Failing or rejecting a required SAP Evaluation Department Of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol test can be difficult not only for employees but also for employers. Employees will have to be suspended from safety-related work which could lead to employers being understaffed. After a failed test, there is a process set up by the Department of Transportation that employees must go through before returning to safety-related duties. All employers entrusted by the DOT are obligated to comply with federal law. Entry into the reinstatement process begins with an (Substance Abuse Professional) SAP Evaluation.

This first step puts employees on the right path back to work. An SAP Evaluation is harmless and very easy to complete in a timely manner. The substance abuse professional conducts the assessment and creates a plan that may include education and treatment. After the assessment is complete a report will be made containing any information obtained during the assessment and recommendations for the patient.

The employer will also receive recommendations on how to monitor your progress as you complete the plan. Finally, at the end of the treatment, you will meet with your evaluator in person for a follow-up assessment. This allows the substance abuse professional to determine if you are truly eligible for return to duty status. At this point, the employer must carry out their own drug tests as part of the recovery process. If the test result is negative, the employer can return the employee to a safety-related job.

Workers returning to work after drug and/or alcohol testing are required to undergo follow-up testing during the next twelve-month employment period. Regulations require substance abuse professionals to perform at least 6 spot checks in a 12-month period; however, they can choose to request any number of unannounced tests over a 60-month period if there is any suspicion that potential violations have occurred repeatedly.