The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) previously announced mandatory direct observation of specimen collection for return-to-duty and follow-up controlled substances test (see my October 28th post) has been stayed. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued an administrative stay, which temporarily delays implementation of DOT’s direct observation requirement. As a result of the court-ordered stay, DOT has announced that direct observation by DOT-regulated employers for these two types of tests will remain optional and at the employer’s discretion. We will keep you posted on further developments.