DOT is responsible for the safety of passengers aboard public transportation, and the employees have immense responsibility; thus, drug and alcohol testing is significant in this sector. The test follows five steps, and in this article, we have elaborated on the steps that will help you further.
- Initial SAP evaluation
It’s the first step in which the person is assessed by a substance abuse professional, or SAP. The SAP develops a plan based on the evaluation to determine the individual’s treatment and educational needs. The SAP then directs the person to the companies that offer the services outlined in the plan. However, SAPs can be doctors, social workers, psychologists, employee assistance specialists, therapists, or drug and alcohol counselors with appropriate licenses. Additionally, they must be well-versed in treating and diagnosing illnesses linked to drugs and alcohol. Once they have satisfied these conditions, they must pass a test to become certified as an SAP. After coming up with this plan, they refer the individual for the chosen treatment and education. Before returning to safety-sensitive duties, they ensure the person follows their outlined plan. After completing the SAP-mandated treatment and education, the person is qualified to return to safety-sensitive functions.
- Treatment/Education
In this step, the person must adhere to the treatment and instruction plan SAP developed for them. Self-help groups, drug and alcohol education classes, and public lectures are all education examples. Employees who are concerned about their safety have special programs in the organization which enroll them in training sessions. If the person wants to go back to work where safety is a concern, she must follow SAP’s instructions exactly.
- Follow up on SAP evaluation
The SAP’s recommended treatment and education plan for the person will determine how long must pass between the initial and follow-up evaluations. The regulations don’t specify a certain time frame. The SAP verifies that the person followed their instructions and compiled them during the follow-up examination. Once the employee has followed the DOT return to duty procedure, the SAP can inform the DER. And the DER may reinstate the person based on this report. The SAP then decides on a follow-up testing schedule and, if required, a continuous treatment plan. Employers have the power to demand that a person follow treatment recommendations if the SAP recommends ongoing care.
- Return to duty testing
The step requires the person to submit to a DOT drug and/or alcohol test before returning to work. The SAP decides whether the person is required to submit to a drug, alcohol, or combination test. This choice is based on their assessments of the person. The person needs to test negative for drugs and alcohol levels. It prevents resignation from the job.
- Follow-up testing
The person can resume safety-sensitive duties and regain “employee” status after passing a return-to-duty test. SAP develops a follow-up testing schedule for the employee to adhere to. Following the employee’s return to safety-sensitive duties for the first twelve months, this plan must contain at least six follow-up examinations. Whatever the reason for the initial drug test failure, SAP has the right to demand drug and alcohol follow-up return to duty process DOT.
Summing Up
The DOT return to duty process is expensive and time taking. If you are looking for a successful test, you can contact Affordable Evaluations. It’s an accredited company that an employee and company can contact for drug and alcohol testing.
