If you failed a DOT alcohol or drug test, or had a refusal to test, you will be required to go through the Return to Duty process. The first of this process is to obtain a chemical evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
How Do I Find a SAP Evaluator?
There are a variety of ways to locate a SAP Evaluator so you can begin the return to duty process. You may have actually been provided with some names of SAP evaluators by your employer. When your employer notifies you that you have tested positive and have to be removed from the job, they should be explaining the return to duty process to you and are supposed to have a couple of names and numbers of potential SAP evaluators. Unfortunately, not all employers are as prepared or well versed in the DOT regulations and process of return to duty, especially smaller companies. Many employees are left to figure it out on their own.
If you find yourself in the company parking lot wondering what to do next to get back to work, you may have turned to the internet to start researching things. Some know they need a chemical assessment and just search for providers that do chemical evaluations. All alcohol and drug treatment programs provide this type of service, but few have DOT SAP certified evaluators. Sadly, many employees end up wasting time and money getting an evaluation only to find out it was not a SAP Evaluator and have to start over again incurring more costs. Be sure to plug into the search bar DOT SAP Evaluators and follow that up by verifying when you schedule that the providers in an actual DOT certified SAP Evaluator.
You can also contact your specific branch of the DOT to help you locate a SAP evaluator. This would be Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, etc. They typically have ways to help you locate local providers in your area. There are also some websites that have listings of SAP Evaluators that can be searched by location. One such site is: www.saplist.com
Can I Choose My Own SAP Evaluator?
Many bigger companies provide you with a list of SAP Evaluators, but you are not required to stick to their list. Some of these same companies may even have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that will provide referrals to SAP Evaluators and even pick up the cost of the evaluation. Although you could go with anyone you want, if you want your EAP to pay the cost, you will likely have to see the SAP Evaluators that they have a contract with.
There is one situation where you may not be able to pick your own SAP evaluator. If you have failed a previous test and completed the return to duty process in the past, the DOT mandates that if you fail another alcohol or drug test, you are required to see your previous SAP Evaluator. Because some employees may be tempted to minimize or not disclose previous violations or chemical use, the DOT wants employees to see their previous SAP Evaluator because they already have the history and record of information to draw upon for the new violation. This provides a more complete picture and reduces the risk of lying or minimizes by the employee.
If you need a SAP evaluation, you can contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Anderson, Psy.D., LP, SAP. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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