Return-to-duty support
DOT SAP evaluations
A violation of a U.S. Department of Transportation drug or alcohol regulation can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the return-to-duty process without guidance. Evolve & Empower Counseling provides professional DOT Substance Abuse Professional evaluations to help employees understand and complete the federally required SAP process.
Who needs an evaluation
When a DOT SAP evaluation is required
A DOT SAP evaluation is required when an employee violates a DOT drug or alcohol testing regulation and wants to become eligible to return to a DOT safety-sensitive position. A violation may include:
A verified positive DOT drug test
A DOT alcohol test result of 0.04 or higher
Refusing to complete a required DOT drug or alcohol test
Substituting or adulterating a specimen
Employees may include commercial drivers and other individuals working in safety-sensitive positions regulated by:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Transit Administration
The role of a SAP
What is a DOT Substance Abuse Professional?
A Substance Abuse Professional, commonly called a SAP, evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug or alcohol regulation and makes individualized recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and continuing care when appropriate.
The SAP ensures public safety through objective evaluation, without representing either party or guaranteeing re-employment.
Step by step
The DOT return-to-duty process
Six defined stages carry an employee from initial evaluation through eligibility to return to safety-sensitive duty.
Initial SAP evaluation
The process begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment. The SAP reviews the circumstances surrounding the DOT violation, relevant history, current needs, and other information necessary to make an individualized recommendation. Virtual evaluations are conducted through secure, real-time audio and video technology when permitted by applicable licensing requirements.
Completion of the recommendation
The employee must actively participate in and successfully complete the education and/or treatment requirements. The SAP obtains appropriate documentation and may communicate with the program to evaluate the employee's participation and progress.
Follow-up SAP evaluation
After completing the recommended requirements, the employee returns to the same SAP for a follow-up evaluation to determine whether successful compliance has been demonstrated. If so, the SAP provides the required written report directly to the employer's Designated Employer Representative.
Return-to-duty test
Successful completion of the SAP process allows the employee to proceed to a directly observed return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test. The employer determines whether the employee is returned to a safety-sensitive position, and a negative result is required before resuming safety-sensitive duties.
For CDL and CLP holders
FMCSA Clearinghouse information
FMCSA-regulated drivers may also need to use the Clearinghouse for return-to-duty steps.
The employee designates the SAP in the Clearinghouse. While the SAP records completion details, employers report test results. These rules apply specifically to FMCSA-regulated employees.
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations
Available across 15 licensed jurisdictions
Evolve & Empower Counseling offers virtual DOT SAP evaluations through secure, real-time video appointments. Virtual services are available to eligible employees who are physically located in one of the following jurisdictions at the time of the appointment. Services are subject to professional licensing requirements, applicable DOT regulations, technology requirements, and the circumstances of the individual case.
Alabama
Georgia
Maryland
New York
Rhode Island
California
Hawaii
Massachusetts
North Carolina
South Carolina
District of Columbia
Illinois
Michigan
Oregon
Washington
Why choose Evolve & Empower Counseling
Guidance you can rely on
Individualized recommendations
Guidance based on each employee's specific needs and circumstances.
Direct DER communication
Required reports are provided directly to the employer's Designated Employer Representative.
Secure virtual appointments
Real-time audio and video technology for confidential evaluations.
Availability across 15 jurisdictions
Virtual access for eligible employees in a wide range of licensed states.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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Please have a valid photo ID, information about the DOT violation, your employer or former employer's contact information, the name and contact information of the DER, and any documents related to the violation. FMCSA-regulated drivers should also have their Clearinghouse information available.
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Yes, virtual evaluations may be available when permitted by the SAP's professional license and applicable DOT regulations. The appointment must include real-time audio and video interaction of sufficient quality to conduct a comprehensive evaluation securely.
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The length of the process depends on the employee's individual evaluation and the education or treatment recommendation. A completion date cannot be estimated or guaranteed before the initial evaluation is conducted.
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DOT regulations generally prohibit an employee from obtaining a second SAP evaluation simply to receive a different recommendation. The SAP who completed the initial evaluation is normally responsible for conducting the follow-up evaluation.
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No. The SAP determines whether the employee has demonstrated successful compliance with the recommended education and/or treatment. The employer decides whether to hire, rehire, or return the employee to a safety-sensitive position.
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No. The SAP does not conduct the return-to-duty test. After the employee demonstrates successful compliance, the employer arranges the required directly observed return-to-duty test.
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Education or treatment is generally provided by a separate qualified program or professional based on the SAP's individualized recommendation. The SAP will explain the requirements and assist with an appropriate referral.
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DOT regulations require at least six unannounced follow-up tests during the first 12 months of safety-sensitive duty. The SAP may require additional testing for up to five years based on the employee's individualized needs. Testing dates are determined by the employer and are not disclosed to the employee in advance.
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Fees are not displayed on this page. Please submit an appointment request or call the referral line at 770-648-3367 for current information.
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Yes. An employee may complete the SAP return-to-duty process even if no longer employed by the company where the violation occurred. Completion does not guarantee employment or placement in a safety-sensitive position.
Ready to begin the DOT SAP process?
Take the first step toward completing your DOT return-to-duty requirements. Request an appointment online or contact our referral line for additional information.