Finding DOT Qualified SAPs: Tips for Employers and Employees

Finding DOT Qualified SAPs: Tips for Employers and Employees 

By ASAP

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Reader retains full responsibility for the use of the information contained herein. 

When an employee fails a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test, the employee must complete the Return-To-Duty (RTD) process with a DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to be approved to go back to work. This is a program outlined by DOT guidelines. The first step in the process for the employee is to find a DOT qualified and credentialed SAP to guide them. In addition, employers are required to provide employees with a list of DOT qualified SAPs for those that have failed or refused a DOT drug test.  Read on to learn more about finding a DOT qualified SAP for employees and employers. 

What is a DOT Qualified SAP? 

A DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who helps DOT regulated employees return to duty after a DOT violation has occurred, such as a failed DOT drug and/or alcohol test or a refusal to test. As described in the DOT employee handbook (DOT, 2019a), SAPs are the “gatekeepers to the re-entry program.” They determine when a safety-sensitive employee is prepared to return to work.  

To become a DOT qualified SAP, a person must complete:  

• hold certain credentials in good standing 

• they must have clinical experience in treating and diagnosing substance use disorders and related conditions 

• possess basic knowledge about how it relates to employers’ interest in safety sensitive duties be knowledgeable on the DOT regulations including individual agency regulations  

• qualification training and examination  

• maintain continued education credits (CEUs). (DOT, 2019b)  

DOT qualified SAPs act as a neutral party and do not decide if an employee should be terminated or re-hired. Those decisions are up to the employer. A SAP’s job is to provide a DOT SAP evaluation with a personalized treatment and/or education plan for each individual, in alignment with DOT drug testing procedures. DOT qualified SAPs conducts evaluations to approve employees to return to safety-sensitive duties.  

When would an employee need a DOT qualified SAP? 

An employee who fails or refuses a DOT drug/alcohol test will be required to work with a qualified SAP before returning to safety-sensitive duties. This includes employees of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  

Finding DOT qualified SAPs: Tips for employers and employees 

Employers are required to provide a list of DOT qualified SAPs for all employees following a failed or refused drug test, as well as pre-employment candidates. The employee must immediately be removed from safety-sensitive job duties and given the resource list to start the DOT Return-To-Duty process. American Substance Abuse Professionals, Inc. (ASAP) is a DOT  qualified SAP resource with SAP services throughout the United States. We can provide a list of DOT qualified SAPs keeping you compliant. Note that you are required to provide a DOT qualified SAP list even if you choose to terminate the employee. Call 888-792-2727 to learn more about our employer and employee SAP services from our knowledgeable advisors . 

If you are an employee and have failed or refused a DOT drug test, the first step in returning to work is finding a DOT qualified SAP. At ASAP, we have a robust nationwide network of DOT-qualified SAPs ready to assist you. For over 23 years we have helped our clients return to work. To find a SAP near you, contact us at 888-792-2727 x. 177 to enroll today.  We are fast, compliant and knowable.  

References 

ASAP. (2021). Does a failed pre-employment drug test go on your record. Retrieved from https://go2asap.com/blog/pre-employment-drug-test  

Department of Transportation. (2019a). What employees need to know about DOT drug and alcohol testing. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/resources/partners/drug-and-alcohol-testing/2568/employeehandbookeng2019a.pdf  

Department of Transportation. (2019b). DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.281. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40/40-281  

Department of Transportation. (2019c). DOT COVID-19 Drug & Alcohol Testing Statement of Enforcement Discretion for Substance Abuse Professionals and Service Agents. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/Statement_of_Enforcement_Discretion_SAPs_and_Service_Agents  Possibly update this link to this https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/employee#SAP.  

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