Importance of DOT Qualified SAP Programs
DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees are expected to follow the DOT’s drug and alcohol policy. If one of these employees is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, they could put themselves, their coworkers, or the public in harm’s way. As a result, the DOT has zero-tolerance for drug and alcohol use. Also, the DOT requires mandatory participation in SAP programs for those who fail or refuse drug and/or alcohol testing.
The SAP Process After Failing a Drug or Alcohol Test
When a safety-sensitive employee fails a drug or alcohol test, the individual is immediately removed from performing all safety-sensitive duties. The individual will not be able to return to performing these functions until they have successfully completed a return-to-duty process guided by a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional).
Substance Abuse Professionals are professionally trained individuals who evaluate employees and will recommend either education or a treatment program. Additionally, the SAP evaluates the employee to determine compliance with the return-to-duty process. Finally, the SAP provides approval for a return-to-duty test which may allow the employee to return to work.
Advantages of Working with a Partner to Find Your SAP
Employers of DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees must provide a list of SAPs to applicants and employees who fail or refuse a test. However, while these employers are legally required to provide the SAP list, many employers do not regularly check to ensure that every SAP on the list is still DOT qualified or that they are conveniently located to the applicant or employee. Unfortunately, this can cause significant issues for the employee or applicant.
SAPs must keep their training and credentials up-to-date to maintain their DOT qualifications. If an employee or applicant completes their return-to-duty program with an unqualified SAP, the employee/applicant will be required to repeat the entire process. This duplication wastes both time and money and delays the ability to return to safety-sensitive duties and earn an income again.
Avoid this risk by partnering with SAP Referral Services (SRS). We guarantee your SAP will be fully DOT qualified at the time of initial contact. Additionally, we have access to SAPs across the country in over 3,000 locations. We can match you with a professional that is nearby and convenient for you.
SAP Programs on a FastTrack
Check out our FastTrack enrollment that allows you to register with two steps. In just a few minutes, you are registered and ready to start your return-to-duty process. SRS will typically get you scheduled with a DOT qualified SAP within 72 business hours of contacting us, so get started now!
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.