P004: Scientific Laboratory Division
P004: Percent of blood alcohol tests from driving-while-intoxicated cases that are completed and reported to law enforcement within 15 calendar days
Current Value
45%
Definition
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Story Behind the Curve
- Nationally, New Mexico has had the highest alcohol-related death rate since 1997. New Mexico's rate has consistently been nearly twice the national rate, and has been increasing more rapidly than the national rate.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is a contributing factor in up to 49% of motor vehicle crashes.
- The Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) Toxicology staff analyze samples for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and drugs to determine cause of impairment in drivers, as well as Office of Medical Investigator (OMI) samples for cause of death. They also serve as expert witnesses in court cases where alcohol or drugs are involved.
- In FY18 Quarter 2, 44.6% of BAC testing was reported out in 15 calendar days, which is double the reported percentage from Quarter 1. The target of 90% was not met.
- Duplicate testing of each specimen is performed per accreditation requirements, which doubles testing time (started FY16-Q3).
- The Drug Screening Section Supervisor position was vacated in FY18 Q2.
- Two analyst positions were filled in the Drug Screening Section during FY18 Q2. NOTE: It takes over a year to become proficient in testing and to become competent for expert witness testimony.
- Subpoenas decreased by 34.9%, however, Discovery Orders increased 89.7% from FY17 Q2.
- SLD strives to meet the target of 90% reported within 15 days by addressing challenges. The Division endeavors to serve New Mexicans with the highest quality and most efficient program, in part by addressing the impact of staff vacancies on performance.
Partners
- Courts in New Mexico
- Public safety officials (e.g., law enforcement)
- New Mexico Department of Transportation/Traffic Safety Bureau
What Works
- Changes to the management of samples submitted for Drug Screening resulted in more tests reported within the 15 day turn-around time.
- Cross-training analysts between Drug Screening and Drug Confirmation Sections expands the pool of staff available for testing.
- Utilizing the recruitment tool of continuously posting for vacant positions to attract qualified applicants.
Strategy
- Continue training of newly-hired staff.
- Continue to monitor and maintain equipment.
Action Plan
- Q1:
- Fill the vacant Deputy Forensic Toxicologist position in the Toxicology Bureau. Complete. SLD hired Dr. Samuel Kleinman into this position.
- Fill the two vacant Analyst positions in the Drug Screening Section. Complete. Two additional analysts were hired.
- Q2:
- Continue to fill staff vacancies in the Bureau and begin training of newly hired analysts. Ongoing. New staff have completed training in at least one test method and begun training on additional test methods.
- Q3:
- Fill the vacant Drug Screening Section Supervisor position.
- Continue to fill staff vacancies in the Drug Confirmation Section.
- Continue building on changes made to sample management procedures within the Drug Screening Section to increase the number of cases reported within the 15 day turn-around time.
- Cross-train additional analysts in the technical review of blood alcohol test results.
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