SAP List for Safety-Sensitive Employees
Safety is first and foremost with the DOT. They are concerned both for the transportation workers and for the general public they may encounter. As part of their overall safety policy, the DOT developed a program of random and targeted drug and alcohol testing for all DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees. In the event of a failed or refused test, employees must meet with a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) in order to begin the process to return to work. Employers are required to maintain a SAP list for employees in need of a SAP. Unfortunately, these lists are often outdated. Read on to learn more about the process.
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures
All drivers or operators of commercial motor vehicles fall under the requirements for drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, other DOT safety-sensitive employees are required to submit to random or targeted drug and/or alcohol testing to verify they are not under the influence while on duty.
As mentioned above, any employee who fails or refuses to submit to a test must be immediately removed from their safety-sensitive position. Next, they are prescribed a return-to-duty program developed by a Substance Abuse Professional. The employee may not resume their duties until they have met with the SAP and complied with all the necessary steps. Once the SAP feels that the employee is in compliance, they are approved for return-to-duty testing.
Employer SAP List Responsibilities
Every employer of DOT safety-sensitive employees must maintain DOT testing procedures and be prepared to take required actions in the event of a failed or refused test. After failure or refusal, employers must immediately remove the employee from their safety-sensitive functions and give them a list of SAPs. Employers are not required to provide SAP evaluation services. Additionally, employers do not have to arrange or pay for any of the education or treatment steps recommended by the SAP as part of the return-to-duty process. However, is the responsibility of the employer to confirm that their SAP list is properly updated and that all the professionals on their SAP list are still DOT qualified.
A More Effective Solution: SAP Referral Services
For most employers, maintaining and updating a valid SAP list is both burdensome and time-consuming. SAP Referral Services offers a more effective solution. By partnering with us, you can rely on our services to direct your employees to a DOT-qualified SAP in their area, eliminating the need for you to research and update your information. SAP Referral Services is a nationwide, well-respected service specializing in keeping employers compliant and getting employees back to work within all the parameters of DOT regulations. Click here to contact us and see how we can help you take this burden from your business and take care of all your SAP compliance needs.
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.