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If you are interested in adding or updating your protocol to our system, please click the button below. It will bring you to a different webpage to enter all of the necessary information we need to perform drug and alcohol tests for your company. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Steps for Employers in the SAP Process
Certain contracts, including DOT and some non-DOT agreements (such as Oilfield work), mandate the following actions after an employee receives a positive drug test result
Immediate Suspension from Safety-Sensitive Duties
The employee must be removed from any safety-sensitive roles, such as driving or working on pipelines, as soon as it is safely possible—even if they are out of state.
Initial Evaluation with a Qualified SAP
The employee will undergo an in-person evaluation with a DOT-certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This interview allows the SAP to assess the employee’s situation and history, guiding the development of an appropriate treatment or activity plan.
Treatment and Education Plan
Based on the initial evaluation, the SAP will recommend a course of treatment or educational program for the employee.
Follow-Up Evaluation
Once the employee completes the prescribed treatment, another assessment will be conducted by the same SAP. This evaluation will determine if the employee is eligible to take a Return-to-Duty (RTD) test and resume safety-sensitive duties.
Follow-Up Testing Schedule
The SAP will work with the Designated Employer Representative (DER) to create a testing schedule that includes at least six follow-up tests over the next year, which could extend to up to five years.
Drug Testing
Once the SAP confirms the employee has met all requirements, the employee will be recommended for an RTD test, which must be observed. If the test result is negative, the employee may return to their safety-sensitive role.
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Note: Follow-up tests do not replace random tests. The employee must remain in the random testing pool and comply with any selection made for random testing. The Follow-Up process cannot substitute for a random test, and vice versa, as random tests are conducted without direct observation.
Employers are not obligated to rehire employees who fail a test, but they must provide contact information for a SAP. Employees must complete all required steps before returning to safety-sensitive duties.
If an employer chooses to rehire an employee after a failed test, the costs for the SAP process may be covered by the company or could be passed on to the employee. However, the employee cannot be included in any random testing pool until the SAP process and RTD test are completed.
Employee Guidelines on the SAP Process
If you violate DOT drug and alcohol regulations (such as testing positive or refusing a test), the following steps must be taken before you can resume safety-sensitive duties
Immediate Removal from Safety-Sensitive Roles
You will be removed from any DOT-regulated safety-sensitive functions immediately.
SAP Evaluation
Your employer will provide a list of DOT-qualified SAPs for you to choose from for your initial evaluation.
Completion of Required Treatment
You must complete any recommended counseling or treatment programs before being eligible to return to duty.
Follow-Up Evaluation
After completing the required treatment, you will undergo a follow-up evaluation with the same SAP to confirm your compliance with the prescribed program.
Negative Drug Test
Before returning to safety-sensitive roles, you must provide a clean urine and/or breath sample, demonstrating that you are free from drugs and alcohol.
Follow-Up Testing
You will be subject to unannounced drug and alcohol testing at least six times during the first year after returning to duty, and this could continue for up to five years, as per the SAP's recommendations. All return-to-duty and follow-up tests will be conducted under direct observation.
Resources for Finding DOT-Qualified SAPs
You have various options when choosing a qualified SAP. Here are some resources to help you get started: