Everything You Need to Know About Reasonable Suspicion Testing for Department of Transportation Mandated Employees

Reasonable Suspicion Testing (RST) is a process used by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enforce drug and alcohol testing regulations. It is designed to provide employers with an effective way to detect and prevent drug use in the workplace, improve safety, and create a healthier work environment. This process requires supervisors to have reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence before they can require them to take a drug or alcohol test.

Employers and Reasonable Suspicion Testing

RST involves supervisors closely monitoring their employees for signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, dilated pupils, unsteady gait, or disorientation. It is important to understand the requirements and limitations when it comes to reasonable suspicion testing in order to ensure that the tests are conducted in a fair and legal manner. If any of these signs are present, supervisors must document their observations and refer the employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test. If the employee fails, they will immediately be removed from their duties and have to contact a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for further evaluation.

What Does Reasonable Suspicion Testing Mean for Employees?

If you are a federally DOT regulated employee and you failed a mandated drug and/or alcohol test, you will be immediately removed from your safety-sensitive duties. It is not until you successfully complete the return to duty process before you can return to those duties. The return to duty process includes an initial evaluation with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), successfully complying with your SAPs recommendations for treatment and/or education, a follow-up evaluation, and submitting a negative return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test.

Finding a SAP and Getting Started Quickly

Are you looking for a SAP near you for your employees or yourself? Look no further than SAP Referral Services. With our network of qualified professionals nationwide, we can connect you to a SAP in your area generally within 72-business hours. Get in touch with us today to get started!