How to Find a qualified DOT SAP for RTD Process

What Is DOT Drug Testing and Why It Matters

The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces strict drug and alcohol testing requirements to protect public safety in safety-sensitive industries. These standards require testing at key points, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty (RTD), and follow-up testing.

Failing a DOT test or refusing to test has serious professional consequences. Employees cannot resume safety-sensitive duties without completing the required DOT return to duty process and being cleared by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) if they have a drug or alcohol violation. Here is how the RTD process works and how to find a qualified DOT SAP for the  RTD process.

Step-by-Step DOT Return to Duty Process

1. Immediate Removal
   After a positive test or violation, the employee is immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.

Employers must provide a list of vetted, qualified DOT SAPs. This list may be provided by a dedicated service agent such as ASAP to ensure accuracy and compliance.

1. SAP Evaluation
   A qualified DOT SAP conducts a comprehensive evaluation, either in person or through a secure real time video/audio session, determining what treatment or education is recommended.
2. Treatment & Education Compliance
   Employees must complete all SAP recommended programs before progressing. The SAP will provide referral source(s) to assist you in finding the education and/or treatment program(s) needed.
3. Follow-Up Evaluation
   Once compliant with recommendations, the SAP conducts a follow-up evaluation and determines whether the employee is eligible for return to duty testing.
4. Return to Duty Test
   The employer orders the observed DOT drug/alcohol RTD test for the employee. Only a negative result allows the employee to resume safety-sensitive work.
5. Follow-Up Testing Requirements
   After returning to safety-sensitive work, the employer will manage the employee’s follow-up testing schedule issued by the SAP.

What Makes a DOT SAP “Qualified”?

A qualified DOT SAP must meet all DOT requirements under 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.281, including:

• Holding recognized and properly vetted professional credentials
• Maintaining active good-standing licensure/certificate
• Having clinical experience in substance use disorder assessment and treatment
• Completing DOT-required SAP training and passing the SAP qualification exam
• Staying compliant with ongoing continuing education requirements (CEUs)
• Understanding the unique responsibilities of safety-sensitive employees

Choosing a genuinely qualified SAP is essential, using someone who is not DOT qualified can delay the RTD process and result in compliance violations.

Role of the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

The SAP serves as the “gatekeeper” to the RTD process. The SAP evaluates, recommends treatment and/or education, and determines readiness for safe duty. A qualified DOT SAP does not decide if an employee is rehired — that remains the employer’s decision.

What Employees Say About Working with ASAP SAPs

Many employees report that the SAP process is not only a requirement but personally transformative.

• One FAA employee shared that despite the initial shock of a positive result, the SAP’s empathy and guidance helped them navigate the process and stay motivated.
• Another CDL employee highlighted how completing treatment and support meetings didn’t just help the employee — it impacted their family’s journey toward recovery as well.

These stories reflect how a supportive SAP program can turn a difficult situation into a path toward long-term success.

Tips for Employers

• Provide a qualified SAP list immediately.
  After any drug or alcohol violation, such as a positive test result or refusal to test, employers must give the employee a list of DOT-qualified SAPs without delay.
• Keep your SAP list current and compliant.
  Employers are responsible for ensuring the SAPs they provide are properly credentialed and DOT-qualified. Partnering with a dedicated service agent like ASAP can help simplify credential verification and maintain compliance.
• Provide a SAP list regardless of employment status.
  DOT regulations require employers to give a SAP referral list even if the employee is terminated or if a job candidate with a violation is never hired.

Tips for Employees

• Contact a qualified DOT SAP promptly.
  Once you receive a SAP referral list, reach out to a DOT-qualified provider as soon as possible to begin the Return to Duty process without delays.
• Follow all SAP recommendations closely.
  Complete every required treatment or education component exactly as instructed to ensure a smooth and timely return to safety-sensitive duties.
• Stay informed and ask questions.
  If you’re unsure about any requirements, timelines, or next steps, ask your SAP for clarification to remain on track and fully compliant.

Conclusion

Finding a qualified DOT SAP is the most important step in successfully completing the return to duty process. Not all substance abuse counselors are DOT qualified, choosing the wrong provider can cost you time, money, and compliance penalties.

For nearly 30 years, ASAP has been a trusted nationwide DOT SAP provider, helping employers maintain compliance and helping employees return to work safely, and as quickly as possible.

Choose the experts. Choose ASAP.
Your compliance, and your career, depend on it.

Call Today 888-792-2727 x. 177