Surge in Fentanyl Positives Among Employees – How CRC Can Help Employers Protect Their Workforce

With a 400% increase in employees testing positive for fentanyl, companies are facing unprecedented challenges. CRC offers solutions to mitigate risks and ensure a safe, drug-free workplace.

Sept. 5, 2025 — A recent report by Newsweek has revealed a startling rise in the number of employees testing positive for fentanyl, with cases surging by a staggering 400%. This sharp increase has left employers grappling with how to protect their businesses, employees, and communities from the devastating effects of fentanyl use.

As the opioid crisis deepens, fentanyl, a potent synthetic drug, has rapidly infiltrated workplaces across the country. With fentanyl being linked to thousands of overdose deaths annually, it’s no surprise that companies are scrambling to address the issue of drug testing and employee safety. Employers now face a growing need for more effective drug screening processes and support systems to prevent the risks associated with fentanyl use on the job.

The Growing Problem:

As fentanyl’s presence spreads through illegal drug markets, its use in the workplace is becoming more widespread, especially in industries where physical labor is required or where employees are subject to safety-sensitive roles. The drug is particularly concerning due to its potency—up to 100 times stronger than morphine—and the fact that even small exposures can have fatal consequences.

According to the Newsweek report, the surge in fentanyl positives comes at a time when the opioid crisis continues to rage across the U.S. Employees testing positive for fentanyl can pose significant risks to employers, including workplace accidents, decreased productivity, legal liabilities, and an increased need for employee assistance programs.

CRC: Your Partner in Protecting the Workplace

As this issue escalates, CRC is stepping up to provide employers with comprehensive drug testing services, tailored to the evolving needs of today’s workforce. With our state-of-the-art testing technology and experienced professionals, CRC can help businesses detect fentanyl and other dangerous substances in real-time.

We understand that employers are under tremendous pressure to ensure a safe and drug-free workplace while balancing employee privacy and legal considerations. That’s why CRC offers a variety of customizable testing options, including on-site testing, lab-based confirmation, and random drug screening programs, all designed to help companies stay compliant and proactive in protecting their teams.

How CRC Can Help:

  1. Fentanyl-Specific Testing: Our advanced drug testing services now include tests specifically designed to detect fentanyl and its analogs, ensuring that your team stays safe and your business stays protected from the risks of opioid-related workplace incidents.
  2. Customized Drug Testing Programs: We offer tailored drug testing programs based on the unique needs of your industry, workforce size, and risk levels. Whether your employees are in education, healthcare, government, or transportation, CRC has the expertise to design the right solution for your business.
  3. On-Site Testing: CRC offers mobile testing units that come directly to your workplace, making drug testing more convenient and efficient for employers. On-site testing helps companies quickly identify potential issues and take action when necessary.
  4. Compliance and Risk Management: With CRC’s services, employers can ensure that their drug testing programs are fully compliant with federal and state regulations. Our team stays up to date with changing laws and industry standards to protect your company from costly legal risks.

Addressing a National Crisis:

As fentanyl continues to plague communities across the U.S., employers are in a critical position to protect their workforce. By partnering with CRC, companies can take a proactive stance in addressing drug abuse and ensuring a safe, healthy, and compliant workplace.

To learn more about how CRC can help your business mitigate the risks of fentanyl and other drugs in the workplace, visit MyCRC.com.

Virginia’s House Bill 1730 Expands Employer Liability for Harm to Vulnerable Victims

Cary, NC – July 9, 2025 — Under House Bill 1730 (Chapter 726), effective July 1, 2025, Virginia is strengthening protections for “vulnerable victims” by expanding the circumstances under which employers can be held vicariously liable for wrongful acts committed by their employees.

🛡️ What HB 1730 Does

  • Adds § 8.01‑42.6 to the Virginia Code, empowering courts to hold employers legally responsible when:

    1. An employee’s harmful or fatal wrongdoing occurs while reasonably likely to be in contact with a vulnerable victim, and

    2. The employer failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing or controlling the employee, despite knowing—or being in a position to know—the risk.

  • Defines “vulnerable victim” broadly to include:

    • Patients in healthcare settings,

    • Individuals with disabilities,

    • Assisted‑living residents,

    • Passengers of common carriers or medical transport,

    • Business invitees of esthetics or massage establishments,

    • And vulnerable adults,

  • Applies to causes of action accruing on or after July 1, 2025 

📌 How This Affects Background Checks & Hiring Practices

Employers must now:

  • Enhance Pre-Employment Vetting — Conduct rigorous criminal and professional reference checks, especially for roles interacting with vulnerable populations.

  • Maintain Ongoing Oversight — Regularly assess employee conduct and actively intervene when red flags arise.

  • Update Policies — Implement clear protocols for reporting, responding to, and preventing misconduct in sensitive environments.

🌐 How CRC Supports HB 1730 Compliance

For Employers & Vulnerable-Sector Organizations

  • Advanced Screening Tools — Include criminal history verification, professional licensure checks, and red-flag alerts prior to and during employment.

  • Continuous Monitoring Service — Ongoing surveillance of criminal and professional databases to detect emerging risks.

  • Custom Compliance Reporting — Generate tailored audit-ready reports aligned with HB 1730’s “reasonable care” standard.

✅ Next Steps

Employers in high-risk sectors (healthcare, eldercare, transportation, personal services):

  1. Audit existing background-check and oversight procedures to identify gaps.

  2. Deploy enhanced screening and continuous monitoring via CRC.

  3. Educate leadership and staff on legal obligations and best practices.

Contact:
CRC
Phone: (877) 272-0266
Email: sales@mycrc.com

About CRC:

A nationwide leader in criminal and professional screening, our mission is to empower businesses with tools that promote safe, compliant hiring—especially in roles serving vulnerable communities.

UNC Health Championship Kicks Off Tomorrow

Raleigh, NC- May 28, 2025- The highly anticipated UNC Health Championship Golf Tournament tees off tomorrow at the prestigious Raleigh Country Club. The event, which runs from May 29 to June 1, is expected to bring world-class golf action to the Triangle, featuring top players vying for the championship title.

CRC is proud to be a part of the tournament again this year, sponsoring the Hickory Club Pavilion, located at Hole 17, offering a prime viewing spot for fans and spectators. With breathtaking views of the course and exciting moments of the competition unfolding right before your eyes, the Hickory Club Pavilion is sure to be a highlight of the event.

“We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting, local event, supporting the athletes, UNC, and the local community,” said Dorian Dehnel, President of CRC. “The UNC Health Championship is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the spirit of golf, and we look forward to cheering on the players, interacting with attendees, and enjoying all that this event has to offer.”

Throughout the tournament, CRC will be engaging with fans in the pavilion, with complimentary refreshments and exclusive merchandise. Whether you’re and avid golfer or simply looking to enjoy an exciting day out, the UNC Health Championship is the place to be this week. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in the excitement of the tournament.

I-9 Compliance & E-Verify: Staying Compliant

– FREE LIVE WEBINAR –

Calling all:

✅HR Professionals

✅Compliance Officers

✅Talent Acquisition & Recruiting Teams

✅Business Owners & Executives

Join us on April 16th from 2-3pm EST with Raluca (Luca) Vais-Ottosen, an industry leading immigration and employment law attorney! Luca will dive deep into the latest I-9 compliance requirements and share expert strategies to help protect your organization from enforcement risks. This is a must-attend session to stay ahead of potential challenges.

➡️ What you will learn:

-Key I-9 compliance updates

-Best practices to mitigate enforcement risks

-Proactive strategies for HR teams

Don’t miss out! Mark your calendar and reserve your spot today! Visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2197923090354187863.

CRC Onboarding Center Now Open in Smithfield, NC

We are thrilled to announce that our newest onboarding center is now open in Smithfield, NC. This is CRC’s 5th NC location, with more on the horizon to better serve our clients across the state.

Offering drug testing, fingerprinting, I9 Verifications, badging, and more. We’re committed to making every step of your onboarding process seamless, easy, quick, and stress-free. Our 5-star Onboarding Specialists are ready to assist your candidates and with our easy online scheduling, your candidates won’t be wasting their time waiting around for their appointment.

With over 400 5-Star Google Reviews, CRC Onboarding Centers are the easiest, most effective way to onboard. JD W. visited our Cary Onboarding Center recently and graciously took the time to give us a glowing 5-star review, writing that his experience was “Extremely fast, extremely proficient, and super courteous. The technician was very polite and knowledgeable.” Here’s to many more happy customers, great reviews, and more locations opening soon!

Happy Thanksgiving

We wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for all of our amazing clients, partners, and team members.

Please note: CRC will be closed on Thursday (11/28) AND Friday (11/29). This includes all Onboarding Centers. We will be back to assist you on Monday (12/2). Enjoy the time with loved ones and have a wonderful holiday weekend.

With much gratitude from our table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

-The CRC Family

Colorado is automatically sealing more than 100,000 criminal records

Colorado’s Clean Slate Act will automatically seal over 100,000 nonviolent criminal records, aiming to help individuals with past misdemeanors and certain felonies find jobs and housing without the burden of their past.

Supporters see this as a fair step for rehabilitation, while critics raise concerns about employers being unable to access relevant information, especially in sensitive industries like healthcare and education. The balance between second chances and maintaining transparency remains a key point of debate as more states consider similar legislation.

Who is eligible? How does it work?

Read more: [Colorado Sun]

https://coloradosun.com/2024/08/20/criminal-records-sealed/

CRC Proudly Sponsors the Hickory Club on the 17th at UNC Health Championship

Raleigh, NC- June 2, 2024-

This year’s UNC Health Championship took place at the esteemed Raleigh Country Club from May 30 to June 2, 2024. CRC was honored to be a part of this prestigious tournament in Raleigh, NC. The UNC Health Championship is part of the Korn Ferry tour and is renowned for bringing together top-tier golfers and enthusiasts alike, all in support of a great cause. This year we even saw exceptional weather and a remarkable turnout, with golfers and spectators enjoying picturesque greens of Raleigh Country Club.

As a company committed to supporting its hometown clients, CRC is thrilled to have sponsored the Hickory Club on the 17th green, which included delicious food provided by Empire Eats and an assortment of beverages, courtesy of Tito’s. CRC’s partnership with the tournament underscores our dedication to fostering community engagement.

“We are beyond proud and honored to have the opportunity to support the UNC Health Championship again this year” said Dorian Dehnel, President of CRC.

Congratulations to Kaito Onishi, who came from behind to win, adding to the overall excitement of the tournament. Thanks to all our CRC employees who gathered on Saturday in the Hickory Club for food, drinks, and an overall great time. We cheered, laughed, and showered the players with our support.

DHS Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility (Effective June 1, 2021)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19.

This temporary guidance was set to expire May 31, 2021. Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended the Form I-9 requirement flexibilities from June 1 to August 31, 2021.

If you have any questions about the extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, please contact CRC’s Customer Care Group at 877-272-0266.