A transportation worker who has violated DOT regulations must follow a specific procedure before being considered by an employer for return to safety-sensitive function. This process, conducted by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), includes:
The SAP conducts an initial face-to-face clinical evaluation, including standardized testing. A DOT rule requires a recommendation for treatment and/or education in every case. The SAP must send an initial evaluation report to the employer or, if employee has been released from employment, maintain information for future employer;
The SAP assists the employee in contacting the treatment provider and arranging for services;
The SAP maintains regular contact with the treatment provider, to monitor the employee's treatment progress, and to confirm suitability of the treatment plan;
The SAP will conduct a face-to-face, follow-up clinical evaluation to determine if the employee has complied with the SAP's recommendations, and to measure success of treatment.
If the employee has complied with the SAP's recommendation, the SAP advises the employer that the employee has successfully completed the requirements.
It is up to the employer to determine whether or not the employee returns to work, not the SAP. The SAP sends a follow-up report and follow-up testing plan to the employer. The SAP may also include an aftercare plan that must be followed even though the employee has been accepted back to work by the employer.
If the employee has been released from employment, this information is held for the future employer.