Finding a Department of Transport (DOT) Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) can be a daunting task. There are numerous steps you must take to find the right professional for your needs. This article will go over an in-depth look at how to find a DOT Qualified SAP that is best suited for your situation.
The first step when looking for a DOT Qualified SAP is to determine what your specific needs are. Are you looking for an individual or a company? Are you in need of an evaluation, a referral for treatment, or both? Obtaining the answers to these questions will help to narrow down your search.
The next step is to contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is the federal agency responsible for overseeing the implementation of the DOT drug and alcohol testing program. SAMHSA has a list of qualified SAPs that have been approved by the DOT and are certified to evaluate individuals for drug and alcohol use.
Once you have a list of potential SAPs, you should contact each one and ask questions about their qualifications, experience, and the services they provide. You are definitely going to want to make sure that the SAP you choose has the necessary training, experience, and certifications required by the DOT to provide services.
You should also ask about the fees associated with the services they provide. Many SAPs charge a flat fee for their services, while others may charge an hourly rate or a per diem fee. It is wise to make sure that you understand all of the fees associated with the services you will be receiving from the SAP.
When interviewing potential SAPs, it is important to ask about their experience with the DOT drug and alcohol testing program. You should also inquire about their approach to evaluating and treating individuals. Ask them what type of assessments they use to evaluate individuals and how they determine an individual’s success in treatment.
Finally, it is important to ask the SAP if they have any references you can contact. A good SAP should be able to provide references from previous clients. If possible, try to contact some of the previous clients and ask about their experience with the SAP. This will grant you valuable insight into the SAP’s professionalism and capabilities.
Finding a DOT Qualified SAP can be a difficult process, but it is a necessary step in ensuring that you are receiving the best possible care. By taking the time to properly research and interview potential SAPs, you can ensure that you are going to be receiving the highest quality of care and the best chance of successful treatment.
For the up to date news on all things SAP, please visit www.sapevaluation.org, or you can always call us at 1-800-683-7745