Substance Abuse Professional for FTA Employees

Did you know that due to an increase in its safety-sensitive employees testing positive for drug and alcohol use, FTA has increased the annual random drug testing rate from 25 percent to 50 percent? Additional testing likely means more employees may need to find a qualified Substance Abuse Professional to help them begin a return-to-duty program. Please see below for more information about the FTA and its policies.

FTA Regulations Promote Safety

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), a division under the authority of the United States Department of Transportation, helps regulate mass transit systems. Additionally, FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local public transport systems, such as subways, buses, light rail and commuter rail. The FTA also oversees safety measures in these public transportation systems. Their oversight regulates drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive employees working in public transit. Testing helps prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities resulting from the misuse of alcohol and prohibited drugs by employees who perform FTA safety-sensitive functions.

Increased Rates of Drug and Alcohol Testing

Now that the new testing rates are in effect, during a 12-month period FTA mandated safety-sensitive employees undergo more random drug and alcohol tests than in previous years. Should an employee test positive or refuse to take an alcohol and/or drug test, he or she is immediately removed from their FTA safety-sensitive job. Next, they must meet with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). The main role of a SAP is evaluating the employee for any ongoing drug and/or alcohol misuse. Additionally, the SAP also conducts comprehensive assessments to determine what level of assistance the employee needs to resolve the alcohol or drug-use problem. A SAP may recommend treatment and/or education that the FTA employee must comply with before being considered to return to his or her safety-sensitive duties.

Finding a Qualified Substance Abuse Professional

In order to return to their safety-sensitive position, a FTA employee needs to find and work with a DOT-qualified SAP. A qualified Substance Abuse Professional provides a consistent, efficient process according to FTA regulations. Completing a return-to-duty program with a qualified SAP ensures the employee does not have to repeat the process.

Rather than waste time calling several SAPs only to find one who has let their qualifications lapse, discover the FastTrack Enrollment program offered by SAP Referral Services (SRS). SRS is a leading facilitator of the return-to-duty process. We have a network of qualified SAPs in more than 3000 locations nationwide. Once you sign up for FastTrack Enrollment, you will be scheduled with a qualified SAP in your area, usually within 72 business hours.

FastTrack Enrollment is quick, requiring only two steps, both completed online. Click here for more information.

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.