LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
BY: DAVID M. MARTIN, PH.D. NANJING PHARMACEUTICALS
iDATIA, Chile, China and the Future
Board approved an historic move to form iDATIA. Its mission is to promote drug testing internationally and establish levels of accreditation of drug testing programs that can be applied worldwide. This is the first step in a process to
T
he mandated American drug testing model developed by the Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) more than 20 years ago set forth for the first time in history, standards to insure drug testing accuracy, consistency and protection of the rights of the donor and employer. DATIA was formed to lead the way in promoting these standards. One of the main func- tions by which DATIA promoted certain standards in the industry was to create the Nationally Accredited for the Admin- istration of Drug and Alcohol Testing Program (NAADATP). Over the years it became clear that
the NAADATP program was geared to American standards set by DHHS and could not be easily applied to countries outside of the United States. DATIA’s International and Education Commitees identified that the lack of any internation- al standards created a dangerous situation to individuals being tested, the compa- nies that test and to the integrity of our industry. Aſter years of work and careful thought in January 2012 the International Commitee developed and the DATIA
formalize several levels of international accreditation insuring drug testing ac- curacy, consistency and protection of the right to medical privacy. It is with great pride that iDATIA accredited its first international applicant, Global Partners of Santiago Chile whose outstanding program is a model for not only interna- tional but American programs as well. iDATIA is critically needed to establish a set of standards in a world of rapidly changing drug abuse patterns, trafficking and testing technologies. Twenty years ago no one heard of
synthetic marijuana, spice, designer drugs, bath salts or “pill mills” where powerful prescription drugs are read- ily available. Twenty years ago we did not have internet pharmacies that will overnight powerful medications to your doorstep. Twenty years ago we never heard of medical marijuana, which is now in 16 states. “Medical” marijuana is sold despite the existing federal laws and the world body of literature documenting its harm. There is a huge culture shift in America to a more accepting position of drug abuse fueled by the media, medical marijuana and the promotion of instant gratification rather than hard work and long term goals. Never before has the American or any society been exposed to such a wide variety of powerful drugs that can be easily obtained, abused and go undetected by drug testing. This is clearly an American epidemic ready to be exported globally. Tat is why iDATIA is so important. Tis epidemic of drug abuse we see in
4 datia focus
America will soon spread like a virus to Europe and Asia. It is clear that other counties listen and watch American me- dia, dress in American fashions, and mod- el American behaviors. China is now the second largest economy in the world and during my visits there saw several Ameri- can exports: fast food, shopping malls, and traffic jams. American life styles, businesses and behaviors have slowly made their way into the Chinese culture. As countries like China develop their business and public sector infrastructure and policies, the American drug testing experience can be used as a foundation to build their unique programs. It is clear that drug testing not only promotes public health and safety but also helps business profits by controlling the costs associated with drug abuse. China has a billion more people than America and if the drug abuse epidemic only affects a fraction of the population it would be devastating. Tat is why drug education, testing and treatment are the best things we can export to China and other countries. Our effort to work with the Chinese government is making remarkable progress. As I leave office as your Chairman it
is my goal to take all the best practices DATIA has promoted to establish a TPA in China, qualify for iDATIA accredita- tion and continue to promote a drug free environment not only in China but all of Southeast Asia. Tank you for the opportunity to serve
and work with you these past years, it has been an honor. ❚
David M. Martin, Ph.D. Chairman
spring 2012
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