SAP Provider in Virginia for FAA Employees
The FAA does not take the use of alcohol or drugs lightly. They enforce very strict rules concerning substance abuse among DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees. These rules cover pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and others associated with the flight industry. If an employee violates the FAA drug and alcohol testing regulations, then they will be required to see a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) before they are permitted to return to work. If you find yourself in need of a SAP provider in Virginia, or elsewhere in the US, please read on to learn more about the process.
What is Considered a Violation of FAA Drug and Alcohol Regulations?
A positive result on a drug and/or alcohol test within the time frame mandated by the FAA is considered a violation of their drug and alcohol testing regulations. In addition, any use of alcohol while on-duty or within 8 hours prior to a flight is considered a violation, as is the use of alcohol in the eight hours following an accident. If the employee refuses to submit to required testing following an accident or any required testing it is considered a violation.
After a DOT Mandated Safety-Sensitive FAA Employee Tests Positive
In order to be considered for return to work after violating a drug and/or alcohol regulation, a FAA mandated DOT safety-sensitive employee needs to see a SAP for a face-to-face evaluation. The SAP will recommend education and/or treatment that the employee must comply with. Once the employee completes the recommendations, they return to the SAP for a reevaluation. If the SAP thinks it is warranted, he/she the SAP will recommend that the employee is eligible for a return-to-duty test.
Why You Need to Thoroughly Vet a SAP
Employers are required to provide a list of SAP providers to their employees. However, handing over a list is not that simple. Federal guidelines are very strict and demand that SAP providers must be DOT-qualified for their evaluation and return-to-duty process to be considered valid. This requirement means SAPs must maintain certifications and complete continuing educational requirements. Unfortunately, if a SAP’s credentials lapse, it is possible that an employer-provided SAP list has become outdated. If this occurs and an employee uses a non-qualified SAP, any steps the employee takes will be null and they will need to start over.
Partner with SAP Referral Services and Return to Work Faster
Employees can streamline the return-to-duty process and quickly find a SAP provider in Virginia, or anywhere in the US, by working with SAP Referral Services (SRS). With access to clinical specialists in over 3,000 locations nationwide, we match you with DOT-qualified SAPs in your area. Working with SRS to streamline the process means you can complete the program and get back to work as quickly as possible. Click here to learn more about how we help DOT mandated employees across the country.
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.