Blog Post Three
DOT / SAP Evaluations Explained Step-by-Step
If you are a CDL holder, are employed as a truck driver, pilot, or similar safety-sensitive position and failed a DOT alcohol or drug test at work or left the testing site before successfully giving a sample, then your ability to work in your normal duties and make your normal income has hit a roadblock until you complete a DOT SAP evaluation. The roadblock part is easy to understand since your employer is under strict federal guidelines to immediately step you down from any safety-sensitive duties. Some employers also terminate the employee immediately, while others will move the employee to non-safety-sensitive duties while the issue is being resolved. Regardless, it is often unclear to the employee as to what to do next if they would like to stay at the same company or in the same occupation and work under DOT rules. The process for a rule violation, regardless of whether the employee had a positive test or not, is always the same, and this blog explains it step-by-step.
What’s A SAP?
First things first – First you need to find a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) who has training that qualifies them to evaluate a safety-sensitive DOT employee. The SAP must meet with you in person or by videoconference (e.g. Zoom call) to assess your history and current status as far as alcohol or drug use are concerned. This meeting involves completing a written questionnaire completion followed by an interview.
How The SAP Helps You
At the end of the first meeting (initial SAP evaluation) with the SAP you are going to be directed to participate in education, counseling, or treatment of some kind. The point of the first meeting is to choose an appropriate amount of intervention (education, counseling, or treatment). It is the SAPs job to find local resources for you to fulfill this DOT requirement. The SAP, by law, cannot refer you to themselves or anyone in their place of employment. This protects you as a consumer so you won't simply be referrred for services in the financial interest of the SAP.