What Happens Following the Return to Duty Process?

The return to duty process is required of all DOT safety-sensitive employees that fail or refuse a drug or alcohol test. Department of Transportation (DOT) workers who fall under the category of safety-sensitive employees are held to a strict drug and alcohol screening process, as these employees perform tasks that require a heightened level of vigilance and their work directly impacts the safety and well-being of the general public.

When a safety-sensitive employee has violated the DOT’s drug and alcohol policy the employee is required to undergo a series of important steps as part of the return to duty process.

What to Expect After the Return to Duty Process

1. Employee/applicants must follow a written plan prepared by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) that may include screenings for drugs or alcohol, or both, depending on the violation.

2. As part of the prepared plan, employee/applicants are required to undergo SAP dictated follow-up testing.

3. Employers, not the SAP, decides upon the dates and times of the unannounced screenings.

4. Should an applicant or employee change employers during the required follow-up testing period, the new employer is obligated to complete any outstanding screenings if the new role is, in fact, a safety sensitive position. A new employer will learn of this obligation through federal background search of the applicant/employee’s qualifications.

5. Similarly, if an employee was removed from safety sensitive duties, the employer is not obligated to resume the SAPs requirement of follow-up testing until the employee resumes their safety-sensitive functions.

6. Depending on the status of the employee/applicant, the SAP may elect to terminate screenings after the first 12 months of return to duty. The SAP is the only one authorized to change a testing plan.

If an employee/applicant has failed or refused a DOT-mandated drug or alcohol test and now needs a qualified SAP in their area, SAP Referral Services can help. SAP Referral Services connects employee/applicants to qualified SAPs in their geographic area typically within 72 hours. For those looking to get back to work fast, and complete the return to duty process, consider SAP Referral Services’ FastTrack Enrollment Program today.

source: DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.307