• 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.
• Beginning in FY16-Q3, SLD began testing each specimen in duplicate per accreditation requirements. This requirement significantly increasing the time in takes to complete the test.
• In FY19-Q1, 0.0% of BAC testing was reported out in 15 calendar days, which is a significant decrease from FY18-Q4. The target of 90% was not met.
• During FY19-Q1, an increase in the number and scope of Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests resulted in the redirection of Toxicology Bureau resources to the fulfillment of these requests in accordance with the Act.
• Subpoenas decreased by 77.7%, however, Discovery Orders increased by 255% from FY18-Q4.
• 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.

• Courts in NM
• Public safety officials (e.g., law enforcement)
• NM Department of Transportation/Traffic Safety Bureau

• Training keeps analysts up-to-date on current methods.
• Maintaining and updating equipment allows for samples to be analyzed without interruptions.
• The outsourcing of tests not related to law enforcement allows staff to focus on the completion of time-sensitive work.

• Hire qualified staff to fill vacancies.
• Cross-train analysts between Drug Screening and Drug Confirmation Sections to expand the pool of staff available for testing.
• Utilize the recruitment tools of continuously posting for vacant positions to attract qualified applicants and participate in the SLD Rapid Hire event.

• Q1:

  • Continue the aggressive cross-training plan for bureau staff to cover blood alcohol testing. In process - Two Bureau staff as well as the current Quality Assurance Coordinator have been cross-trained in analytical procedures.
  • Continue hiring analytical staff to fill vacancies. In process - A new staff member will begin work on October 22, 2019 in the Breath Alcohol Section, and a Drug Screening Section Line Supervisor began work in early October.

• Q2:

  • Train Drug Screening analyst on the general maintenance and use of the Orbitrap instrument.
  • Put procedures in place to track progress on responses to Inspection of Public Records Requests in the Bureau.

• Q3:

  • Fill the vacant Drug Screening Section Supervisor position.
  • Complete a validation proposal for methods using the Orbitrap instrument.
  • Send epidemological samples to a contract testing laboratory to decrease the bureau's workload.

• Q4:

  • Fill the vacant Toxicology Bureau Chief position.
  • Begin validation of methods using the Orbitrap instrument.

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.