What is an MRO, and what role do they play in a drug screen?
MRO is an acronym for Medical Review Officer. An MRO acts as an independent impartial evaluator and advocate for the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process
He or she is a licensed physician who is responsible for reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer’s drug testing program while evaluating medical explanations for certain drug test results.
Their task is to provide a quality assurance analysis of the drug testing procedure for the sampling under their review. Secondly, they have the responsibility to determine if there is a decisive medical explanation for laboratory confirmed positive, adulterated, substituted or invalid drug test results.
Finally, they ensure the timely flow of the result and other information to employers and protect the confidentiality of the drug testing information.
Most importantly, they perform an important function in the DOT safety program, as such, it is important for them to fully understand the regulations.
The MRO should be familiar with 49 CFR Part 40 while paying close attention to the following:
The MRO should be familiar with 49 CFR Part 40 while paying close attention to the following:
- Subpart G – Medical Review Officer and the Verification Process
- Subpart H – Split Specimen Tests
- Subpart I – Problems in Drug Tests
- Subpart P – Confidentiality and Release of Information
- Subpart Q – Roles and Responsibilities of Service Agents
- Subpart R – Public Interest Exclusions
- Appendix D to Part 40-Report Format: Split Specimen Failure to Reconfirm
For more information, contact the American Association of Medical Review Officers
