FAQs

What is SAP?
The SAP, or Substance Abuse Professional, is a specially qualified substance abuse clinician who plays a central role in the return to duty process of an employee who has tested positive for drugs or alcohol. The SAP is not an advocate for the employer or the employee. The SAP's overarching function is to protect the public interest of safety by professionally performing specific DOT mandated Return to Duty functions.

What is the SAP process?
After you have been referred as a consequence (positive test) for engaging in substance use related conduct according to the Department of Transportation (DOT ) Rules and Regulations, the following will occur:

(1) You have been notified by a Medical Review Office (MRO) that your test results are positive for drugs or the Breathalizer Alcohol Technician (BAT) notified you of a positive alcohol test.
(2) DOT mandates that you be referred to an SAP for an evaluation in resolving problems associated with misuse of alcohol or the use of controlled substances.
(3) When your SAP recommends treatment, your employer, and you will be given a written recommendation specifying the approximate duration of treatment and the level of care.
(4) The SAP will provide you with the appropriate referral which is consistent with clinically evaluated needs and will take into consideration your insurance coverage, your ability to pay for care, and employer's policies regarding availability of a leave of absence.
(5) If you have been terminated from employment, but are pursuing the evaluation in hopes of obtaining another safety sensitive position, the SAP's recommendation may be provided to you and a copy retained for any future employer.
(6) As a DOT client, you are expected to participate in treatment as outlined by the treatment provider and the SAP. If you resist or fail to comply, the treatment provider would discharge you for non-compliance. This course of action would prevent you from working in a safety sensitive position.
(7) The SAP will hold a follow-up evaluation to review your compliance with the initial treatment recommendation. You will be required to follow the treatment provider's recommendation for continuing care and meeting attendance.
(8) The SAP will submit in writing to your employer a summary outlining the initial assessment and participation in treatment. The SAP will also recommend to the employer that you pass a return to duty test for drugs or alcohol, plus order the mandated DOT follow-up testing schedule.