Keeping your workplace safe and compliant is essential, and SDIS is here to help. Through our partnership with BIO-MED, members have access to comprehensive drug and alcohol testing services and criminal history background checks, along with the guidance and resources needed to implement and manage these programs with confidence.

Drug-Free Workplace Program

Whether your district has conducted drug and alcohol testing for years or is just now thinking of implementing a program, BIO-MED’s staff can assist you. Testing facilities are located throughout Oregon making it easy to send your employees and volunteers in for drug and/or alcohol testing. BIO-MED also has access to mobile testing services. This program is for both non-DOT staff (not required to carry a commercial driver’s license) and for DOT staff (required to carry a commercial driver’s license). 
SDIS member fees for the program are:

• Setup fee paid by SDIS: $50.00
• Non-DOT testing fee: $35.00 – $42.00
• DOT compliance testing fees are based upon the number of safety-sensitive positions your district has

SDIS will pay for the first five drug or alcohol tests combined (a total of five) that your district conducts in a calendar year. BIO-MED will bill SDIS for those five tests and will bill your district for any additional tests conducted during the year.

Criminal History Background Check Program

This program is for national criminal history background checks and can be used for both employees and volunteers. Background checks can be accessed through BIO-MED on the internet or by fax. Inquiry results will be returned the same day. BIO-MED also has materials and information that will help your district be compliant while conducting background checks. 

Background checks are conducted from a national database that collects information from: 

• National Criminal Database Search
• SSN Trace
• Address History
• National Sex Offender
• Alias Name Search
• Terror Watch List
• 3-step Identity Verification
• One County Search**

**Additional counties can be searched for an extra fee not paid by SDIS

SDIS member fees for the program are: 

$38.00 per background check 

SDIS will pay for the first five criminal history background checks that your district conducts in a calendar year. BIO-MED will bill SDIS for these five checks and then bill your district for any additional checks conducted each year.

Important Considerations for Use

While this national database background check is a helpful and efficient screening tool, districts should exercise caution when using it for positions with higher levels of responsibility or risk. Historically, concerns have most often arisen when this type of check is used for safety-sensitive roles (such as emergency services personnel) or for executive-level positions.

For these types of roles, a more comprehensive screening approach may be appropriate to ensure a thorough review of an individual’s background. In some cases, relying solely on a national database search may not provide the level of detail needed for positions that involve public safety, significant decision-making authority, or leadership of the organization.

For other employees and volunteers, this program provides a convenient and cost-effective option to support your district’s hiring and screening practices. Districts are encouraged to assess the level of screening appropriate for each role and reach out to SDIS for guidance if there are questions about best practices.

How to Get Started

Contact SDAO Member Services at memberservices@sdao.com or 800-285-5461 with your name, district name, and email address to receive more information about the program.