Virginia Law

A. All Virginia licensed branch pilots shall be subject to the random chemical testing as set forth in this chapter. Random chemical testing shall be conducted at an annual selection rate of not less than 30% and not more than 100% of total licensees. Licensees shall be responsible for all costs associated with random chemical testing. The chemical test shall be a comprehensive drug screen acceptable to the board that includes testing for controlled substances in Schedules I through V of Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Only licensees on duty may be selected for random testing. A licensee selected for random chemical testing shall report for testing within two hours of notification. Failure to take a random chemical test is considered refusal to take the test.

B. Duties of licensee.

1. All licensees of this board shall enroll and participate in a random chemical testing program that meets the criteria of this chapter.

2. An on-duty licensee selected for random chemical testing shall report for testing within two hours of notification that the licensee has been selected.

3. Licensees who receive a prescription for any medication from any health care provider shall have the following duties:

a. Give the health care provider a copy of the licensee's job description as a Virginia pilot;

b. Give the health care provider a complete list of medications used within the 30 days preceding the current visit;

c. Obtain a written statement from the health care provider stating if the new prescription is for a controlled substance (Schedules II through V of the Drug Control Act) and obtain a written statement from the health care provider as to the licensee's fitness to safely perform the duties found in the job description; and

d. If prescribed any medication containing a Schedules II through V controlled substance that is to be used within 12 hours of being on duty, make certain the MRO received by hand delivery or telefax each prescription written by any health care provider at the time such prescription is written along with a complete list of medications used by the licensee within the preceding 30 days.

C. The medical review officer shall:

1. Be completely familiar with all duties of a Virginia pilot.

2. Receive, evaluate, and maintain records of all medications given to him by or on behalf of each Virginia pilot.

3. Receive, evaluate, and maintain a record of each random chemical test taken by a Virginia pilot.

4. Any time the MRO finds the presence of a drug, alcohol, or marijuana that may impair the safe discharge of any duty of a Virginia pilot such that the licensee is unfit to perform those duties, report the MRO's written findings to the licensee and president or vice president of the board and to the board's administrator.

5. Report in writing to the licensee, president or vice-president of the board, and the board's administrator of any delay or refusal by a licensee in reporting to testing or being tested.

6. To the extent consistent with state and federal law, protect the confidentiality of all licensee records.

7. Judge fitness to safely perform duties in the context of the licensee's prescription medications and the licensee's available medical history. Any time the MRO finds evidence that the Virginia pilot may be impaired in the safe discharge of any of the pilot's duties such that the pilot may be unfit to perform those duties, the MRO's written finding shall be reported to the licensee and president or vice president of the board and to the board's administrator.