Become a DOT Qualified SAP and Connect With SRS

A DOT qualified SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) is responsible for evaluating safety-sensitive employees that have violated a DOT drug and/or alcohol program regulation. For the public’s safety, the Substance Abuse Professional makes recommendations for the employee’s education and/or treatment. They are also responsible for monitoring the violator’s compliance and referrals to follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing. Depending on the employee’s substance misuse issues, the SAP may advise the employee to seek out follow-up programs or aftercare for future monitoring.

DOT Qualified SAP and the SAP Process

When a safety-sensitive employee fails a drug and/or alcohol test, they must immediately be removed from their safety-sensitive duties and begin the return-to-duty process. A SAP’s role is to evaluate the employee to fully understand their drug and/or alcohol misuse and recommend treatment and/or education. Once the employee has shown compliance with the outlined program, a SAP conducts a follow-up evaluation and can recommend that the employee submits to a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test.

It is imperative that the employee comply with the recommendations from the SAP, as their safety-sensitive duties directly impact the public’s safety.

Have You Considered Becoming a DOT Qualified SAP?

A Substance Abuse Professional role is crucial to the public’s safety. If you intend to become a SAP, you’ll have to meet one of the licensing requirements. You should be a Licensed Physician or a Certified Psychologist, Social Worker, Employee Assistance Professional, Marriage or Family Therapist. You can also become a SAP if you’re a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

You can perform DOT mandated evaluations if you are knowledgeable, have enough clinical experience in diagnosing and treating drug and alcohol disorders, and have completed the necessary training and testing.

Remember, you could be the only decision point an employer has in deciding whether or not to place the employee in a safety-sensitive role again. Your role helps keep the public safe!

Get in Touch With SRS

Do you want to know more about becoming a DOT Qualified SAP? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about the process and the benefits of partnering with us.