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What Is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
The DOT regulation -- 49 CFR Part 40 (Part 40) -- defines a SAP as a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and/or alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Substance abuse professional (Sap)
Evaluation
Our fundamental responsibility is to provide a comprehensive assessment and clinical evaluation of employees that have violated the DOT drug and alcohol testing regulation, to determine what level of assistance the employee needs in resolving problems associated with alcohol use or prohibited drug use. The assessment and evaluation must be performed face-to face, and at the evaluators discretion, it also may be conducted either in-person or remotely.
After the SAP Assessment
After an assessment and clinical evaluation, we must recommend a course of education and/or treatment with which (you) the employee must demonstrate successful compliance prior to returning to DOT safety-sensitive duty. Treatment recommendations can include, but are not limited to in-patient treatment, partial in-patient treatment, out-patient treatment, education programs, and aftercare. Education recommendations can include but are not limited to bona fide drug and alcohol education courses, self-help groups, and community lectures. When recommending a course of education (whether face-to-face or on-line), the SAP should have a working knowledge of that course of education.
What's included in the assessment?
The process begins with an initial evaluation, where the SAP conducts a face-to-face or virtual clinical assessment of the employee’s substance use. During this evaluation, the SAP reviews drug test results, substance use history, and DOT regulation violations before developing a customized treatment or education plan.
Once the assessment is complete, the SAP provides a referral for treatment or education based on the severity of the substance use. If the issue is mild, the SAP may recommend an educational program. If there are signs of dependency, the SAP will suggest a formal treatment program. While the SAP provides referral resources, the cost of treatment or education is separate from the SAP fee.
Throughout the process, the SAP offers case management and compliance monitoring, ensuring that the employee is following the recommended program. The SAP checks in regularly and communicates with treatment providers to confirm program completion.
After the treatment or education phase, the employee undergoes a follow-up SAP evaluation. This second evaluation determines whether the individual has successfully completed their program and is ready to return to duty. If the SAP deems them fit for safety-sensitive work, a Return-to-Duty report is sent to the employer or designated employer representative (DER), confirming that the employee has met all requirements.
Finally, the SAP creates a Follow-Up Testing Plan, which requires at least six unannounced drug tests over a 12-month period. The employer is responsible for ensuring these tests are conducted, and the cost of testing is separate from the SAP fee.
Additional fees that are not included in the $450 SAP evaluation include costs for treatment or education programs, Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up drug tests, and any expedited services if needed.
Return to Duty Process (RTD)
Return to Duty
If you’re an unemployed driver regulated by the FMCSA who has had a violation of the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations and have now completed the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) process to return to work, you may have experienced challenges getting hired. Navigating the Return to Duty (RTD) process can feel overwhelming. At Healthy Minds, we understand the challenges drivers face when trying to complete the RTD test. This testing is required by DOT regulations to be completed by an employer or in the case of an owner operator, a TPA. This is even more challenging since some employers are unwilling to facilitate this crucial step.
Although the regulations require the return to duty test to be completed by the employer, the FMCSA has provided another option to get the initial Return to Duty test completed even if you do not have a current employer. The driver must follow specific steps to complete this process and Healthy Minds will assist you in accomplishing this task and reporting the result to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
DOT Urine Drug Test: AMP-Amphetamines (MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy), COC-Cocaine, OPI-Opioids (including heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone), PCP-Phencyclidine, THC-Marijuana. This is the Department of Transportation (DOT) required test. Testing includes confirmation at SAMHSA certified labs. All drug test results reviewed by the medical review officer. This program includes the Return to duty test and all steps to report the result to the FMCSA clearinghouse.
Understanding the (RTD)
Return to Duty
The RTD test is a mandatory step for drivers who have been cleared by a SAP after a drug or alcohol violation. This test confirms that the driver is ready to return to safety-sensitive duties. However, for drivers who are not currently employed, this process can become complicated. A common issue is being cleared by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) but struggling to find an employer willing to initiate the RTD test, leaving your FMCSA Clearinghouse record in a “Prohibited” Status.
Although the regulations require the return to duty test to be completed by the employer, the FMCSA has provided another option to get the initial Return to Duty test completed even if you do not have a current employer. The driver must follow specific steps to complete this process.
- The Driver must register as an employer in the FMCSA Clearinghouse,
- Self-identify as an owner-operator (note: a DOT number, truck, and insurance as a carrier are not required for this process), and
- Designate a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (CTPA) like Healthy Minds Therapeutic Services – Official to facilitate the RTD test.
- Once the negative test result is received, Healthy Minds will report your negative RTD test to the FMCSA Clearinghouse which will change your Clearinghouse status to “Not Prohibited,” giving you a better chance of finding employment.
6 key Steps in the RTD Process
key steps in the RTD Process
1: Completing the SAP Process: Before you can take the RTD test, you must complete the SAP process. This includes assessment, treatment, and clearance from your SAP, confirming that you are ready to take the RTD test. Healthy Minds can coordinate with your SAP to obtain the necessary documentation and authorization for testing. If you need assistance finding a SAP contact American Substance Abuse Professionals (ASAP) at 888-792-2727, x177
2: Contact Healthy Minds Drug Screening to set up your program: The Healthy Minds team will provide clear instructions and assist you in getting the steps completed for your Return to Duty Test. Call 754-303-9976 Contact Healthy minds
3: Registering in the FMCSA Clearinghouse as an Employer: For drivers not currently employed or acting as owner-operators, the first step is to register as an employer in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. You will need to self-identify as an owner-operator and designate a TPA (National Drug Screening Inc. – Official) to manage the RTD test on your behalf. Assistance in registering for the FMCSA Clearinghouse can also be provided by National Drug Screening.
4: Scheduling the RTD Test: Once you have completed the SAP process and registered as an employer, National Drug Screening will assist in scheduling your RTD test at a convenient location. Our team will provide you with clear instructions and support throughout the process, including a detailed “RTD Next Steps” guide that outlines your responsibilities.
5: Receiving and Reporting Results: After your RTD test is completed, Healthy Minds Drug Screening will verify the results. If the test result is negative, we will report this to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and your status will be updated to “Not Prohibited,” allowing you to resume seeking employment in a safety-sensitive role.
- If the Test Result is Positive: A positive result will be reported to the Clearinghouse and will require additional steps, including a new SAP referral. National Drug Screening will provide guidance and support to help you get back on track. This will be a new process, a new program.
- Refusal to Test: If your test result is determined to be a refusal, it will be reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and a SAP referral will be provided to address this issue. This will be a new process, a new program.
6: Follow-Up Testing: It is important to note that while the RTD test is the first step, an employer must administer follow-up testing if you are hired in a safety-sensitive position. For owner-operators, the designated TPA will handle the follow-up testing. Follow-up testing can only occur once you are actively driving in a DOT-FMCSA covered position.
Common Challenges and how to overcome them!
How to overcome challenges
Many drivers struggle to find an employer willing to initiate the RTD test after completing the SAP process. This often results in frustration and delays as drivers see their records stuck in a prohibited status. By registering as an employer and working with a C/TPA like National Drug Screening, drivers can take control of the RTD process, ensuring that they meet all necessary requirements to return to duty.
We always advise drivers that while registering as an owner-operator in the Clearinghouse can facilitate the RTD test, their follow-up testing plan must be administered by an employing motor carrier unless they truly operate as owner-operators. This ensures compliance with FMCSA regulations and keeps drivers on the right path.