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Showing posts from March, 2009

Louisiana Up Next On National Trend That Eyes Drug Testing For Public Assistance

As West Virginia's public assistance and unemployment drug testing legislation hits a snag, Louisiana jumps into the fray and joins the growing group of U.S. States that are considering legislation that will require substance abuse testing for public assistance and welfare. Louisiana State Representative John LaBruzzo is planning on filing legislation to drug test all welfare recipients as well as to ban individuals who have been convicted on felony drug charges from receiving public assistance for 10 years. With a bad economy being the main engine behind this drive to drug test for public assistance, you can bet that states who are looking to tighten their belts financially will soon follow suit and introduce their own random testing requirements. MMC INSIDER UPDATE: West Virginia's current bill recently suffered a setback and and Arizona's bill was defeated in January. Bills in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Hawaii, Florida and Minnesota are currently front and center on

List of U.S. States that Want Random Drug Testing For Public Assistance

The following States are currently pursuing some sort of random drug testing legislation for recipients of food stamps, unemployment benefits and welfare. West Virginia Kansas Oklahoma Missouri Hawaii Florida Minnesota * Arizona - legislation failed in January 2009 MMC is an industry leader in the field of substance abuse testing and is following all moves related to this recent trend to introduce drug testing for public assistance. Please check back often for updates. MMC offers affordable and compliant drug testing campaigns that follow both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Non-Federal testing guidelines. Contact MMC today for any questions on random drug testing programs! (888) 662-8358 www.mobmed.com

The Obama Administration, Secretary of State Clinton and The American Drug Problem

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently acknowledged that Americans have an "insatiable" demand for illegal drugs and are partially to blame for the increased drug cartel violence currently taking place on the U.S. border with Mexico. Whether or not Mrs. Clinton's assumption that America's drug habit is to blame for increased border violence is correct or not, the Obama Administration is taking steps to combat the spread of Mexican drug cartel violence and to stem the tide of illegal drug flow into the country. U.S. agents have been dispatched to the border to work with Mexican authorities. The scourge of illegal drug usage affects all facets of American society and it funnels its way down through the very fabric of today's families, schools and workplaces alike. Until the flow of illegal drugs from Mexico and other countries is diminished, the need for substance abuse testing is necessary in order to keep our job sites, schools and our citizens s

Mobile Medical Corporation Set to Provide On-Site Medical Services & Drug Testing For URS's Clean Air Project In New Hampshire

Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC), an industry leading drug testing and occupational healthcare solutions provider was recently chosen to provide comprehensive on-site medical services to URS Washington Division’s Merrimack Clean Air Project in Bow, New Hampshire. MMC’s industry pioneering on-site nursing and first aid stations will be responsible for administering initial new hire safety training, providing first responder medical treatment and conducting pre-employment and follow up substance abuse testing and biological monitoring. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is a National Third Party Administrator of multi-leveled drug testing and occupational healthcare solutions with a specialization in labor management cooperative programs and on site nursing and first-aid station logistics. From our main operations centers in Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH, MMC offers comprehensive national “Drug Free Partnership” programs that combine industry leading substance abuse te

Medical Marijuana, Workplace Safety and Proposed Oregon House Bill 2881

The debate on current medical marijuana laws and how some hinder the enforcement of "Drug Free" Workplace policies has reared its head in Oregon. Employers who are trying to enforce "Drug Free" Workplace programs continue to feel that the current law makes it difficult to evaluate if a person is abusing marijuana. Lobbyists for newly proposed House Bill 2881 would like to see medical marijuana use by employees outlawed. Lee Briney, president-elect of the Columbia Willamette Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers exclaimed that "The state's medical marijuana law has morphed into a get out of jail free card for the indiscriminate use of marijuana." According to a current article published in the Oregonian, "House Bill 2881 proposes sending drug test results to a physician who would review positive results with the applicant or employee. One version of the legislation requires a physician to report a positive test to the employer if the

Kansas Joins Florida and West Virginia in Drug Testing For Public Assistance Trend

The surge to implement random drug testing for unemployment compensation and public assistance has reached the borders of Kansas. KS House Bill 2275, if passed, would create random substance abuse testing requirements for four programs operated the by Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services: Temporary Assistance for Families Program General Assistance Program Child Care Assistance Program Grandparents as Caregivers Assistance Program. In the past month, Florida and West Virginia have also made a push to implement random drug testing legislation for those that would apply for unemployment compensation, public welfare or other government assistance. The argument behind this new wave of legislation is that that drug testing will eliminate those who will use the funds to purchase drugs, relieve some financial pressure on the compensation funds and provide funds to those who will lawfully use the aid. With the economy still in a downward spiral and unemployment compensation

Play it Safe! Avoid Drinking and Driving on St. Patrick's Day

Here are some eye-opening statistics from around the nation focusing on Drunk Driving and St. Patty's Day: University of Pennsylvania research points out that on "drinking holidays" like St. Patrick's Day, all drivers have a 23 percent increased likelihood of being injured or killed by a driver who is impaired by alcohol. The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety stated that there were at least 128 arrests for DUI since the statewide St. Patrick's Day DUI Task Force started last Friday 3/13/2009. According to the Michigan DUI watch group "DUI Checkpoints & Crime on the Road"- last year, there were 20 fatal traffic crashes during the week surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, killing 21 people. Eight of those crashes were alcohol-related . The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claimed that over the past five years, 851 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the St. Patrick's Day holiday. 327 of those people were killed in acci

Drug Free Workplace Initiative Deters Employee Substance Abuse

Having a well understood substance abuse testing policy in the workplace is a solid deterrent that will greatly enhance workplace safety. Obviously, employees who know about their employer's testing policy most likely won't violate it and risk losing their income - Especially with the unemployment rate and the economy the way it is right now. Prospective employees should also be made aware of all drug testing policies during the interview process in order to "weed" out potential abusers before they enter the workplace. A "Drug Free Workplace" policy will ensure workplace production and worker safety as well as deter negligent hiring. When looking for a solid drug testing program administrator , be sure to choose an experienced professional Substance Abuse Testing firm such as Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) who has been in the industry for over 15 years. Contact MMC today for a comprehensive review of your workplace drug testing policies! 888-662-8358

Drug and Alcohol Testing 101: Make Sure Your Testing Equipment Functions!

Last week, an all but routine breathalyzer test of a Denver area city heavy equipment operator turned into an unprofessional farce when the testing machine used for a random alcohol test lacked the paper to print out the employee's failed test results . Without the state required testing print out, The hearing judge ruled that the failed test was invalid and the employee could return to work! This same employee a few months ago also failed a random drug test by having cocaine in his system, this violation landed him in treatment and with an agreement to keep clean, he got to keep his job then too. With the economy and the unemployment rate the way it is and the dangerous situation he is putting himself and others in - this guy must like pushing his luck! When it comes to job site and workplace safety, employers should make sure that they are using a professional substance abuse administrator like Mobile Medical Corporation ( MMC ) whose services comply with all testing requiremen

On-Site First Aid, Nursing and Drug Testing Solutions For Workplace Safety

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is a premier provider of on-site Medical Facilities and First Aid Stations that allow our clients to maximize both health and safety standards on their job sites. MMC's First Aid Stations are operated by medical professionals who assess, treat and manage injuries as well as perform various substance abuse testing relevant to workplace safety. Our first responders take control of any medical work site incident until emergency personnel arrive. MMC's First Aid Stations can be used for all types of work projects and sites including: Projects for Owner/Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs Correctional Facilities Construction Projects Convention Centers Large Outdoor Events MMC is the standard bearer when it comes to On-Site Nursing Stations, Substance Abuse Testing and First Aid Services! Contact MMC today for a free consultation and to see how our On-Site Medical Facilities can make managing your job site easier. 888-662-8358

Random Drug Testing For Unemployment Compensation and Public Assistance

Florida and West Virginia have recently made the news wires by proposing random drug testing legislation for those that would apply for unemployment compensation, public welfare or other government assistance. With the economy still in a downward spiral and compensation rolls growing, expect other states to introduce similar legislation. Sen. Mike Bennett, of Bradenton, Florida believes that with the elevated levels of unemployment, the compensation pools will face a significant strain. He explained that drug testing will eliminate those who will use the funds to purchase drugs, relieve some financial pressure on the compensation funds and provide funds to those who will lawfully use the aid. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is an expert in the field of random drug testing and offers affordable and compliant drug testing campaigns that follow both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Non-Federal testing guidelines. For any questions on random drug testing programs - call MMC to

Unemployment Brews Robust Talent Pool For Employer's Needs

With the national unemployment rate recently rising to 8% due to economic recession, employers now find themselves in a strange situation looking into a vast pool of labor to choose from. Employers who are still looking to add to their payroll can now take the time to seek out talented individuals that are capable of wearing multiple "hats" and in return get more "bang" out of their payroll dollar. To find these workplace heroes, employers should take the employment screening process for granted. Employers should heavily consider multi-leveled drug testing , background screening, credential reviews and include using various Occupational Healthcare solutions . Proper screening etiquette will allow employers to find the stellar multi-talented candidates that they desire. Drug Screening and Background Investigations enhance workplace safety, negate negligent hiring litigation and paint a clearer picture of the candidates overall labor history and performance. Mobile M

The Drug Testing Integrity Act, H.R. 858 - Helping To Create Safer Workplace Environments

Members of Congress are planning to introduce national legislation that would ban all products that would increase a person’s chance of beating a drug test. The introduction of legislation comes on the heels of the recent media circus sideshow that featured New York Yankee's shortstop Alex Rodriguez and his performance enhancement drug usage. If passed, the Drug Testing Integrity Act, H.R. 858 would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, ship or provide testing candidates with any product that would mask, defeat or complicate a drug test. When it comes to quality drug testing solutions , employers, contractors, union officers, hiring managers and risk mitigation professionals should solely rely on a professional drug testing firm like Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC). Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) can help you with all of your substance abuse testing needs. MMC works closely with all clients to establish focused policies and testing procedures that comply with both the Departmen

Mobile Medical Corporation - Providing Superior Substance Abuse Testing Solutions Nationwide

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is a premier provider of On-Site Drug Testing , Occupational Healthcare solutions and First Responder Nursing and First Aid Station management. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) has scalable services to fit any testing need - from large construction projects to small random employee drug testing pools - MMC has you covered. On a day to day basis MMC works closely with contractors, labor unions and facility owners to supply a vast range of services designed to promote workplace safety and reduce costs. Call today for a free consultation! 888-662-8358 Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) - Setting New Standards! mobmed.com