Consider Becoming a SAP Professional and Help Employees Get Back on Track
A SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) is tasked with the job of guiding safety-sensitive employees through the return to duty process. In order to perform SAP evaluations, these professionals must meet certain licensing requirements, take continuing education classes, and obtain the proper qualifications. The SAP professional is at the center of the return of duty process and is responsible for working alongside the employee to ensure compliance before they can return to safety-sensitive work.
What Qualifications Does a SAP Professional Need?
DOT requires safety-sensitive employees to be 100% drug and alcohol-free within the workplace at all times. If they fail a drug and/or alcohol test they are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties and have to seek the help of a SAP. A SAP has to have extensive knowledge of drug and/or alcohol misuse. To qualify as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) provider, you must meet one of the following licensing requirements:
- Licensed Physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
- Licensed or certified Social Worker
- Licensed or certified Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed or certified Psychologist
- Licensed or certified Employee Assistance Professional
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission(NAADAC), the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and other Drug Abuse (ICRC) or the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
What is the SAP Process for an Employee Who Has Failed a Drug/Alcohol Test?
After failing a drug and alcohol test the SAP process is fairly straightforward. First, employee is required to be evaluated by a SAP professional. The SAP will recommend a program including treatment and/or education. Once the SAP determines they have complied, they will re-evaluate the employee and can recommend they submit to a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test.
Interested in Supporting Drug-Free Workplaces?
SAP professionals help maintain public safety by supporting drug-free workplaces. If you are interested in becoming a SAP professional, get in touch with SAP Referral Services. SRS works with thousands of employers nationwide helping to generate referrals to providers, like you.