More About the SAP Process

 

DOT regulated employees who have failed a drug and alcohol test or refused to take one will be required to go through the SAP Program. This may include: 

• Truck drivers

• Commercial drivers (CDL)

• Pilots

• Mechanics 

• Pilots and Flight Attendants 

• Pipeline Workers

• Students in Truck Driving School 

• Coast Guard and more….

 

If you’re a DOT-regulated employee, you will be subject to post-accident drug testing, pre-employment testing, random drug and alcohol tests, RTD testing, and/or follow-up testing.  

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) Clearinghouse provides FMSCA and employers tools to help identify drivers who are prohibited from driving or operating a commercial vehicle based on a DOT drug and alcohol violation. This includes violations committed with one employer, and then failure to report to another employer. Records of drug and alcohol violations remain in the Clearinghouse for 5 years or until a driver has completed the RTD process, whichever comes first. 

How Long Does the DOT SAP Program Take? 

If you do not have an alcohol or drug problem, you may be done with the SAP program in few days. If you do have a substance abuse problem, it will take longer. Your SAP Evaluator will determine the level of care that is needed during your evaluation, which may include attending one or more classes, a drug treatment program, a probationary period, ongoing treatment, or further testing.  

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The cost for the entire program is one flat fee of $450.00. Some employers pay the cost of SAP services on behalf of their employees, while other companies require the employee to pay on their own. Health does not pay for SAP evaluations.

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To be in compliance with DOT guidelines, only a SAP can evaluate you. I have the training and certification to complete evaluations for employees in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the DOT. 

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I will provide a face-to-face virtual assessment on my secure video platform and make recommendations for treatment and or educational courses. I will monitor compliance with recommendations, provide a face-to-face follow-up examination to determine if the employee is in compliance with the recommended course of action, and provide a final report to the employer that contains a follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing plan and aftercare plan.

 

Confidentiality Policy

The DOT regulations that guide SAPs are not subject to HIPAA rules. SAPs do not need written authorizations from employees to conduct SAP evaluations, confer with employers, confer with MROs, confer with appropriate education and treatment providers, or provide SAP reports to employers. Nevertheless, this SAP will disclose only the minimum required information to any concerned party.