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P004: Scientific Laboratory Division (FY18 Parent)

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

44%

FY 2018

Definition

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Story Behind the Curve

  • Nationally, New Mexico (NM) 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 the influence of alcohol and drugs. They also serve as expert witnesses in court cases where alcohol or drugs are involved.
  • Duplicate testing of each specimen is performed per accreditation requirements, which doubles testing time (started FY16-Q3).
  • The Drug Screening Section Line Supervisor position was vacated in FY17 Q3. The replacement of the Drug Screening Section Supervisor and the Line Supervisor positions have been hindered by the lack of qualified applicants.
  • Subpoenas  and Discovery Orders decreased by 25.6% and 5.5% respectively from FY17 Q3.
  • In FY18 Quarter 4, 5.1% of BAC testing was reported out in 15 calendar days, which is a significant decrease from Quarter 3. The FY18 target of 90% was not met. The loss of a staff member with minimal notice contributed significantly to the decreased turn-around times.
  • 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 programs, in part by addressing the impact of staff vacancies on performance.

Partners

  • Courts in NM
  • Public safety officials (e.g., law enforcement)
  • NM 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.
  • Continuously post vacant positions to attract qualified applicants.

Strategy

  • Continue to recruit and hire qualified staff.
  • 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. Completed - SLD hired Dr. Samuel Kleinman into this position.
  • Fill the two vacant analyst positions in the Drug Screening Section. Completed - Two additional analysts were hired.

Q2: 

  • Continue to fill staff vacancies in the Toxicology 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. Incomplete - No candidates identified after first posting.
  • Continue to fill staff vacancies in the Drug Confirmation Section. Ongoing - Interviews were completed for open positions.
  • 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. Incomplete - The loss of two management positions had a negative impact on this effort.
  • Cross-train additional analysts in the technical review of blood alcohol test results. Ongoing.

Q4:

  • Fill vacant Section Supervisor and Line Supervisor positions in the Drug Screening Section. Not met.
  • Prioritize hiring effort and accelerate hiring process. Completed - Five positions filled.

FY18 Annual Progress Summary

Staff turnover and a lack of qualified applicants have negatively impacted turn-around times for the reporting of blood alcohol tests for driving-while-intoxicated cases.  Newly-hired staff in other sections of the Toxicology Bureau are being trained to perform blood alcohol testing, however this training will take time to complete.  The Bureau has begun reaching out to state partners such as the Attorney General's office, special prosecutors, and the Drug Recognition Expert Coordinator. Establishing relationships and collaborations strengthens lines of communication and understanding between partner agencies toward the common goal of combating DWI in New Mexico.

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