Considering Becoming a DOT Substance Abuse Professional?
A DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is tasked with the very important job of keeping the public safe by properly evaluating employees who work within DOT-mandated safety-sensitive workplaces. Their job is to evaluate an employee who has failed or refused to take a drug/alcohol test as mandated by the DOT.
The SAP will then recommend treatment and/or education, follow-up testing, and aftercare based on what they perceive as a potential threat if they were to return to the workplace. Contrary to popular belief, they do not advocate for either the employee or the employer but are solely focused on ensuring their patient is not a threat to public safety if they were to return to their workplace.
Who Can Qualify as a DOT Substance Abuse Professional?
Department of Transportation regulations is very strict about who can become a DOT Substance Abuse Professional. Simply holding a medical degree or having experience treating substance abuse is not enough. In addition, DOT SAPs must keep their license current in order to treat patients. The following people can qualify:
- Licensed or certified Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Physician or Doctor of Osteopathy
- Licensed or certified Employee Assistance Professional
- Licensed or certified Psychologist
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor that is certified by the NAADAC, ICRC, or NBCC * Licensed Social Worker
What is the Training Process to Become a SAP?
Simply holding the above licenses or certifications is not enough to automatically be considered a DOT Substance Abuse Professional. In order to treat clients as a DOT SAP, you must have clinical experience with the treatment and diagnosis of substance abuse and alcohol abuse disorders. All potential providers must also hold (and keep valid) DOT Qualification Training & Testing certifications and complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years following the original SAP examination.
Join a Professional SAP Network
Already a DOT Substance Abuse Professional? If you want access to a wider range of potential clients, contact SAP Referral Services (SRS) to join our network. We connect employees with DOT substance abuse professionals daily and can help boost your practice. Find out more information today.