Before you can return to a safety-sensitive job you must successfully complete the Department of Transportation (DOT) return-to-duty process which requires the involvement of a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) You will be required to provide a negative result on a return to duty drug or alcohol test.

SAP is a Substance Abuse Professional that per DOT prerequisites has specific credentials, meets qualified training requirement including 12 continuing educations units every three years. The SAP must have thorough knowledge and understanding of DOT regulations that must be followed before an employee who has violated DOT alcohol-drug regulations can be considered for return to safety-sensitive function in the transportation industry. The SAP primary concern is to safeguard public safety.

Conducts an initial face to face clinical evaluation to determine the extent of an employee’s substance use and prescribe the appropriate level of treatment needed to arrest use. Recommends and refers the employee to a provider who appropriates substance abuse education or treatment. The SAP is prohibited from referring an employee to any program with which they are financially connected. SAP referrals to treatment and education must not give the impression of a conflict of interest. SAPs monitor the employee’s progress by keeping in touch with the treatment provider during the employee's treatment. The SAP also conducts a second face to face visit in the follow-up evaluation to determine if the employee has successfully completed the recommended treatment plan from the provider. The SAP will correspond with the Designated Employer Representative (DER) and provide him/her with alcohol-drug testing plan that can last for up to five years. The SAP will also provide employee and employer with recommendations for community supports, self-help that promotes employee abstinence from drugs and or alcohol. An SAP cannot refer an employee to himself or herself for treatment. This would be a violation of DOT regulation.

When you can return to work depends on how soon you are able to complete the treatment plan and demonstrate abstinence. Education may be a one day class and/or participation in self-help groups. Treatment may include inpatient, partial hospital program, an intensive outpatient program or regular outpatient visits with a substance abuse counselor. The SAP determines what level of treatment is required. SAPs cannot determine treatment until the initial evaluation is conducted. The date you entered into Return to Duty is recorded by SAP on the clearinghouse. After you have completed treatment or education and follow up with the SAP that date is entered into the clearinghouse. Return to Duty is not completed until you pass the first drug test after finishing up with the SAP.

No. Only a counselor who has been qualified as a DOT SAP by virtue of taking the examination and taking continuing education every three years can qualify as an SAP. Going to a clinician who says they can evaluate you will set your process back and costs you more money if they are not a qualified SAP.

You do not have to go through the Return to Duty process if you seek work from a non-DOT employer. If you do decide to return to a safety-sensitive position in transportation you must remember the future DOT employer must obtain your drug and alcohol testing record from your previous employer. In January 2020 there will be a clearinghouse on the internet where all your drug and alcohol violations will be posted. Any violation after January 2020 will be posted in the clearinghouse. All potential employers will check your drug-alcohol status in the clearinghouse. If you have not completed the return to duty process you will not get hired. When you have successfully completed the Return-to-Duty process the SAP will clear your name and you will be eligible to be hired.