January



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January 15, 2014
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The Role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) in International Workplace Drug Testing

The role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) internationally may evolve differently than the role of the MRO in the United States based on practical, cultural and legal considerations. It would be presumptuous, impractical and likely imprudent to assume that the United States ' MRO process will be the best model for international test review. In fact, in a review of 200 countries, a Drug and Alcohol Industry research team found information on the role of the MRO in only 36 countries or 18% of the 200 countries researched. This is because the information available through accepted legal research practices is insufficient due to the need for practical in country information. The MRO process in the U.S. could be a good starting point for the global community as it looks at workplace drug testing. In providing MRO support in various countries the MRO must anticipate how to handle certain situations that may or may not arise based on the historical experience in North America. Some of these resolutions are well established when providing MRO review in North America but may not be established for practice elsewhere. As a best practice, it is important that employers establish a policy that is consistent with local law and regulations prior to program implementation. By so doing, the MRO can review a specific result in compliance with employer 's policy and program.

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January 15, 2014
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The Logistics of International Collections

The most important aspect to remember when organizing a collection outside of the United States is patience. Workplace drug testing is so common in the U.S., many employers expect next day service. This is not the case in many countries across the globe, but the situation is changing.

As U.S. Multinational companies seek to implement standard drug and alcohol polices across all of their facilities, the network of collection sites around the world grows. More European countries are enacting drug testing legislation under Health and Safety regulations. But even as the drug abuse problem grows, there are still some countries where it is almost impossible to arrange for a drug screen collection.

Some of the hurdles to surmount when organizing a collection include: Type of collection - (urine specimens are recommended), Cultural differences, Time differences and seasonal and holiday variations, Language, Laws and guidelines, Lack of familiarity, Logistics - laboratories, collections (sites, mobile collectors), transport, test results, Cost of the collection, Payment to collection sites - sites will only accept payment in local currency, and Donors signing of chain of custody documentation. Another challenge with international collections is getting quality collections. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines are not followed outside the U.S. and there are some geographical areas that follow no particular collection guidelines at all. It 's best to adjust your process for each country.

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January 15, 2014
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Promising Signs for Global Hiring Heading into 2014, According to Manpower Employment Outlook Survey

"Employers across the globe expect a cautious yet positive approach to hiring for the start of 2014, despite ongoing economic uncertainty and disruption. Upticks in payrolls are anticipated by varying degrees, according to the first-quarter Manpower Employment Outlook survey. The survey revealed: Employers in 34 of 42 countries and territories expect to increase payrolls in the next three months, compared with 29 in Q4 2013, Employers in Taiwan, India, New Zealand, Colombia and Singapore report the most optimistic outlooks, Japanese employers report the most optimistic hiring intentions since Q2 2008, Brazilian employers forecast their weakest hiring climate since the survey began in Q4 2009, but still expect favorable hiring, U.S. employers report steady hiring activity, and the region 's least optimistic hiring plans are reported in Argentina. ""Employers in many parts of the world anticipate mostly modest payroll gains, which may nevertheless be a sign of some gathering hiring momentum as we head into 2014,"" said Jeffrey A. Joerres, ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO. ""Despite fears that the recent government shutdown might dent hiring confidence and the multitude of outside factors that contribute to an uncertain landscape, American employers continue on the five-year pattern of steady jobs growth,"" said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup President."

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