What does the term "Qualified Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional Evaluation" mean?

Many people are confused by the term Qualified Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (DOT SAP) Evaluation. This blog will clarify for you or someone you know what is meant by DOT SAP Evaluation.

If you were positive on a drug test you may be required to have a substance abuse evaluation in order to return to your position or obtain a new job. To help you better understand the purpose of a substance abuse evaluation, please read the
information below:

The following are quotes derived from the U. S. Department of Transportation Guidelines

What is A Substance Abuse Professional?

The Substance Abuse Professional Guidelines , United States Department of Transportation
"THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation -- 49 CFR Part 40 -- defines the Substance
Abuse Professional (SAP) as a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT
drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment,
follow-up testing, and aftercare. In order to be a SAP, you need to have certain credentials,
possess specific knowledge, receive training, and achieve a passing score on an
examination. There is also a continuing education requirement."

What is A substance abuse evaluation?

" a comprehensive face-to-face assessment and clinical evaluation to determine what level of
assistance the employee needs in resolving problems associated with alcohol use or
prohibited drug use." The evaluator recommends "a course of education and/or treatment
with which 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 bonafied drug and
alcohol education courses, self-help groups, and community lectures."

How To Begin

* The first step is to call and arrange an appointment
* The initial evaluation is usually 2-3 1/2 hours
* After the evaluation a report is generated. The evaluator then explains any recommendations
* When your recommendations are finished, you are given a completion report. The completion report indicates your return to duty plan.

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