What is a Qualified DOT SAP?
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation defines a qualified DOT SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) as a person who professionally evaluates safety-sensitive employees who have violated a DOT drug and/or alcohol regulation. Upon evaluation they make recommendations regarding education and/or treatment, follow-up testing and aftercare.
What is the Role of a Qualified DOT SAP?
A qualified DOT SAP is neither an advocate for employee nor the employer but has the main task of protecting public safety by evaluating employees, making recommendations for education and/or treatment and determining if the employee is fit for return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol testing. The SAP does in no way determine the hiring and firing process of the firm. Instead, acts as an assurance that the employee has complied with the process.
What Background or Credentials Must a Qualified DOT SAP Have?
To be a qualified DOT SAP there are regulatory guidelines that one must meet. They have to “have a certain background and credentials, which include
clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse-related
disorders.” The profession or credentials a SAP must have are:
- A licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
- Licensed or certified employee assistance professional
- Licensed or certified psychologist
- Licensed or certified social worker
- Licensed or certified marriage and family therapist
- Drug and alcohol counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission (NAADAC), by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and other Drug Abuse (ICRC) or by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Effective December 31, 2003, providers must retain “DOT Qualification Training & Testing” certificates and complete 12 hours of continuing education during each three-year period from the date on which the SAP examination was completed.
Find a Qualified DOT SAP with SRS!
SAP Referral Services (SRS) is a service agent for substance abuse evaluation referrals. Since its inception in 2003, SRS has emerged as a leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse and evaluations within North America. When an employee enrolls with SRS they will schedule them with a DOT qualified SAP in their geographic region. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide.
For more information on finding a SAP for you or your employees, or if you are interested in becoming a SAP, get in touch with SRS 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.