If you find that you have violated a DOT* or NRC** drug and alcohol program regulation, you will need a see a SAP (Substance Abuse Profesional) who is "DOT Qualified" to do a DOT SAP Evaluation or a SAE (Substance Abuse Expert) who is "NRC Qualified", This starts the RETURN TO DUTY process.
So What Happens?!?
* Department of Transportation
** Nuclear Regulatory Commission
What to expect from the DOT-SAP Process
I do not work for the government, DOT, NRC, your employer, or any treatment facility. I am a state and nationally certified drug and alcohol counselor, and DOT-QUALIFIED SAP and NRC-QUALIFIED SAE.
My role is to evaluate your needs for education or treatment, monitor your progress, and provide written recommendations to your employer (or designated employee representative - DER) at the start and end of the SAP process.
According to DOT regulations, you MUST be referred into treatment and/or education.
The initial DOT-SAP evaluation
:Clinical interview in a face-to-face evaluation session.
Recommendations for education or treatment.
Referral to an education or treatment provider.
Written summary of recommendations to the DER.
The follow-up DOT-SAP evaluation:
Confirm that you have completed recommendations (documented).
Face-to-face follow-up session.
Recommendations for any further education or treatment (if needed)
.Recommendations about return to work in a safety-sensitive position.
Recommendations for frequency of follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing in any safety-sensitive position.
Written summary of recommendations to the DER.
Your responsibilities include:
Participate honestly in the initial DOT-SAP evaluation.
Attend a scheduled intake at one of the recommended education or treatment providers.
Sign a release of information so the provider can talk with me.
Complete the recommended number of hours of education or treatment with positive and consistent participation.
Do not work in a safety-sensitive position until you are cleared to return to work.
Provide random drug and/or alcohol tests as required by the education or treatment provider.
Schedule a follow-up evaluation with me upon completion of the recommended hours of education or treatment.
Participate honestly in the follow-up DOT-SAP evaluation.
Participate in any further education or treatment (if recommended) after the follow-up evaluation.
Return to employer (if returning) for return to duty drug and/or alcohol test.
