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 http://www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/employee.html)

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, your insurance provider (if applicable) and a treatment provider or educator.
• The SAP will then send a report to your employer identifying the SAP’s recommendations.
• When the SAP feels that you have made sufficient progress in your treatment plan, the SAP will schedule a follow-up asssessment to determine your success at treatment. If you have successfully complied with the SAP’s 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.