Substance Abuse Professional
A substance abuse professional (SAP) is an individual who has been trained and certified to conduct evaluations on employees under the Department of Transportation and facilitate SAP Programs for employees with alcohol and drug violations. The SAP must be a licensed physician, psychologist, social worker, or counselor. They must know about and have experience diagnosing and treating alcohol and drug abuse. The SAP must complete an SAP training course approved by the DOT. This course must be taken every two years to maintain certification. The duties of an SAP include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conducting initial and follow-up assessments for employees found to violate DOT alcohol and drug regulations.
- Making recommendations on the course of action to be taken
- Creating follow-up treatment plans
- Monitoring the individual's compliance with the treatment plan
- Granting Return to Duty Eligible Status to employees who have completed their SAP Program
- Coordinating the individual's treatment with the employer and other involved parties
In 1993, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed, which required DOT-regulated employers to test employees for drugs and alcohol. The Act also required the FMCSA to develop regulations specifying circumstances under which drivers would be required to undergo SAP evaluations.
To learn more about Substance Abuse Professionals, visit our website or call us for an appointment nearby your Location 800-683-7745 | 404-793-6838.