DATIA Board of Directors Announces 2018-2019 Agenda; Committees Revised to Coincide with the New Agenda; Organizational Plans Announced

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a recent announcement, the 2018-2019 DATIA Board of Directors announced its priorities for the year. The new agenda was created to better reflect the needs and desires of the membership, as identified via member survey results captured earlier in the year.    "We believe one of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Directors is to listen to our membership.  Through careful evaluation of the membership survey data, we have organized an agenda that addresses the most important topics you shared with us," the announcement stated.   The DATIA 2018-2019 agenda includes the following areas of focus:  

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• Develop data and resources to enable members to promote the benefits of drug testing to end-users. (i.e. expanding on or developing new research similar to the 1988 United States Post Office study to demonstrate the impact of drug use in the workplace, and redefining the definition of safety sensitive for non-mandated testing)
• Foster and continue efforts to advance alternative specimen testing procedures and guidelines
• Expand on educational topics (webinars, online training, etc.) needed for business growth for members, with a focus on the use of technology
• Continue monitoring and weighing in on legislative and regulatory issues, with an emphasis on addressing opioid and prescription drug use in the workplace
• Modifying the DATIA website to make it more user friendly, accessible for current and prospective members, and more useful in a mobile version

Additionally, the Board encouraged the membership to get more engaged by participating in one of DATIA's five committees. "The foundation of DATIA is the voice of its membership.  We rely heavily on our members to engage with us to move the industry and our initiatives forward.  The Board of Directors is seeking your partnership, collaboration, and insight as we formally introduce the newly revised DATIA Committees and invite you to participate."     The DATIA 2018-2019 Committees are as follows:   Membership – The Membership Committee is responsible for identifying sources of prospects for DATIA membership and identifying related industries to promote DATIA membership and programs. The committee is also vital in helping shape DATIA's marketing message including its online presence, member benefits, and the annual member survey.  

Drug Testing Efficacy – The Drug Testing Efficacy Committee will work to develop data and resources to enable members to promote the benefits of drug testing to end-users. The committee will further work to expand opportunities for drug testing providers and to develop educational materials for employers and end-users of drug testing to advance workplace safety and the industry.

Addressing Current Drug Use Trends and Impairment – Members of the Current Drug Use Trends and Impairment Committee will focus on guidance and legislation surrounding opioids, marijuana, as well as drug panel relevance. This group will also look at drug use trends, promote the use of alternative specimen testing technologies, and work to define an impairment level for marijuana. 

Education – The Education Committee is responsible for the development of industry standards/best practices and educational programs to benefit members. This includes assisting in the development of industry standards, identifying topics for training programs, and soliciting presenters and writers for webinars and DATIA focus magazine. The committee also assists with development of the annual conference sessions and is responsible for identifying industry leaders to speak at the annual conference, provide suggestions for conference session topics, and assist in the development of the conference theme. 

Legislative & Regulatory – Members of the Legislative and Regulatory Committee are responsible for providing guidance to DATIA on regulatory and legislative issues as they arise and assisting DATIA in determining those issues on which the association will take an official position. Written comments and white papers on issues and potential regulations affecting the industry are formed through this committee's input.   Organizational changes announced by DATIA include:

• The search for an Executive Director Partnership to bring a fresh perspective to DATIA as we look ahead toward the future of our industry.
• The engagement of Laura Shelton for a transition period to consult with the Board and the new Executive Director to ensure continuity for the service to members.
• The naming of Angela Moore as Secretary for the Board of Directors. 

Review the official letter to the membership on the DATIA website.

SOURCE The Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association