Investigations
FTA Debars Drug-Testing Company and Owner
On April 2, 2018, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) debarred Premium Drug Screening of Shelton, Washington, and its owner, Christine Clark, for a period of 3 years, ending February 1, 2021. This action follows FTA’s notice of suspension and proposed debarment dated February 2, 2018. The suspension was based on Clark’s December 26, 2017, conviction in U.S. District Court, Tacoma, Washington, for mail fraud.
According to Clark’s plea agreement, Premium served as a third-party administrator (TPA) for DOT’s mandatory drug-testing program for safety-sensitive employees in transportation industries. As a TPA, Premium was required to collect urine samples from employees at various companies and arrange for testing at a laboratory. The laboratory then sent its results to a medical review officer who provided a report to the transportation employer.
Of 592 samples Premium collected between 2008 and 2015, the company submitted only 94 for laboratory testing and gave employers forged medical reports for the rest. By fabricating results, Premium was able to collect payment for acting as a TPA without incurring any of the costs for laboratory testing or medical reviews.
Note: A suspension or debarment frequently covers a specific period of time. Please consult the System for Award Management to determine whether a company or individual is currently suspended or debarred.