Membership

During 1999, over 200 new companies involved in drug and alcohol testing joined DATIA as Regular, Corporate, and Sustaining Members. There are currently 982 Regular Members, 22 Sustaining Members, and 37 Corporate Members.

DATIA is excited to see so much enthusiasm by industry professionals interested in furthering the goals of the association to increase professionalism within the industry and to educate the public on the benefits of drug and alcohol testing and the services that our members provide.

DATIA is looking forward to a great year in 2000! The year is already shaping up to be an active year in terms of drug and alcohol testing legislative and regulatory issues, and we look forward to providing each of our members with a national voice and superior representation on the existing and upcoming issues. DATIA also looks forward to providing its members with a forum to have their voice and opinions heard by the key industry and agency officials that can help make a difference in the industry.

Collector Training and Certification

During 1999, DATIA held Urine Specimen Collector Training in Miami, Seattle, St. Louis, Alexandria, San Francisco, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Over 220 persons involved in urine specimen collections attended these courses where they received instruction on how to perform collections using the highest industry standards, and how to train their employees on the same protocols.

Attendees of the courses rated the course an average of a 9 on a scale of 10. Much of the course's success is owed to DATIA's Presenters, Sherri Vogler of Houston Medical Testing Services, and John Corpus of Bellin Occupational Health Resources. No matter how experienced the course attendees are, they can count on learning something new from the DATIA sponsored course.

In June of 1999, the collector training program was expanded to include certification in response to industry and member needs. Under this program, attendees of the DATIA training course are eligible to be certified as a Certified Professional Collector Trainer (CPCT). To receive the CPCT designation, the collector must successfully complete the DATIA CPCT Training Course and pass the Collector Certification Exam. During 1999, 275 individuals received the CPCT designation.

Collectors who receive training from a CPCT are also eligible to receive the Certified Professional Collector (CPC) certification. To receive the CPC designation, the collector must be trained by a CPCT and pass the DATIA Collector Certification Exam. 270 collectors were certified as CPCs during 1999. This increased amount of training amongst collectors will ensure that collections are performed in a standard manner, resulting in a better perception of the drug testing process by government officials and employers.

Accredited Collection Facility Program

During 1999, 42 companies performing collections achieved Accredited Collection Facility Status. The accreditation process involves having a CPCT at the facility, training and certifying all personnel involved in the collection process, and ensuring that the facility maintains proper industry standards and business practices.

Accredited members reported throughout the year that they were experiencing many benefits due to their industry accreditation. The main benefit was an increase in business. When bidding for contracts, many of the Accredited companies reported that they won contracts simply because of their accredited status. In addition to the benefits reported by members, DATIA secured a 20% rebate for Accredited Collection Facilities on Professional Liability insurance through DATIA's group insurance program. Also new in 1999 was the removal of the accreditation fee.

Consortium/TPA Management Training Seminar

DATIA successfully presented six Consortium/TPA Management for Drug & Alcohol Testing Programs courses aimed at increasing professional standards within the drug and alcohol testing industry. This course is the first course of its kind, and has the goal of setting industry standards and developing a consensus regarding the "gray areas" in drug and alcohol testing program management. Attendees of the first Consortium/TPA courses rated the course an average of 8.5 out of a possible 10, with over a third of the attendees rating the course a perfect 10.

DATIA listened carefully to its membership and in response developed the Consortium/TPA Management Course for Drug & Alcohol Testing Programs to clarify the correct policies and procedures that must and should be followed in managing a drug and alcohol testing program. Nearly 200 attendees have left the course with concrete information on program management, steps to follow to ensure effective Consortium/TPA management, and a network of fellow peers whom are also striving to successfully manage drug and alcohol testing programs. In addition, attendees left the course with the first and only published manual on policies and regulations affecting Consortium/TPA management.

The DATIA Consortium/TPA course achieved its goal of providing industry professionals with the foundation necessary to develop and implement drug free workplace programs that exceed mandatory regulations and provide exceptional client services. The DATIA course aims to set standards for Consortia/TPA management, however, the course does not intend to encourage identical businesses that cannot be differentiated from each other. DATIA realizes that to succeed in the business world and this ever-changing industry, each Consortium/TPA needs to serve its own niche and provide services unique to the clients that it serves. A key element stressed at the course was the benefit of a Consortium/TPA being indispensable in the eyes of their clients.

Industry Directory and Buyers' Guide

DATIA printed the first ever industry "yellow pages" in 1999. This comprehensive directory includes laboratories, medical review officers, consortiums, TPAs, substance abuse professionals, employee assistance programs, on-site drug testing kits, collection supplies, and much more. The directory is used to locate providers alphabetically, geographically, and categorically by service or product.

The Directory is available online at DATIA's website and is primarily used by employers and industry professionals in this medium. During 1999, the internet directory database was expanded to include email and company website links, proximity searching and mapping. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from companies who enjoy the ease of the database's use. Users of the directory database report liking the ability to locate a company that matches their needs, being able to visit the company's website for more details, and then being able to print out a map with directions on how to get to the provider's office.

The high percentage of persons using the internet directory rather than the printed form has led DATIA to make the decision not to print the directory as it did in1999. During the coming years, a pared down version of the directory will be printed and will be sold to those persons who require a printed version.

DATIA Group Liability Insurance Program

In response to member needs, DATIA began providing members access to the first domestically written insurance program for drug and alcohol testing service providers in 1999. This insurance program is tailored specifically for companies who provide collection, third party administration, and other services involved in drug and alcohol testing program management. The policy is underwritten by an "A" rated domestic carrier, providing assurances of solvency and accountability. To date, numerous DATIA members have found that the DATIA insurance program offers increased coverage and reduced premiums. In addition, the program offers an additional 20% discount for Accredited Collection Facilities.

Dissemination of Industry Information

DATIA continued to excel in the area of disseminating information to industry professionals during 1999. Through the Red Book and Red Book updates, DATIA successfully reported changes in drug and alcohol testing regulations to its 355 subscribers within two weeks of the announcement of the regulation change by the federal agency.

In addition, Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News, informed DATIA members and top industry professionals on changes within the industry, whether of a legislative or business nature. This bi-monthly newsletter informs readers on happenings in Washington, DC that will impact the industry, business trends and technology, legal considerations specific to companies performing drug and alcohol testing services, association news, as well as legislative alerts and calls-to-action.

Perhaps the most effective means of disseminating information in 1999 was via www.datia.org, which consistently receives over 4000 hits per month. Through the DATIA Homepage, the association alerted members to legislative items requiring immediate action or comment, and made available the full text of new legislation and regulations as well as resources for the successful operation of a drug and alcohol testing business. Once on the DATIA Homepage, visitors have access to the DATIA Industry Directory and Buyers' Guide Searchable Database, a Search Page to research specific issues and find current as well as background information, industry events and training courses, and much more.

DATIA also utilized the email system for disseminating information to its members. When information on crucial legislation was made available to DATIA, we were able to immediately contact those members with emails to provide them with the information and the opportunity to comment. This was most successful when notifying members of the release of the CFR 49 Part 40 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. If you don't have your email listed with DATIA, please be sure to update your membership record.