SAP Program – What Is It and How Do I Enroll?

A SAP program is required of those employed in, or applying to, a safety-sensitive DOT position that have failed or refused a drug test. Employee/applicants are required to complete this program in order to be deemed suitable to return working in safety-sensitive functions. What does a SAP program entail? How long does the return-to-duty process take? While the length of the process depends solely on the severity of drug or alcohol abuse, and the recommendations by the SAP, completion of the program is required for the applicant/employee to perform safety-sensitive functions in any DOT position.

Testing positive for a drug and/or alcohol test is a DOT violation, as is refusing to take the test entirely.

Once the employee has tested positive, or has refused to be tested, the DOT requires the employer to immediately remove said employee from all safety-sensitive functions. Employers will be subject to fines if they violate that rule.

SAP Program and Return-to-Duty Process

The employee/applicant can only return to their DOT safety-sensitive functions after successfully finishing the DOT’s return-to-duty process and providing a negative result on the return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test. A qualified and sufficiently trained SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) is required to perform this return-to-duty process.

The process begins with the SAP performing a clinical evaluation of the employee, this will be face-to-face. The DOT requires that the SAP recommend treatment and/or required education for the employee. They will then give a report to the employer (if employed) determining the SAP’s recommendation for the treatment and/or any education that would be required.

The SAP will continue to monitor the employee’s efforts in their recommended program of treatment and/or any education. Once the SAP has determined the employee has made enough progress there, the SAP will then schedule the follow-up evaluation. Based on this evaluation, the SAP will report to their employer about the status of the employee’s progress and give their recommendation for further treatment if necessary.

Once the SAP has reported the employee has successfully complied with their recommendation, an employer can then arrange for the return-to-duty test.

If however the employee hasn’t complied with the SAP’s recommendation, they cannot be returned to safety-sensitive functions under any DOT employer.

If you have failed a DOT-mandated drug or alcohol test, SAP Referral Services can help. We can schedule you with one of our qualified SAPs in your geographic region quickly so that you can begin the return-to-duty process and get back to work! Click here to learn more about our FastTrack Enrollment Program.