The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) conducts a face-to-face clinical evaluation, including standardized testing. The assessment generated by the SAP professional will be provided and facilitates the process to return to work.
Employees who have violated an alcohol or drug program regulation are evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who will further make recommendations concerning joining a DOT Substance Abuse Program, the treatments, the after care and the follow up testing.Whether an employee is fit to be placed in the cockpit of a plane, behind the steering wheel of a school bus, at the throttle of a train, at the helm of an oil tanker, at the emergency control valves of a natural gas pipeline or in the engineering compartment of a subway car is dependent on the decision taken by his SAP and conveyed rightfully to the employer.Enormous ResponsibilityIn a DOT SAP evaluation, the SAP holds an enormous responsibility towards the public.
He is neither the advocate of the employee nor the employer, his prime function is to professionally evaluate the employee to protect public safety and interest.
SAPs need to fully comply and understand the regulations such as 49 CFR Part 40, SAP guidelines and resources.How do you prepare yourself if you find yourself in this position under SAP’s scrutiny?
This is no time to be nervous!
Failure to comply with the SAP’s recommendations will only delay your ability to return to work.Preparing for SAP EvaluationWhen you enroll for a DOT SAP Program near me, the SAP will investigate the case, will ask targeted questions to get more information and check if the employee has completed one or more assessment tools or not.
Just like in a therapy session or while having a conversation with a known friend, answer all the questions honestly.