SAP Evaluation: Return to Duty in Atlanta with A Better Life
A Better Life Treatment – Alcohol & Drug Screening (UDS)
DOT-Qualified SAP Services

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Evaluations

Get back to work with our DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional evaluations. We provide comprehensive assessments and treatment recommendations for transportation industry employees.

DOT-Regulated Industries We Serve

Commercial Drivers
Maritime Workers
Aviation Personnel
Railroad Employees
Pipeline Workers
Transit Operators
Substance Abuse Professional

What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)?

A SAP is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a crucial component of the DOT’s return-to-duty process. When a safety-sensitive employee tests positive for drugs or alcohol, refuses a test, or otherwise violates DOT regulations, they cannot return to work until they complete the SAP evaluation process.

Our qualified SAPs are licensed or certified by the appropriate clinical boards and have specific knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance-related disorders.

SAP Qualifications

Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
Licensed or certified psychologist
Licensed or certified social worker
Licensed or certified employee assistance professional
State-licensed or certified addiction counselor

SAP Responsibilities

1

Initial Evaluation

Comprehensive face-to-face assessment of the employee’s substance abuse issues

2

Treatment Recommendations

Prescribe appropriate education and/or treatment programs

3

Follow-up Evaluation

Determine if employee has successfully completed prescribed programs

4

Return-to-Duty Recommendation

Make return-to-duty and follow-up testing recommendations

Federal Regulations

Understanding DOT Drug & Alcohol Regulations

DOT regulations require specific procedures for safety-sensitive employees who violate drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Violations Requiring SAP Evaluation

Positive drug test result
Alcohol test result of 0.04 or higher
Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test
On-duty alcohol use
Pre-duty alcohol use
Alcohol use following an accident

Safety-Sensitive Functions

DOT regulations apply to employees performing safety-sensitive functions in these industries:

FMCSA: Commercial motor vehicle drivers
FRA: Railroad workers
FAA: Aviation personnel
FTA: Mass transit workers
USCG: Maritime workers
PHMSA: Pipeline workers

Key Regulatory Requirements

Before Return to Duty:

  • Complete SAP-recommended education/treatment
  • Pass SAP follow-up evaluation
  • Pass return-to-duty drug/alcohol test

After Return to Duty:

  • Minimum 6 follow-up tests in first 12 months
  • Follow-up tests for up to 60 months
  • Possible continuing care requirements
Evaluation Process

The SAP Evaluation Process

Our comprehensive evaluation process follows all DOT requirements and is designed to ensure your safe return to work.

1

Initial Contact & Scheduling

Contact us to schedule your initial SAP evaluation. We’ll explain the process and gather preliminary information about your situation.

Phone consultation available
Flexible scheduling options
2

Face-to-Face Initial Evaluation

A comprehensive in-person assessment that typically takes 1-2 hours. This evaluation is required by DOT regulations and cannot be conducted by phone or video.

Assessment includes:

Substance use history
Medical history review
Mental health screening
Work history evaluation
3

Treatment Recommendations

Based on the evaluation, we’ll provide written recommendations for education and/or treatment programs you must complete before returning to safety-sensitive duties.

Education Programs

  • • Drug/alcohol awareness courses
  • • DOT regulation education
  • • Safety-focused programs

Treatment Options

  • • Outpatient counseling
  • • Intensive outpatient programs
  • • Residential treatment
4

Complete Recommended Programs

You must successfully complete all recommended education and/or treatment programs. We only refer to third-party providers for education and treatment to avoid a conflict of interest.

Education completion certificates
Treatment progress verification
5

Follow-up Evaluation

After completing the recommended program, you will attend a follow-up evaluation to determine whether you’ve complied with your SAP’s recommendations and are eligible to return to duty.

Follow-up includes:

Review of program completion
Assessment of progress and commitment
Return-to-duty recommendation
Return to Work

Return-to-Duty & Follow-up Testing

Once you’ve completed the SAP process, specific requirements must be met for your return to safety-sensitive duties.

Return-to-Duty Requirements

SAP Authorization

Receive written confirmation from the SAP that you are eligible to return to duty.

Negative Test Result

Pass a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test with a verified negative result

Employer Decision

Your employer makes the final decision about your return to work (SAP recommendation does not guarantee employment)

Follow-up Testing Schedule

First 12 Months

Minimum of 6 unannounced follow-up tests

• Tests must be spread reasonably over the year

• Cannot be more than 60 tests in 12 months

Beyond 12 Months

Follow-up testing may continue up to 60 months

• SAP determines duration and frequency

• Based on individual assessment and progress

Test Types

• Drug tests: Always required for drug violations

• Alcohol tests: Required for alcohol violations

• Both: May be required based on SAP recommendation

Important Considerations

Cost Responsibility

  • Employee pays for SAP evaluations
  • Employee pays for recommended treatment
  • Follow-up testing may be paid by the employer or the employee, depending on the employer’s policy.

Additional Requirements

  • Continuing care may be recommended
  • Support group participation
  • Aftercare monitoring
Why Choose A Better Life

Expert SAP Services You Can Trust

Our qualified SAPs have extensive experience helping transportation industry employees successfully complete the return-to-duty process.

DOT-Qualified SAPs

Our SAPs meet all DOT qualification requirements and have extensive experience with federal regulations.

  • Licensed clinical professionals
  • Addiction treatment expertise
  • DOT regulation knowledge

Efficient Process

We understand you need to return to work quickly. Our streamlined process helps minimize time away from your job.

  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Prompt evaluation completion
  • Clear, actionable recommendations

Ready to Begin Your SAP Evaluation?

Don’t let DOT violations keep you from your livelihood. Our experienced SAPs are here to guide you through the return-to-duty process efficiently and professionally.

Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step back to work.

800-486-3416

DOT-qualified SAP services

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