A highly anticipated federal rulemaking that would permit carriers to drug test drivers using hair samples continues to slog its way through the regulatory process, nearly six years after it was mandated by Congress and two years since it was first formally proposed.

Ron Flegel, chairman of the federal Drug Testing Advisory Board that developed the controversial proposed mandatory guidelines for federal drug testing using hair samples, was mum at a March 2 meeting on when HHS plans to issue a final hair testing rule.

The chairman of a federal drug-testing advisory board that developed the controversial proposed mandatory guidelines for hair drug testing of truck drivers, other workers in safety-sensitive jobs and federal employees has responded to what he called “misconceptions” about the proposal by opponents.

The Department of Health and Human Services on Sept. 8 announced its long-delayed proposed mandatory guidelines to allow employers to drug test truck drivers and other federal workers for pre-employment and random testing using hair specimens.

A new federal drug-testing law for truck drivers that has been held up at the White House for more than a year may finally be poised for advancement, according to an executive from American Trucking Associations who recently met with officials from the Office of Management and Budget.

Legislation seeking to improve drug testing for employees in safety-sensitive transportation posts was easily advanced by a U.S. Senate panel on Dec. 11.

A report sent to Congress earlier this summer said that the reason for a nearly three-year delay in developing a proposed hair drug-testing rule was caused by such “unresolved scientific issues” as hair color and potential external contamination of hair that could adversely affect drug test outcomes.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — A draft of proposed mandatory federal guidelines for drug testing using hair samples continues to slowly wind its way through the federal bureaucracy, still months — or perhaps longer — away from being released for public comment.

President Donald Trump on Oct. 24 signed into law legislation aimed at tackling opioid abuse.

The Senate has passed legislation with a provision that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to provide an explanation for a 21-month delay in issuing mandatory federal hair testing guidelines for safety-sensitive transportation employees such as truck drivers.