‍A DOT drug or alcohol violation can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what happens next. The return-to-duty process is designed to provide a clear path forward.

Return to Duty SAP Services will guide you through the SAP portion of the process, explain what is required and help you understand each next step.

Step 1

Initial SAP Evaluation

Your first step is an evaluation with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional.

During this evaluation, your SAP will talk with you about your circumstances, conduct an individualized assessment and determine the appropriate education and/or treatment recommendation.

Every person is different. Your recommendation will be based on your individual evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all program.

Your path forward starts here.

Step 2

Education and/or Treatment

Following your initial evaluation, your SAP will provide a recommendation for education and/or treatment.

This could include an educational program, counseling, treatment or other appropriate services based on your individual needs.

You are responsible for completing the recommendations before moving forward in the return-to-duty process.

The goal is successful completion, not simply checking a box.

Step 3

Follow-Up Evaluation

After you have completed the recommended education and/or treatment, you will meet with your SAP again for a follow-up evaluation.

Your SAP will review documentation from your education or treatment provider, discuss your progress with you and determine whether you have successfully complied with the original recommendations.

If successful compliance is determined, you can move forward to the return-to-duty testing stage.

This is an important milestone in the process.

Step 4

Return-to-Duty Testing

Once your SAP determines that you have successfully completed the required recommendations, you become eligible for return-to-duty testing.

Your employer, not your SAP, is responsible for arranging the required return-to-duty test.

Before returning to DOT safety-sensitive duties, you must receive the required negative drug test result and/or qualifying alcohol test result.

Successful completion of the SAP process does not require an employer to return you to a particular job. Employment decisions remain with the employer.

Your SAP determines eligibility. Your employer manages the return-to-duty test and return-to-work decision.

Step 5

Follow-Up Testing

The process does not necessarily end when you return to safety-sensitive work.

Your SAP will establish a required follow-up testing plan. These tests are unannounced and are conducted in addition to any other DOT-required testing for which you may be selected.

Your employer is responsible for making sure the follow-up testing plan is completed. The dates and schedule of your individual follow-up tests are not provided to you in advance.

Follow-up testing is an important part of maintaining DOT compliance after returning to safety-sensitive duties.

For CDL Drivers

The FMCSA Clearinghouse

If you are a CDL or CLP holder subject to FMCSA regulations, portions of your return-to-duty process are also recorded in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

You will designate your SAP through your Clearinghouse account. Your SAP records the date of your initial assessment and, after successful compliance, the date you become eligible for return-to-duty testing.

Your employer is responsible for reporting the successful return-to-duty test and other required information to the Clearinghouse.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t have to figure out the process alone.

Take the first step by contacting Return to Duty SAP Services, LLC to schedule your initial evaluation.