What Questions Do We Get Asked the Most?

By ASAP

Who is required to go through the DOT Return to Duty SAP process?

All DOT regulated safety-sensitive employees/candidates employed in the aviation, railroad, public transit, trucking, maritime, and pipeline industries who have violated federal DOT drug and alcohol testing rules. (e.g., positive test result, refusal to test)

I was terminated after a failed test. Do I still need to go through the Return-to-Duty SAP process?

Yes. Once you have violated the federal drug and alcohol testing regulations, you are considered ineligible to perform safety-sensitive duties for any employer until you have completed the SAP process.

If I test failed a DOT Drug or Alcohol test, can’t I just retake the test?

If you are a DOT mandated employee, and you receive a positive test, you must be removed form safety-sensitive duty until you complete the Return-to-Duty SAP process.

How long will the entire SAP Process take?

The time it takes to complete the DOT Return-to-Duty SAP process varies. The SAP will make a clinical assessment and recommend treatment and/or education based on your individual needs. Note: The SAP must make a recommendation for some level of care per DOT CFR 49 Part 40 Subpart O.

Are Return to Duty and Follow-Up testing required?

Yes, you must test negative on a Return-to-Duty Drug/Alcohol screening before returning to DOT safety-sensitive work. You are also subject to unannounced follow-up testing for a period of 1 to 5 years according to a plan determined by the SAP and provided to your employer.

Will I be able to work while going through the SAP process?

You are NOT permitted to perform DOT safety-sensitive duties while going through the SAP process. However you may work in a non-safety-sensitive function. Placement in a non-safety-sensitive position is at the discretion of your employer.

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