DOT SAP Services
Comprehensive substance abuse professional services for DOT-regulated employees
What is a DOT SAP Evaluation?
A DOT SAP evaluation is required when a DOT-regulated employee has violated drug and alcohol testing regulations. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) conducts a face-to-face assessment to determine what assistance is needed for the employee to return to safety-sensitive duties.
When is a SAP Evaluation Required?
- • Positive drug or alcohol test result
- • Refusal to test for drugs or alcohol
- • Adulteration or substitution of a drug test
- • Any other violation of DOT drug and alcohol regulations
Our SAP Services
Comprehensive DOT substance abuse evaluation and support services for transportation professionals
SAP Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment following a DOT drug or alcohol violation to determine treatment needs.
Learn moreReturn-to-Duty
Follow-up evaluation after treatment completion to ensure compliance with DOT regulations.
Learn moreFollow-Up Testing
Ongoing monitoring and support to ensure continued compliance and recovery success.
Learn moreReady to begin your DOT SAP evaluation process?
View Detailed Process InformationService Areas
We provide DOT SAP services to transportation professionals throughout the region. In-person evaluations are conducted at our office, and we work with clients from all DOT-regulated industries including:
The DOT SAP Process
Understanding the complete process from removal to return-to-duty
If you are employed in a Department of Transportation safety-sensitive position that falls under the:
- • FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- • FAA - Federal Aviation Administration
- • USCG - United States Coast Guard
- • FRA - Federal Railroad Administration
- • PHMSA - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- • FTA - Federal Transit Administration
and have violated the Federal DOT drug and alcohol regulations by:
- Testing positive for a controlled substance or prescription medication whose use is prohibited by the DOT
- Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater
- Refusing a test
- Not providing a specimen in a timely manner
- Failing to take a test
You must be immediately removed from your DOT safety-sensitive duties.
Key Components of the DOT SAP Program
Understanding the complete evaluation and return-to-duty process
Initial SAP Evaluation
A certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluates the employee. This includes understanding the employee's substance use history, current situation, and any contributing factors. The purpose is to develop a tailored treatment and education plan that addresses the employee's needs.
What happens: The SAP conducts a comprehensive assessment utilizing clinical interviews and standardized assessment tools to create a personalized treatment or education plan based on your specific situation.
Education and Treatment
The SAP recommends a customized treatment or education plan based on the initial assessment. This plan can range from inpatient treatment programs and outpatient counseling to participation in educational courses geared toward substance use awareness. The goal is to help the employee address and overcome substance use concerns and prepare for a safe return to work.
Treatment options may include:
- Inpatient treatment programs
- Outpatient counseling
- Educational courses on substance use awareness
- Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
Follow-Up Evaluation
After completing the recommended treatment, the employee undergoes a follow-up evaluation by the SAP to review their progress and determine eligibility for Return-to-Duty testing. This assessment ensures the employee has complied with the treatment plan and is completely free of any illicit substances.
Critical step: The SAP reviews treatment records, verifies completion, and conducts further clinical assessments to confirm you have met all treatment requirements and are ready to safely return to work.
Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up Testing
Before returning to duty, the employee must pass a DOT-regulated Return-to-Duty drug and alcohol test with their employer, confirming that they are substance-free and ready to perform safety-sensitive functions. The SAP also establishes a follow-up testing schedule, which includes a series of unannounced tests over a specified period to monitor the employee's continued compliance with DOT regulations.
Return-to-Duty Requirements:
Pass a DOT-regulated drug and alcohol test confirming you are substance-free and ready to perform safety-sensitive duties.
Follow-Up Testing Schedule:
Minimum of 6 unannounced tests over 12 months, with testing potentially extending up to 60 months to ensure continued compliance and recovery success.
Shortly after removal, an employee must be referred for an evaluation if in the following situations: a positive drug test, an alcohol test with an alcohol concentration of .04 or greater, or a refusal to test in accordance with DOT Rules and Regulations. The SAP evaluator must follow the employee through the entire process until the time the employee is ready to return to work. Once the employee begins the process with one SAP, they must stay with that SAP throughout the process.
The following is a summary of what will occur:
The Medical Review Office (MRO) will notify you that your test results are positive for drugs and/or a Breathalyzer Alcohol Technician (BAT) will notify you of a positive alcohol test.
DOT mandates that you be referred to a SAP for an evaluation in resolving problems associated with misuse of alcohol or the use of controlled substances.
When the SAP recommends treatment, your employer and you will be given a written recommendation specifying the approximate duration of treatment and the level of care.
The SAP will provide you with the appropriate referral, which is consistent with clinically evaluated needs and will take into consideration your insurance coverage, your ability to pay for treatment, and employer's policies regarding availability of a leave of absence.
As a DOT client, you are expected to participate in treatment as outlined by the treatment provider and the SAP. If you resist or fail to comply, the treatment provider will discharge you for non-compliance. This course of action will prevent you from working in a safety sensitive position.
The SAP will hold a follow-up evaluation to review your compliance with the initial treatment recommendation. You will be required to follow the treatment provider's recommendation for continuing care and meeting attendance.
If you have been terminated from employment and would like to pursue the evaluation in hopes of obtaining another safety-sensitive position, the SAP recommendation may be provided to you and a copy retained for any future employer.
The SAP will submit in writing to your employer a summary outlining the initial assessment and participation in treatment. The SAP will also recommend to the employer that you pass a return to duty test for drugs or alcohol, plus order the mandated DOT follow-up testing schedule.
Non-DOT SAP Evaluations
A significant number of companies maintain a drug-free workplace program for employees who are not subject to DOT regulations. Brandon Tripp, LMHC, SUDP, MAC, NCC AP, SAP provides evaluations, monitoring, follow-up, and recommendations to employees who may seek a SAP Evaluation to fulfill state Department of Motor Vehicles and court requirements for DUI/DWI violations or those who are complying with the drug-free workplace programs of companies whose employees are not subject to DOT regulations.
If a non-DOT employee test positive on a random drug screen, the program objective is the same as the SAP program; to assure the safety of the workplace and to provide support to the impaired employee permitting him/her to return to normal duties in a purposeful manner.
Need a DOT SAP Evaluation?
Contact us today to schedule your Initial SAP Process Consultation and/or SAP Assessment with a Qualified & Trained United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and begin the return-to-duty process.