A Substance Abuse Professional, or SAP, is a qualified professional who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and guides them through the required return-to-duty process. The SAP recommends appropriate education and/or treatment and determines whether the employee has successfully complied with those recommendations.

You must be removed from DOT safety-sensitive duties until you successfully complete the return-to-duty process. This generally includes an initial SAP evaluation, completion of the SAP’s education and/or treatment recommendations, a follow-up evaluation and a successful return-to-duty test.

Your SAP will conduct an individualized assessment to better understand your situation and determine the appropriate education and/or treatment recommendation. Every evaluation is based on the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all program.

Not necessarily. DOT regulations require the SAP to recommend education and/or treatment following a violation, but the specific recommendation depends on your individual evaluation. Recommendations may range from an appropriate education program to more extensive treatment.

There is no standard timeline. Each person’s circumstances and SAP recommendations are different. Your SAP cannot determine the length of your process until your initial evaluation has been completed.

Yes. You can begin and complete the SAP evaluation and compliance portions of the process while unemployed. However, CDL drivers will ultimately need an employer willing to complete the employer-controlled portion of the return-to-duty process, including ordering the return-to-duty test.

If you are subject to FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements, you will log in to your Clearinghouse account and designate your chosen SAP. It is best to contact the SAP before submitting the designation request so the SAP is expecting it.

Item descriptionYou will return to your SAP for a follow-up evaluation. Your SAP will review your participation and progress and determine whether you have demonstrated successful compliance with the recommendations. If you have, you may become eligible to proceed to return-to-duty testing.

No. Successful completion of the SAP process allows you to become eligible for the next steps required to return to DOT safety-sensitive work. Employment and return-to-work decisions are made by the employer.

Yes. DOT regulations require a follow-up testing plan after a successful return to safety-sensitive duties. The plan must include at least six unannounced follow-up tests during the first 12 months and may continue for up to five years, depending on the SAP’s determination.

Once you have been evaluated by a SAP, DOT regulations do not allow you to seek another SAP simply to obtain a different recommendation. The SAP who conducted the initial evaluation may modify recommendations if new or additional information supports a change.

Not exactly. The SAP determines whether you have successfully complied with the recommended education and/or treatment and whether you are eligible to proceed to return-to-duty testing. The employer ultimately decides whether to return an employee to a safety-sensitive position.

Every situation is different. Return to Duty SAP Services, LLC is here to help you understand the process and what comes next.