<p>A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician (<abbr title="Doctor of Medicine">M.D.</abbr>) with training in substance abuse. The Department of Transportation (<abbr title="Department of Transportation">DOT</abbr>) requires MRO certification for physicians who perform MRO duties for federally mandated employment drug testing. Their in-depth understanding of the protocols and <a href="/resources/glossary/define-chain-of-custody-coc">Chain of Custody (<abbr title="Chain of Custody">CoC</abbr>)</a> requirements involved in employee drug testing serve to protect the rights and confidentiality of both employer and employee.</p>
<p>The MRO interprets lab results to determine whether a legitimate medical explanation exists for any &#8220;<a href="/resources/glossary/define-confirmed-positive">confirmed positive</a>&#8221; results. The MRO also examines &#8220;negative&#8221; tests that show an abnormal result, indicating attempted alteration. The MRO then contacts the employee. If there is verifiable evidence of a legally prescribed medication or any other medical reason for the confirmed positive result, the MRO has the authority to overturn this.</p>
<p><abbr title="Non Department of Transportation">Non-DOT</abbr> organizations can consider not using MRO services if using Confirmation from a certified laboratory. This can save Non-DOT organizations time and money while meeting legal considerations.</p>

