Random Drug Testing and the DOT SAP Process

Drug and alcohol testing regulations have been in place since 1993 after the Department of Transportation (DOT) recognized that the actions of their safety-sensitive employees can put the general public at significant risk. As part of these regulations, random drug and alcohol testing is a reality for DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees. Depending on the sector, the rates of random alcohol and drug testing range from 10% to 50% in 2019.

DOT Random Drug Testing for Safety-Sensitive Employees

Random testing is unannounced and performed immediately before, during, or after a DOT mandated employee has performed a safety-sensitive function. DOT managers and supervisors are never allowed to select an employee because they wish to. The selection must be genuinely random. Consequently, some employees could be selected several times throughout the year, while others may not be selected at all. If an employee fails or refuses to submit to drug or alcohol testing, they’ll be required to complete a return-to-duty DOT SAP process to be returned to their safety-sensitive work.

Other Times for Testing

Along with random testing, DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees must adhere to testing during pre-employment, under reasonable suspicion or cause, return-to-duty, follow-ups, and post-accident.

Kickstart the DOT SAP Process with SAP Referral Services (SRS)

The DOT requires that the return-to-duty process is completed with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). SRS can help a DOT mandated safety-sensitive employee who needs to complete the DOT SAP process after failing or refusing a drug and/or alcohol test. With over 3,000 locations nationwide, SRS has access to qualified SAPs across the United States.

If an employee completes the return-to-duty DOT SAP process with a SAP whose qualifications have expired, or who is not DOT qualified, the responsibility may be on the employee to repeat the entire plan. Partnering with SRS eliminates this risk. SRS guarantees that the SAP is DOT qualified at the time of the initial meeting.

SRS FastTrack Enrollment

Time is of the essence in the return-to-duty process. Therefore, the faster the program is completed, the faster employees can get back to work and earning an income. Our FastTrack Enrollment allows you to begin the return-to-duty process quickly. It takes two simple steps to register online. From there, employees will be connected with a SAP in their area, usually within just 72 business hours. SRS is an industry leader and has helped over 25,000 employees in the return-to-duty process. Learn more about FastTrack Enrollment 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.