The DOT Return-to-Duty (RTD) Process

RTD Steps to Get Back to Work Safely:

1. Immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties
   Employees with a violation must be removed immediately from safety-sensitive roles, placing them in a “PROHIBITED” status.
2. Provide a list of qualified SAPs
   Employers must provide employees with a vetted list of DOT-qualified SAPs. Ensure these professionals meet all compliance standards. This list may come from a dedicated service agent.
3. Employee meets with the SAP
   The employee schedules an evaluation with a SAP, who assesses the situation and recommends tailored treatment or education. The SAP will provide appropriate resources for completing the required recommendations.
4. Completion of treatment/education and follow-up evaluation
   After completing the SAP’s recommendations, the employee undergoes a follow-up evaluation to confirm readiness for the RTD test.
5. Return-to-duty test
   Once the SAP clears the employee, the employer or future employer arranges an observed RTD test. The RTD test supersedes a pre-employment test only in this instance. A negative result allows the employee to resume safety-sensitive duties – and now in a “NOTPROHIBITED” status.
   
   Note: For FMCSA Owner-Operators, their Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA), will arrange the observed RTD test. Ask an ASAP Advisor for more guidance 888-792-2727 x177.
6. Follow-up testing
   Post-return, employees remain subject to unannounced, observed follow-up testing. Employers must complete this testing plan, which may extend for up to five years. Employers are responsible for completing this testing plan and any additional aftercare monitoring required by the SAP to finalize completion of the entire Return-to-Duty process.