Empowered Awareness: Navigating Drug and Alcohol Screening with Knowledge

Jan Kornmann

This book, titled "Empowered Awareness: Navigating Drug and Alcohol Screening with Knowledge," by Jan Kornmann of KorManagement Services LLC, serves as a comprehensive guide for trainers and other professionals in the drug and alcohol testing industry. It emphasizes the critical importance of integrity, ethical responsibility, and regulatory compliance in workplace drug and alcohol screening. The book covers a wide range of topics, including: The historical context and evolution of drug and alcohol testing policies, influenced by significant accidents like the USS Nimitz crash, the Conrail accident, and the Union Square derailment. The fundamental reasons for training in the industry ("why"), the specific knowledge and skills required for different roles ("what"), and effective training methodologies ("how"), including compliance with regulations such as 49 CFR Part 40 and 42 CFR Part 79. Detailed information on what to train various roles, such as employees, supervisors, collectors, Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), and Medical Review Officer (MRO) Assistants. The consequences of errors in drug and alcohol screening, distinguishing between "fatal flaws" and "correctable flaws" and their impact on compliance and safety. Guidance on creating powerful presentations, including defining purpose and audience, structuring content, designing visuals, and practicing delivery. Preparation strategies for training day, focusing on optimizing the learning environment and ensuring participant comprehension, incorporating adult learning principles like the M.A.R.S. framework (Motivation, Association, Repetition, Sensory Perception). An in-depth look at search and seizure regulations, particularly the Fourth Amendment and the "special needs" doctrine, as they apply to drug and alcohol testing to protect rights and privacy. Specific requirements and best practices for DOT urine drug collection training, including what makes a collector "qualified" under 49 CFR Part 40.33. The author, Jan Kornmann, draws on over three decades of experience in the field, advocating for education, compliance, and ethical screening solutions. The book aims to be a "guiding light" for professionals, helping them master technical aspects and embrace ethical responsibilities to ensure safe workforces and communities.