DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional
DOT / SAP return-to-duty
A clear path
forward.
A DOT drug or alcohol violation can feel frightening and overwhelming. You do not need to understand every regulation before asking for help.
As a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional, Teresa guides you through each required step with professionalism, clarity, respect, and confidentiality.
Schedule a consultationWhat is a SAP?
Guidance through a regulated process.
A Substance Abuse Professional is a specially qualified clinician who evaluates employees after a DOT drug or alcohol regulation violation. The SAP recommends appropriate education or treatment, conducts a follow-up evaluation, and determines whether the employee has successfully complied with those recommendations.
The SAP is a neutral safety professional—not an advocate for either the employee or employer. The employer makes the return-to-duty decision after the required process and testing have been completed.
The process
Five steps,
plainly explained.
- 01
Initial evaluation
Meet with Teresa for a comprehensive face-to-face evaluation of your history, the circumstances of the violation, and the support you may need.
- 02
Education or treatment
Teresa develops individualized recommendations that meet DOT requirements. These may include education, counseling, treatment, or a combination.
- 03
Progress and participation
Complete the recommendations. Teresa monitors participation and provides the required reports to the employer's designated representative.
- 04
Follow-up evaluation
Meet again so Teresa can evaluate your progress and determine whether you have successfully complied with her recommendations.
- 05
Return-to-duty testing
After successful compliance, the employer may arrange a directly observed return-to-duty test. A negative result is required before resuming safety-sensitive duties.
After return to duty
Follow-up testing protects the path forward.
DOT rules require at least six unannounced follow-up tests during the first 12 months of safety-sensitive duty. Depending on the individualized SAP plan, testing may continue for up to five years.
If Teresa determines at the follow-up evaluation that successful compliance has not been demonstrated, she must report that determination to the employer's designated representative. You may be able to continue working toward compliance and complete an additional follow-up evaluation before moving forward.
Read the DOT employee guidanceFrequently asked questions
Answers for the
road ahead.
With nearly three decades of experience in addiction treatment, counseling, and recovery, Teresa understands how stressful a DOT violation can be.
How much does a SAP evaluation cost?
SAP services are separate from counseling fees and depend on the evaluation and follow-up requirements. Schedule a free consultation for current pricing.
How long does the process take?
There is no universal timeline. It depends on Teresa's individualized recommendations, how quickly education or treatment is completed, and when the employer arranges the return-to-duty test.
Can I choose my own treatment provider?
Teresa will recommend the type and level of education or treatment required. You may discuss provider options with her, but the provider and services must satisfy the SAP recommendation and DOT requirements.
What happens if I do not complete the recommended education or treatment?
If Teresa determines at the follow-up evaluation that you have not demonstrated successful compliance, she must notify the employer's designated representative and you cannot return to DOT safety-sensitive duties. Depending on your progress and the employer's policy, an additional follow-up evaluation may be possible after you continue working on the recommendation.
What if I disagree with the recommendation?
DOT rules do not allow an employee or employer to seek a second SAP evaluation simply to obtain a different recommendation. Teresa will explain the clinical basis and requirements clearly.
Will my employer receive my personal information?
Teresa must send required SAP reports to the employer's designated representative. DOT confidentiality rules limit disclosure of individual test results and medical information beyond authorized or required recipients.
What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The Clearinghouse is a federal database for commercial drivers' drug and alcohol violations and return-to-duty status. FMCSA-regulated drivers designate their SAP through the Clearinghouse.
What happens if my return-to-duty test is positive?
A positive return-to-duty test is a new DOT violation. You must be removed from safety-sensitive functions and complete a new SAP evaluation and return-to-duty process before becoming eligible again.
Can I work while completing the SAP process?
Employment decisions belong to the employer, but you may not perform DOT safety-sensitive duties until you complete the required SAP process and receive a negative return-to-duty test.
What is observed testing?
DOT return-to-duty and follow-up drug tests are conducted under direct observation according to federal collection procedures.
Take the next step
You can move through this
one step at a time.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions about beginning the SAP process.