Outlining DOT SAP Guidelines for FTA Employees

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has the authority and responsibility for implementing rules to combat drug and alcohol misuse among their employees. Just last year the FTA increased their minimum rate of random drug testing to 50% of covered employees. This change came as a result of the increase in positive rates from the data they received in 2017. Increased testing will likely result in more employees failing or refusing to be tested for drugs and/or alcohol. Employees who fail or refuse testing must complete a return-to-duty program with a DOT-qualified SAP. If you are beginning the process and are looking for more information about DOT SAP guidelines, read on to learn more.

DOT SAP Guidelines Protect the Traveling Public

As mentioned above, DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees who work under the FTA are subject to drug and alcohol testing. These tests may be administered randomly or if there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is coming to work under the influence. Refusing or failing a test results in immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties. After removal, you must find a DOT-qualified SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) to begin your return-to-duty process.

DOT SAP guidelines outline the SAP’s responsibility to determine what level of assistance the employee needs in resolving problems associated with alcohol use or prohibited drug use. It is important to realize that the SAP is not an advocate for the employer or the employee. Their duty is to protect the public interest by preventing alcohol and controlled substance users from performing transportation industry safety-sensitive functions. Expect your individualized return-to-duty program to include any or all of the following: education and/or treatment, follow-up tests, and aftercare.

Discover FastTrack Enrollment Today

Finding the right SAP is your first step back to work. Thankfully, SAP Referral Services (SRS) provides DOT-mandated safety-sensitive employees with a quick and easy way to connect with a DOT-qualified SAP in their area. Discover our FastTrack Enrollment program. In as little as 72 business hours we can schedule you with a SAP convenient to you. We have assisted over 25,000+ employees with their return-to-duty process, we would like to help you, too.

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.