How Do SAP Providers Ensure the Safety of the Public?

A Substance Abuse Professional is an individual who evaluates employees that have violated a DOT drug and/or alcohol program regulation. A DOT qualified SAP plays a significant role in protecting the public by professionally evaluating the employees based on a DOT process and recommending treatment and/or education to them in order for an employee to return to safety-sensitive duty. DOT SAP providers have a huge responsibility to the employees, employers, and to the general public because their decisions determine whether an employee is eligible to return and perform their safety-sensitive functions.

How Exactly Do SAP Providers Ensure Public Safety?

A Substance Abuse Professional ensures that the employee is eligible for duty so that the general public is not at risk. SAP providers are responsible for ensuring that an employee who failed a drug and/or alcohol test is cleared for return to duty. SAP providers conduct a comprehensive face-to-face clinical evaluation to determine the level of treatment the employee needs to resolve problems associated with their drug and/or alcohol use. Once they determine the level of substance use they make recommendations for a treatment and/or education program and ensure that the employee has successfully complied with the program and stayed in compliance with DOT regulations prior to suggesting the employee complete a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test.

SAP providers have a responsibility to explain the process to the employee prior to their engagement in an education and/or treatment program. However, the SAP provider does not provide the required counseling for the employee, they simply evaluate the employee and recommend an appropriate treatment or education program for them to be considered for return to duty.

The SAP does do a follow-up assessment to determine the employee’s level of participation and successful compliance of their recommended treatment. Following successful compliance, a SAP will submit a report to the employer which includes a follow-up testing plan in order for the employee to be considered for return to duty. Follow up testing is a highly effective way of determining whether the employee is maintaining abstinence from drugs and/or alcohol while in their safety sensitive position.

For employees that are ready to return to work but require further assistance with an alcohol or drug problem, a SAP can provide the employee and employer with recommendations for aftercare – including continuing education and/or treatment.

Find a SAP with SRS!

The role of a SAP is extremely vital in protecting public safety. Working with a professionally licensed and credentialed SAP who is knowledgeable of the DOT guidelines should be the goal of every employee and/or employer.  If you need help finding a qualified SAP provider in your area, contact SRS. They have an extensive network of qualified providers nationwide. Enroll in SRS’ FastTrack Enrollment Program today to begin the return-to-duty process.

SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.