Online SAP Evaluations
DOT SAP Program – Get Back to Work Fast!
If you fail a DOT drug test, there are two things that can happen based on the policy of your employer. Your employer can terminate your position in the company, or your employer can retain you. If your employer decides to retain you, you must complete the return-to-duty process, or the DOT SAP Program, before being allowed to return to work. If you are terminated because of a failed drug test and you are working in a safety-sensitive transportation position, you cannot be placed in a safety sensitive position with any employer in the transportation industry until you complete the DOT SAP program.
What is the DOT SAP Program?
The DOT SAP program is a program instituted by the Department of Transportation that is designed to ensure the safety of the roads by removing drivers that have failed drug tests from safety-sensitive positions. However, the program provides an opportunity for those who have failed drug tests to be reinstated into their positions if they are serious about it. It is required that an employee who has failed a drug test completes the DOT SAP Program before returning to their safety-sensitive position.
How do I complete the DOT SAP Program?
You meet with a SAP. During the meeting, the SAP will recommend treatment options for you. He will monitor your progress and, once deemed compliant, will notify your employer that you have successfully completed the recommendation given by the SAP. After your employer is notified of your success, you will be required to complete a drug test similar to the one you failed before being reinstated into your position.
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Please be advised that the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), USCG (U.S. Coast Guard), FMCSA (Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration), FTA (Federal Transit Administration), RSPA (Research and Special Programs) and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) fall under the jurisdiction of the D.O.T. Federal Guidelines.
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More About the SAP Process
DOT-regulated employees who have failed a drug and alcohol test or refused to take one will be required to go through the SAP Program. This may include:
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Truck drivers
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Commercial drivers (CDL)
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Pilots
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Mechanics
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Pilots and Flight Attendants
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Pipeline Workers
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Students in Truck Driving School
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Coast Guard and more….
If you’re a DOT-regulated employee, you will be subject to post-accident drug testing, pre-employment testing, random drug and alcohol tests, RTD testing, and/or follow-up testing.
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) Clearinghouse provides FMSCA and employers tools to help identify drivers who are prohibited from driving or operating a commercial vehicle based on a DOT drug and alcohol violation. This includes violations committed with one employer, and then failure to report to another employer. Records of drug and alcohol violations remain in the Clearinghouse for 5 years or until a driver has completed the RTD process, whichever comes first.
How Long Does the DOT SAP Program Take?
If you do not have an alcohol or drug problem, you may be done with the SAP program in few days. If you do have a substance abuse problem, it will take longer. Your SAP Evaluator will determine the level of care that is needed during your evaluation, which may include attending one or more classes, a drug treatment program, a probationary period, ongoing treatment, or further testing.
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The cost for the entire program is one flat fee of $450.00. Some employers pay the cost of SAP services on behalf of their employees, while other companies require the employee to pay on their own. Health insurance does not pay for SAP evaluations but it will cover some portions of your treatment
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To be in compliance with DOT guidelines, only a SAP can evaluate you. I have the training and certification to complete evaluations for employees in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the DOT.
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I will provide a face-to-face virtual assessment on Zoom, make thoughtful recommendations of treatment and or educational courses, monitor compliance with recommendations, provide a face-to-face follow-up examination to determine if the employee is in compliance with the recommended course of action, and provide a final report to the employer that contains a follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing plan and aftercare plan.
Confidentiality Policy
The DOT regulations that guide SAPs are not subject to HIPAA rules. SAPs do not need written authorizations from employees to conduct SAP evaluations, confer with employers, confer with MROs, confer with appropriate education and treatment providers, or provide SAP reports to employers. Nevertheless, this SAP will disclose only the minimum required information to any concerned party.
ABOUT ME
I have been doing these evaluations for 15 years. I am fair and objective, and truly interested in your well-being and need to get back to work. I do my best to be of service in timely manner so that you can take care of your return-to-duty process sooner rather than later.
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I have been helping people with small and big substance abuse issues since 1993. I have a master's degree in Social Work, DOT Certification, Drug and Alcohol Counselor License, and a license to practice independently as a Clinical Social Worker in five New England states.
