DOT SAP Program
Substance Abuse Professional Guide: How Long Is The DOT SAP Program?
Once a truck driver fails their drug test, they cannot hit the road again until they have proven they are clean and healthy. For this purpose, they have to follow the procedures put in place by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and complete the return-to-duty process. How To Pass Dot Drug Test .
The return-to-duty process generally lasts long term as the driver has to do follow-up tests for the next 12 months.
If you failed your drug tests, then you must know that you will have to follow the return-to-duty process strictly, and you won't be cleared until you have completed your tests for the next twelve months. Must visit BOC-3 Filing.
It doesn't matter whether you are an independent truck driver or a trucking company owner Trucking Authority Packages .
it is vital for you to understand the importance of the SAP program and how it works. Unfortunately, most employers and truck drivers are not properly familiar with the SAP program, despite the fact more than 10,000 drivers fail their drug test every year. Understanding the SAP process and following it properly is crucial for everyone's safety, and no driver must take it lightly. Checklist of
What is the DOT SAP Program?
To understand the DOT SAP program, we first need to understand who an SAP is what exactly they do. SAP stands for Substance Abuse Professional and is the title given to a person who evaluates drivers that have violated the dot drug and alcohol regulations and make recommendations put in place by the department of transportation. What is UCR registration?
A substance abuse professional SAP evaluates the driver after getting familiar with their case and recommends the kind of rehabilitation they need.
The SAP professional will give recommendations concerning education treatment to become aware of the dangers of driving under the influence. How to obtain MC Number ?
Once you have been assigned an SAP, it is for them to decide when you can go back and drive your vehicle.
It doesn't matter whether you drive a school bus or a train; you will need an SAP to clear you before you can get behind the wheels again. Please visit also DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement .
The DOT regulated SAP program refers to the process in which the driver has to cooperate with their SAP and work on their substance usage.
It is a road to the recovery process that helps you get your driver's license reinstated and also helps you become a more responsible driver.
Cost of A DOT SAP Program
The SAP program cost can vary from person to person as it depends on a number of different factors. You have to pay for certain exercises throughout the process, which includes:
- Initial examination fee
- Cost of education program
- Return-to-duty test by DOT
- Several other follow-up tests to be done throughout the process
The estimated cost a driver sends on their SAP program is hard to predict because the process can last for up to five years for some people.
It also depends on SAPs recommendation and is different for every driver. However, if you were to take out an average, you can expect to spend somewhere around $700 for the first year. In some cases, it can also cost as low as $450 or as high as $1000. Each drug test cost ranges from $35 to $60 and depends entirely on where you are getting it tested from. Also visit Driver Qualification Files .
Length of the DOT SAP Program
If you are looking for an absolute answer to how long the SAP Program can last, you will not find any right answer. Check out DOT week 2021 tips.
The DOT SAP program doesn't have a defined time limit and depends entirely on the person who is attending the program.
For some drivers the program will finish within a year, but for others, it could last for multiple years. You can divide the program time into two different parts:
- Time is taken to Return-to-duty
- Time is taken by the follow-up programs
The first step is rather shorter as it involves finding a DOT SAP and going through the evaluation process.
It is necessary for the driver so that they can go back to dot safety sensitive functions. The driver has to cooperate with the SAP throughout this step and follow their guidelines. This will also include the time you will spend getting the education prescribed by your SAP.
Once all that is done, you will be required to take tests after regular intervals.
Now, this is the part of the process that makes it lengthy. You will have to do-follow tests for 12 months or multiple years, depending on how the SAP evaluates you. However, you will be allowed to resume your duty throughout that and won't have to dedicate much time to the SAP program. How to get TEXAS Dot number .
Officially an SAP program lasts for six drug tests, all unannounced and taken at regular intervals throughout the first 12 months.
They can also recommend follow-up test programs that can last up to five years. However, if the driver fails a test even once throughout the procedure, they will have to start everything all over again. When to Update Your MCS-150
It is strictly recommended that you take precautions if you are going through an SAP program and avoid any sorts of mishaps to ensure that you don't have to repeat the entire procedure again.
Understanding DOT Return-To-Duty Process
As the name suggests, the return-to-duty process is a process through which a driver can lean back into their job and start driving again. Once you have got your first positive result, you will have to do the following:
- Removing the driver from safety-sensitive right away
- Get in touch with a qualified SAP to begin the initial evaluation
- Admit in an education or treatment program recommended by SAP
- Once the SAP has completed the evaluation and is positive, do another test for return-to-duty
If the driver fails the test again, they will put back on the safety-sensitive list and will have to repeat the process again. Contact us to know about MC Number Insurance Requirements .
Steps for DOT Return-To-Duty Process
Responding to DOT Volition
The first thing you need to do is respond to the DOT violation immediately and take all the necessary actions. As an employer, you must remove your driver from all the safety-sensitive functions and put them on hold for the time being. How To Request the DOT PIN Number .
Choosing an SAP
The next thing you need to do is make a list of qualified SAP available to your driver so that they can choose the one they are confident about. When you are showing the list to the driver, no fee is charged for that process. Check out DOT Authority Package .
Substance Abuse Professional Evaluation
The driver then meets with the Substance Abuse Professional they have chosen and starts working on their evaluation. Keep in mind; the employer is not bound to pay for their driver's SAP evaluation. However, if they see it suitable, they can pay on behalf of the driver. How to get USDOT number ?
Completing Treatment/Education
As mentioned above, to complete the Return-To-Duty process, the driver has to complete an SAP-advised treatment follow up testing or education program. The SAP will evaluate the driver and will recommend them programs keeping their condition and budget in mind.
If the driver is not happy with the suggested program, they can share reasons with their SAP and work things out. However, if the SAP deems the program necessary, then the driver must complete it to move to the next stage . The Complete DOT Audit Checklist .
SAP Evaluation 2
After the driver has completed the recommended program, they will have to go through a second evaluation. The SAP will see the program's results and will do another evaluation after meeting with the driver. The US federal government suspended the FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
If your evaluation report is positive, the SAP will recommend removing the driver from the safety-sensitive functions list and will push you towards the next step. However, if the SAP is not satisfied with your evaluation, they can ask you to work more on yourself, and you might also have to take part in more treatment or educational programs. Also check out FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule .
How Long Before You Get Report
Once the SAP has given the driver the green flag, they will need to make an official report. If you fail to get an official report from the SAP, then the evaluation didn't happen, and you are not on your road to resuming job functions. Visit also IFTA Sticker Registration .
In the report, the SAP will mention the programs you have completed or are still taking.
They will also write about your drug violation and what kind of tests you will have to do in the coming months. As per rules, you are required to take six unannounced tests within 12 months. The drug and alcohol testing process can last for as long as five years, depending on your results. Testing and aftercare included. Do you know how to register for a California DOT number .
The SAP is required to provide the report directly to the employer. Know about the basics of farm exemptions .
Return-To-Duty Test
Once the report has been created, the driver can get back to duty after completing a final drug test. This test is normally referred to as a return-to-duty test, and if it comes positive, the driver can resume their job.
Monitoring
Even when the driver is cleared, the employer must monitor them closely and make sure that they don't make the same mistake again. This includes taking random tests and time and making sure that there is nothing fishy going on. New York Highway Use Tax Registration
The tests can happen unannounced, and the driver doesn't have the right to say no to these if they want to keep their program intact.
