Who Can Become a SAP Provider? How Do They Help DOT Mandated Employees?

A SAP provider is someone who evaluates, and provides an outline for treatment and/or education for, safety-sensitive employees who have failed a drug and/or alcohol test. It is only the SAP provider who can determine that an employee has complied with the recommended treatment and/or education, thus deeming the employee fit for a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test.

A SAP’s function is to protect the public interest in safety by professionally evaluating the employee and recommending appropriate education/treatment, follow-up tests and aftercare.

What Does a SAP Provider Do?

Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated, safety sensitive employees must undergo routine drug and/or alcohol tests. These occur upon pre-employment, with reasonable suspicion and after some accidents on the job. When an employee fails a drug and/or alcohol test they are suspended from their safety-sensitive duties and must meet with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for evaluation.

A SAP provider will evaluate the employee and make recommendations for treatment and/or education. It is up to the SAP to determine if the employee has complied with the outlined recommendations. If compliance has been met with the SAP they recommend the employee for a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test.

Who Can Become a SAP Provider?

Those who are looking to become SAPs need to meet a certain set of standard requirements for them to qualify as professionals in the field. In order to perform Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated evaluations one must be knowledgeable about and have clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance related disorders. They must be licensed or certified as one of the following: licensed physician, psychologist, social worker, marriage or family therapist or a drug and alcohol counselor (internationally certified by NAADAC, ICRC or NBCC). Providers must also retain “DOT Qualification Training & Testing” certificates and complete 12 hours of continuing education during each three-year period from the date on which the SAP examination was completed.

Become a SAP and Join SAP Referral Services’ Network Today!

Joining SAP Referral Services’ (SRS’) network of qualified DOT SAPs is beneficial for providers because it offers the opportunity to increase referrals for SAP evaluations. SRS’ clinical office also offers case management support services including assisting the client in connecting to your recommendations and following them through the SAP process.

If you are interested in joining SRS’ network, please complete our network enrollment by clicking here or contact a Recruitment Coordinator at 888-720-7277 ext. 11. Upon receipt of the completed package and verification of all credentials, SRS will begin referring clients in your area in need of SAP evaluations.

SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.