My Employee Got a Positive Result During DOT Drug Testing – Now What?

As an employer, it can be very confusing and stressful when an employee tests positive during DOT drug testing. To handle this situation properly, you as the employer must follow the regulations that are set by the DOT to be in compliance. If any of your employees has a confirmed positive DOT alcohol and/or drug test they are in direct violation of federal alcohol and drug testing regulations. In order for your employees to be qualified to return to their safety-sensitive duties, they must undergo the DOT’s return-to-duty process successfully with a qualified SAP.

What Does My Employee Do After Failed DOT Drug Testing?

After failed DOT drug testing an employee must be evaluated by a DOT qualified SAP (Substance Abuse Professional).  A SAP will determine recommended education and/or treatment and perform a follow-up evaluation.

The SAP is a professional that safeguards the public and is not an advocate for any employee or employer.

If your employee failed a DOT drug or/ alcohol test and needs to see a SAP professional to undergo a DOT SAP program you will be required to provide them with a list of SAPs or a referral to a service agent like SAP Referral Services. If your employees need an appointment with a DOT-qualified SAP, SAP Referral Services (SRS) can help.

When Can My Employee Complete a DOT SAP Program?

Upon failing the DOT drug testing an employee will have to enroll in a SAP program. The time it takes to complete the SAP process ranges and depends on several factors. One factor is the length of time your DOT-qualified SAP specifies for treatment and/or education.

Employees must receive a final evaluation and recommendation from their SAP in order to return-to-duty. Once they have passed the return-to-duty drug test they will be eligible to return to safety-sensitive tasks.

Once your employee completes the required treatment, education and/or testing and they receive the notice that he/she is in compliance with the DOT drug testing policy, they will be eligible to return to performing safety-sensitive tasks.

Get Your Employee in Contact with SRS and Start Their DOT SAP Program

If your employees are looking for a SAP, SAP Referral Services can help. Please note that the SAP professional is the only person who can deem your employee eligible to return to safety-sensitive work. If they fail to comply with the terms of the recommended education and/or treatment or continue to test positive for drugs and/or alcohol, your employee will not be able to return to safety-sensitive duties.

Don’t hesitate to contact SRS if you are still confused on what to do if your employee completed DOT SAP Testing and received a positive drug and/or alcohol test. Our experienced professionals can help you find a SAP so that your employee can begin the SAP process. Click here to get in touch with SAP Referral Services today.

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.