Entertainment Drivers Get Proposed Fast-Track on Drug Record Checks
Published Date: 3/25/2025
Notice
Summary
DISA Entertainment Compliance Solutions wants to keep using a special shortcut when checking if drivers have drug or alcohol issues before hiring them. Instead of a full background check every time, they’d do a quick check first and only do a full check if needed. This affects companies hiring commercial drivers and could speed up hiring without extra costs, but the public has until April 24, 2025, to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Drivers Blocked Until Full Query Clears Them
If you are a CDL driver and a limited query shows information exists about you in the Clearinghouse, you would not be allowed to perform safety-sensitive functions unless and until a full query shows you are not prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle. That restriction is required while DECS' limited-query process is used.
Limited Clearinghouse Pre-Hire Checks Allowed
If your company hires CDL drivers for theatrical, commercial, television, or motion picture productions, DECS has applied to continue allowing a limited Clearinghouse query instead of a full pre-employment full-query. DECS requests a five-year renewal; its prior exemption (granted June 1, 2020) will expire on May 28, 2025, and the public may comment by April 24, 2025.
General Consent Collected Outside Clearinghouse
Under DECS' requested renewal, DECS (as a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator) would request, obtain, and retain drivers' general limited-query consent forms outside the Clearinghouse rather than using the Clearinghouse-specific electronic consent required for full queries. DECS seeks this arrangement for a five-year renewal starting if granted.
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