DOT SAP Evaluation
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What is a SAP professional?
DOT Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) are licensed or certified individuals who evaluate employees who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations and make recommendations for education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. They play a crucial role in the return-to-duty process for employees in safety-sensitive positions after a drug or alcohol violation.
Key aspects of a DOT SAP’s role:
Evaluation:
SAPs conduct a face-to-face assessment of the employee’s substance abuse history and make recommendations based on their findings.
Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation, the SAP recommends appropriate education, treatment, and follow-up testing plans.
Return-to-Duty Process: see more information on the return to duty process: More information on the RETURN TO DUTY PROCESS:
https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/RTD-Infographic
SAPs are essential in the DOT’s return-to-duty process, ensuring employees meet the necessary requirements before returning to safety-sensitive functions.
Compliance:
SAPs must stay current with DOT regulations and ensure compliance with all applicable rules and procedures.
Reporting:
SAPs are required to report their findings and recommendations to the employer and the employee.
Follow-up:
SAPs monitor the employee’s progress and conduct a follow-up evaluation to determine if the recommended treatment or education plan was successfully completed.
Who needs a DOT SAP?
Any employee who has violated a DOT drug or alcohol regulation, such as failing or refusing a drug or alcohol test, must complete the return-to-duty process, which includes evaluation by a DOT SAP.
Finding a SAP:
Employers are required to provide a list of qualified SAPs, but the employee chooses their SAP.
Many resources exist to help employees find a qualified SAP, including online directories and company-specific lists.
The DOT Clearinghouse is a resource for both employers and employees to manage the return-to-duty process. More information on the Clearinghouse: Learn about the Clearinghouse: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Factsheet
Qualifications to be a SAP:
SAPs must be licensed or certified in a related field (e.g., physician, psychologist, social worker, drug and alcohol counselor).
They must complete a DOT-approved qualification training course and pass a nationally recognized SAP exam.
They must complete 12 hours of professional development relevant to substance abuse every three years.
Contact us to schedule an evaluation with our SAP, Danielle Heist, LPC, CAADC, SAP:
DOT SAP initial evaluation: 250.00
DOT SAP Follow up evaluation 200.00
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/FAQ
Resources for CDL drivers: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing/driver-resources-and-downloads
For employers of CDL drivers: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/resources/Clearinghouse-Brochure-Employer.pdf
What if I am a student CDL driver? https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/User-Roles-Student-Driver-Training-Provider
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