SAP List or Service Agent Referral? How to Help Your Employee Start the Return to Duty Process Quickly

Are you a safety-sensitive employee looking to start the return to duty process and aren’t sure if you should use a SAP list or a service agent to get started? In safety-sensitive industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), ensuring compliance with drug and alcohol testing regulations is paramount. When an employee tests positive for drugs or alcohol, they are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties and have to find a SAP for an evaluation. Navigating the return to duty process can be complex and time-sensitive which is why it’s important for employees to find a SAP quickly. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between opting for a SAP list or a service agent referral and provide insights into how employers can help their employees initiate the return to duty process promptly and efficiently.

How Can an Employee find a SAP Near Them?

When an employee fails a drug and/or alcohol test in a safety-sensitive position, their employer is obligated to provide the employee with access to appropriate resources for qualified and readily available SAPs. Employers typically have two options: they can either refer the employee to SAP Referral Services, a designated service agent with a network of qualified SAPs nationwide, or they can direct them to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) list online. The choice between these options depends on how much time and effort the employer wants to spend on sourcing and credentialing the SAPs. All employers should know that if they want to get their employees back to work quickly they should partner with a SAP Referral Services ASAP.

Option 1: SAP List

Many directories online maintain a list of self-reported qualified SAPs from which employees can choose to undergo their evaluation. While this approach may seem to offer employees flexibility in selecting a provider who best meets their needs in terms of location and availability, using a SAP list requires employees to do some extra legwork. First, employees must confirm that the SAP holds current qualifications. If an employee completes the process with a SAP that has lapsed qualifications, they will have to repeat the process. Second, the employee will likely have to call several SAPs, wait for returned calls, and find a SAP that can fit them into their schedule. All of this extends the time it takes to begin the return to duty process.

Option 2: Service Agent Referral

Alternatively, employers may opt to refer employees to SAP Referral Services, a designated service agent can schedule employees with a qualified SAP in their area quickly. SAP Referral Services has established relationships with thousands of SAPs nationwide and can facilitate the scheduling of evaluations so that the employee can begin the process quickly.

The Choice is Easy – Choose SAP Referral Services to Start Your Return to Duty Process Quickly!

Navigating the return to duty process after a positive drug or alcohol test can be daunting for employees and employers alike. By offering guidance, support, and access to resources, employers can help their employees initiate the process promptly and efficiently, ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and facilitating a successful return to safety-sensitive duties. To learn more about connecting with a SAP in your area, contact SAP Referral Services today.