DOT/SAP

DOT/SAP ASSESSMENTS

A DOT-covered employee who has a violation (including a positive drug or alcohol test result) is required, under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, to complete a return-to-duty process before he/she is permitted to return to performing DOT safety-sensitive functions. The process must be conducted by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Ms. Greiner is qualified as a SAP.

For the employee: Violating the DOT drug and alcohol regulations could include testing positive for drugs without medical authorization, refusing a test, using alcohol on the job, using alcohol within four hours before driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle, etc. If this occurs, your employer is required to immediately remove you from performing safety-sensitive functions. You will not be permitted to return to DOT regulated safety-sensitive functions until you have:

Undergone an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Your employer must provide you with a list of SAPs that you can use;
Successfully completed any course, counseling or treatment prescribed by the SAP prior to returning to service;
Undergone a follow up evaluation by the same SAP to determine your compliance with their recommendations; AND
Provided a breath and/or urine specimen that tests negative for drugs and/or alcohol prior to returning to DOT regulated safety-sensitive functions.

You will also be subject to unannounced testing for drugs and/or alcohol for at least 6 times during the first 12 months of active service with the possibility of unannounced testing for up to 60 months (as prescribed by the SAP).

(From the DOT website https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

For the employer: When a driver has a violation

The driver must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, including:
- - Driving
  - Waiting to be dispatched
  - Servicing or conditioning a Commercial Motor Vehicle
  - At the driving controls of a Commercial Motor Vehicle
  - In or on a commercial motor vehicle
  - Loading, unloading or supervising the loading or unloading of a vehicle
  - Repairing, getting assistance, or staying with a disabled vehicle
Employer must give names of qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) who would complete the assessment.
The employer will need to coordinate with the SAP in the return-to-duty process, if the driver intends to return to a safety-sensitive duty.
The employer will need to schedule a Return-to-Duty test, which must be negative.
The employer must conduct all follow-up testing, as determined by the SAP

(Source: L. Mauk, SAPlist.com)

About the assessment process:

A DOT assessment completed by Lighthouse Counseling includes a complete clinical assessment. As part of the process, it may be necessary for us to communicate with your employer, the medical review officer, and a treatment provider or educator.
The SAP will then send a report to your employer identifying the SAP’s recommendations.
When you have completed the treatment recommendation, the SAP will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your progress. If you have successfully complied recommendation, the SAP will send a report to your employer. After this letter is received, your employer may choose to return you to a safety sensitive position.

To make an appointment for a SAP assessment, please contact Carmen Greiner by telephone at 540-907-0121 , ext. 2.