R 231330Z NOV 22
MARADMIN 614/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC/ CMC MRA MF WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS DRUG TESTING PROGRAM/CLARIFYING AND AMPLIFYING GUIDANCE//
REF/A/MSGID:DOC/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA/YMD:20180625//
REF/B/MSGID:DOC/USD P&R/YMD:20200615//
NARR/REF A IS MARINE CORPS ORDER 5300.17A MARINE CORPS SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM. REF B IS DOD INSTRUCTION 1010.16 TECHNICAL PROCEDURES FOR THE MILITARY PERSONNEL DRUG ABUSE TESTING PROGRAM//
POC/DORCILLE M JERNIGAN/NAF5/UNIT: HQMC MFCP-1/-/TEL:703-432-9797/-/EMAIL: DORCILLE.JERNIGAN@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN provides clarification to reference (a), appendix b, paragraph 2e, which states that urinalysis program coordinators (UPC) may also serve in the role of an observer.  However, the appointments of UPC and observer cannot be combined during a urinalysis test (i.e., a UPC cannot serve as an observer and a UPC during the same urinalysis).  In units with multiple UPCs, the UPCs not conducting the urinalysis can serve as an observer if appointed as an observer in writing by the commander.
2.  This MARADMIN lists the roles of the substance abuse control officer (SACO), UPC, and urinalysis observer while executing a urinalysis below for clarification/amplification per reference (a).
3.  The Drug Demand Reduction Program's (DDRP) primary strategy is to deter illegal drug use and misuse of prescription drugs through the random drug-testing program per reference (a).  In accordance with references(a) and (b), each commanding officer (CO) will establish and execute a rigorous and aggressive urinalysis program, complying with all testing requirements and holding those who choose to abuse drugs accountable.  Appointing appropriate staff members is key.  Clarification of the roles and responsibilities of required staff members established in reference (a) is provided in paragraphs 4 to 8.
4.  The SACO, UPC, and observer positions require separate appointment letters.  The SACO must be a SNCO or officer.  Each role must receive appropriate training from the DDRP staff prior to participating in a urinalysis in accordance with reference (a).
5.  The SACO assists the commander by managing all urinalysis testing functions for the unit.
    a.  The SACO oversees the unit urinalysis testing program by ensuring all testing requirements are met.
    b.  The SACO obtains testing authorization from the commander in writing prior to conducting tests and retains this documentation with testing package.
    c.  The SACO uses Web Drug Testing Program (WebDTP) or Drug Testing Program Lite (DTPLite) six times only to generate urinalysis testing documents.
    d.  The SACO notifies and provides prospective Service Members with the time and place of the urinalysis.  This notification must include a start and end time to follow smart testing practices.
    e.  The SACO conducts a UPC and observer brief prior to each testing event and files a copy of the brief sheet signed by the observer and the UPC with the collection paperwork.
    f.  The SACO can serve as secondary reviewer if appointed UPC executing the urinalysis is not a SNCO or officer.
    g.  The SACO receives and provides testing results to the CO.
    h.  The SACO receives Medical Review Officer determination from DDR coordinator (DDRC) on all prescription drug positives.
    i.  The SACO maintains all urinalysis testing documents in accordance with ref a.
6.  The UPC administers the collection process of the unit’s urinalysis testing program, which includes:
    a.  Testing authorization from the commander prior to conducting the test if the SACO is away and the command directs a urinalysis.
    b.  Conducting a UPC and observer brief prior to the testing event and filing a copy of the sheet signed by the observer and the UPC with the collection paperwork.
    c.  Establishing an adequate location to ensure a stringent chain of custody (COC) is followed through the complete collection process.
    d.  Ensuring sufficient bottles, labels, absorbents, secondary shipping containers, and boxes to conduct the test.
    e.  Ensuring the specimen bottle contains a minimum of 30 but not more than 75 milliliters of urine.
    f.  Ensuring the specimen bottle cap is tight and the bottle is free of urine leakage.
    g.  Verifying the identity of each donor being tested via military ID card prior to issuing the sample bottle.  The UPC has donors view specimen bottle label and the test register and confirm data is correct by initialing.
    h.  Inspecting the urine sample for color and feeling the bottle to check for an appropriate temperature and then initiating the secondary review.
    i.  Ensuring each specimen bottle is enclosed in a leak-proof secondary bag with sufficient absorbent material to prevent and contain leakage.
    j.  Reviewing all documentation and COC DD Form 2624 documents associated with the collection procedure before specimens are packaged and shipped to the drug testing laboratory.
    k.  Completing the COC documents, following the packing and shipping procedures in the UPC Handbook, and providing all testing documents to the SACO to be retained as part of the urinalysis testing package.
7.  If the UPC holds the rank of a SNCO or officer, the UPC can serve as the secondary reviewer and complete the secondary review process.
    a.  The UPC initials donors’ specimen bottle label after the donors attach labels to the specimen bottle.
Note:  It is important that the UPC verify the EDIPI against the donor’s military ID card to ensure the correct label is being placed on the specimen bottle.
8.  The observer must be the same sex as the donor providing the specimen as identified by the donor’s gender marker in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
    a.  The observer reviews and signs the urinalysis brief sheet that acknowledges an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of an observer during the urinalysis prior to the start of the urinalysis test.
    b.  The observer accompanies the donor to and from the head, keeping sight of the specimen bottle at all times.
    c.  The observer positions self and instructs donors to stand at a 45-degree angle to view clearly the urine actually leaving the body and entering the specimen bottle.  Ensure males use only the urinal. Ensure stall door remains open for female donors.
    d.  The observer ensures donor wipes off urine spill from the specimen bottle prior to returning to collection table.
    e.  The observer signs and initials the register on the appropriate line verifying he or she observed the specimen being submitted for testing.
9.  DDRC or Substance Abuse Counseling Center representatives ensure all SACOs, UPCs, and observers are properly trained to administer unit and command-level urinalysis testing events and provide refresher training when warranted to reduce discrepancies and improve urinalysis testing proficiency per the references.
10.  Headquarters Marine Corps DDRP conducts periodic compliance oversight and training visits to ensure compliance, evaluates the urinalysis testing process and SACO and UPC training, and implements corrective actions to mitigate urinalysis testing discrepancies and any misunderstanding of testing procedures.
11.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Active Duty, members of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve, and Marines on Active Duty Operational Support Orders.
12.  This MARADMIN is cancelled once incorporated in to reference (a).
13.  Released authorized by LtGen James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//