside and outside of DATCS have to say about Brandi in one place, but we would still like to brag about her a little bit. "I don’t know how DATCS would survive without her. She knows all the tricks to get things done. She is one of the most knowledgeable folks I know when it comes to drug and alcohol procedures and policies."~ Dale Hively Safety Coordinator at Trendsetter Construction "Her customer service skills are second to none, even if I have to throw a paperclip at her because she gets too loud over the phone. Brandi makes me laugh more than anyone I have ever worked with. She has a full plate most the...

The term "K2 paper" refers to paper that has been infused with the synthetic drug known as K2, and its usage has been on the rise within prisons throughout the United States. Inmates have devised inventive methods to smuggle this drug into correctional facilities, often by saturating letters, drawings, or other paper-based items with liquid K2 before sending them through the mail. Upon arrival, the paper is torn into smaller fragments, which can be smoked or consumed to induce a state of intoxication. While the idea of infusing paper with narcotics isn’t new, the appearance of this strategy to smuggle drugs into prison is relatively new. To better understand this trend, we need to understand this drug. What is k2 then? In the context of drug use, the term "K2" typically refers to a type of synthetic cannabinoid that is often marketed as synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabis. It is also known by other names such as Spice, Black Mamba, or Bliss. K2 is designed to mimic the effects...

Oral fluid testing has a window of detection that starts within minutes after usage and lasts for the entire 3-to-10-hour marijuana window of impairment.  This short detection period allows employers to determine current impairment at work and not what drug the employee may have used over the weekend. As drug testing becomes an essential part of maintaining a safe and productive work environment, it's crucial for employers to choose the most effective and efficient methods to protect their employees, community, and company. In recent years, oral fluid drug testing has emerged as a preferred option, particularly for detecting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairment among employees while they are on the job. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of using oral fluid drug testing for THC detection, with a specific focus on the detection period of this method.  1. Real-Time Detection: One of the major benefits of oral fluid drug testing is its ability to detect recent drug...

As parents, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring the well-being of our children. Unfortunately, in today's complex world, we cannot ignore the reality of drug use among young people. It is essential to educate ourselves about the reasons behind children's drug use, the potential risks involved, and most importantly, how we can play an active role in prevention and intervention. In this blog post, we will delve into these crucial aspects, equipping parents with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the challenging landscape of children and drug use. Understanding the Reasons To effectively address children's drug use, it is crucial to understand the underlying reasons that may drive them to experiment with substances. While each child is unique, several common factors contribute to this behavior. Peer pressure, a desire for acceptance, curiosity, stress, mental health issues, and exposure to drugs through media or family members are some of the key influences. By...

What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug with significant medical applications, primarily as a pain reliever and anesthetic. In recent years, its misuse and abuse have become a major public health concern. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of fentanyl, its origin, effects, abuse potential, and the alarming rise in overdose deaths associated with its illicit use. It is approximately 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin in terms of pain relief. It is a potent analgesic, meaning it can effectively alleviate severe pain. However, its potency also increases the risk of misuse and overdose. Lethal dose of fentanyl seen next to a penny. Origin and Legitimate Use: Fentanyl was developed in the late 1950s and introduced as an intravenous anesthetic in the 1960s. Legally, it is manufactured and distributed in the United States. However, diversion and misuse of licit fentanyl pharmaceutical products have been observed,...