DOT SAP Guidelines Explained

DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees cannot perform their duties if they test positive for drugs and/or alcohol. To be considered for return to their safety-sensitive job, an employee undergoes a return-to-duty process guided by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). What qualifies someone to be a SAP? DOT SAP guidelines outline who the DOT authorizes to develop the critical programs helping people with their substance abuse issues. Read on to learn more about the process.

DOT SAP Guidelines and Requirements

The DOT developed guidelines for becoming a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). High standards are expected to be met before one can become a DOT qualified SAP. These guidelines require the individual to:

  • Be a licensed physician, or similarly licensed provider in the medical or behavioral health field
  • Obtain knowledge about clinical requirements related to the diagnosis and treatment of individuals who engage in substance abuse
  • Possess knowledge about safety requirements related to public transport
  • Undergo qualifying SAP training
  • Successfully complete a recognized SAP related examination
  • Engage in continuing education to remain DOT qualified

It is vital for employees to quickly access a return-to-duty program to get back to work. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find a DOT qualified SAP to start the process. Please note if you find a SAP on your own and they are not DOT-qualified, any progress made with your return-to-duty process does not count and you will have to begin again. That’s where SAP Referral Services comes in.

Benefits of Working With SAP Referral Services

At SAP Referral Services we help both employers and employees navigate the return-to-duty process. For employers we are proud to offer:

  • DOT and Non-Regulated/Company Compliant Substance Abuse Evaluations
  • Reasonable Suspicion Supervisory Training
  • Compliance Reporting and Documentation
  • Follow-up Test Monitoring

For DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees, you can count on us for:

  • Quick connection to a SAP with FastTrack Enrollment
  • Access to providers in more than 3,000 locations across the country
  • A SAP who is guaranteed to be DOT qualified at the time of your initial contact

Contact Us Today

Don’t delay getting back on the job and start your return-to-duty process today. We usually get employees scheduled with a SAP within just 72 business hours. Over 25,000+ employees partnered with us and we look forward to working with you. Helping you get the support you need is always our number one priority. Contact us today.

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.