As an employee performing safety-sensitive functions in the transportation industry, you are responsible for providing a safe work environment for your co-workers and the traveling public.

DOT agencies (the Federal Aviation Administration [aviation], the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [trucking], the Federal Railroad Administration [rail], the Federal Transit Administration [mass transit] and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [pipeline]) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) [maritime] each have industry specific regulations which in total cover approximately 6.5 million transportation employees who perform safety-sensitive functions. These regulations spell out who is subject to testing, when and in what circumstances. These regulations can be found on our web site.

Your employer is required to immediately remove you from performing safety-sensitive functions. You will not be permitted to return to DOT regulated safety-sensitive functions until you have:

• Undergone an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Your employer must provide you with a list of SAPs that you can use;
• Successfully completed any course, counseling or treatment prescribed by the SAP prior to returning to service;
• Undergone a follow up evaluation by the same SAP to determine your compliance with their recommendations; AND
• Provided negative test result for drugs and/or alcohol prior to returning to DOT regulated safety-sensitive functions.

My SAP programs consist of a minimum of two appointments. 

1. We will schedule your evaluation offered in-person in Texas or virtually across the United States. This evaluation typically takes about 2-hours. Your SAP will provide you with intake documents, conduct an interview and administer scientifically valid screenings and assessments. It is essential that you are honest with your SAP and provide as much history as possible for the most appropriate treatment recommendations. 
2. Upon completion of the interview, screening and assessments, a treatment recommendation plan will be developed ranging from education only to in-patient treatment. No two cases are the same and the treatment recommendations are customized based on the level of SUD treatment necessary. Referrals will be provided before the conclusion of the initial assessment. 
3. You are responsible to seek out and complete the recommended treatment. You will be required to provide proof of completion prior to scheduling your follow up appointment. 
4. During the follow up appointment we will review your progress, verify completion of the treatment plan recommendations, and if everything is completed, a report to your employer will be sent authorizing your return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test. 
5. Once your employer receives the negative return-to-duty test, your follow up testing plan will be provided to your employer's Designated Employer Representative (DER), and you can resume safety sensitive duties. 
6. Once your employer receives the negative return-to-duty test, your follow up testing plan will be provided to your employer's Designated Employer Representative (DER), and you can resume safety sensitive duties. T
7. Once you have completed your follow up testing plan, your will receive a DOT SAP notice of discharge. 

Each program will be customized to the individual. DOT programs can be 1-5 years. 

 Treatment recommendations are personalized to meet your specific needs and may range from educational programs to intensive inpatient care. As substance abuse counselors, we conduct a comprehensive and individualized evaluation to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective support.

 If you plan to return to safety-sensitive work, completing the DOT SAP process is still required. More employers than ever are supporting their employees through this process, and there are opportunities with employers who are willing to hire you. While this situation may feel challenging, it does not define who you are! We are here to help you navigate the process. 

 If you’ve had a positive DOT test or your employer determined you refused to test, completing the DOT SAP process is mandatory. Regardless of the circumstances that brought you here, this is a judgment-free space. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment and support needed to help you return to work.

If your suspension was due to a failed or refused DOT drug/alcohol test:

• Work with a certified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
• Complete the required evaluation, treatment, and return-to-duty steps.
• Successfully pass a return-to-duty  

Your license will be reinstated once your return-to-duty (RTD) test is successfully completed and recorded in the Clearinghouse. For owner-operators, this process must be coordinated through a Third-Party Administrator (TPA), who will report the negative test result to the Clearinghouse. It is essential for owner-operators to be registered in the Clearinghouse for this process.

Please note, there may be a delay before your local DMV updates your license status. Once reinstated, you can apply for new positions, provided the prospective employer is willing to support your SAP follow-up testing plan.