FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions Answered
Below you’ll find answers to some of the more common questions I’ve received. If you feel like you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to contact me for more information.
I FAILED A DRUG TEST OR REFUSED ONE. NOW WHAT?
If you violate a Department of Transportation drug or alcohol regulation, you will need to complete the return-to-duty process before being eligible to go back to work.
Until you complete this RTD process, you are subject to federal civil and criminal penalties.
WHAT IS THE RETURN-TO-DUTY PROCESS?
Before you can return to a DOT safety-sensitive position, you must successfully complete a return-to-duty process.
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) will have to:
Conduct a thorough assessment
Recommend a required plan of treatment and/or education
Send a report to your employer about that recommendation
Monitor your progress through that plan
Conduct a follow-up evaluation, to verify that you completed the recommendation and that it was successful
If the SAP determines the treatment was successful, the SAP will send a report of compliance to your employer. Your employer (or a future employer) can then order a return-to-duty test, which must be negative. (The specimen collection will be observed).
If your return-to-duty test is positive, you will have a new violation. You will be required to start over with another assessment, and another recommendation for treatment.
If the SAP determines that you didn’t cooperate with the treatment plan, or that you didn’t participate appropriately, the SAP will send a report of non-compliance to your employer, and you will have to continue with the program.
If you return to work, you will be subject to follow-up testing.
The SAP must set up a follow-up testing plan of no fewer than 6 unannounced tests, over at least 12 months. However, the SAP could require any number of tests, over 60 months. The specimen collection will be observed.
I AM A FMCSA DRIVE; WHAT IS CLEARINGHOUSE?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a national computerized database. Starting in 2020, all violations must be recorded on the Clearinghouse. A violation will remain on the Clearinghouse for at least 5 years, or until the driver has completed the SAP’s follow-up testing plan, whichever is later.
All FMCSA employers are required to check an applicant’s record on the Clearinghouse. An employer cannot hire a driver/applicant until a SAP indicates that the driver has successfully complied with the SAP’s treatment recommendation.
DO I HAVE TO SEE A SAP IF I HAVE A VIOLATION?
Yes. The DOT requires that a qualified and trained SAP evaluate every employee with a DOT violation.
CAN I BE EVALUATED BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A SAP?
No. An employer cannot accept recommendations from anyone who is not a qualified SAP.
CAN I JUST GO SEE A THERAPIST OR TREATMENT CENTER ON MY OWN?
The DOT requires you to go to a SAP for an evaluation. If the SAP determines that you require a treatment plan other than what you may have had in a treatment center, you will have to comply with the SAP’s recommendation before you can be considered for return to safety-sensitive functions in the transportation industry.
WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR MY SAP SERVICES?
DOT does not specify who is responsible for the cost of SAP services. Some employers pay for them, or have arranged for SAP services to be covered by an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). But many employers require their employees to pay for SAP services. Your employer’s written policy should indicate whether they will pay, or if it’s your responsibility. If you’re not sure who will pay, ask your employer.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
$400; which is broken up into two payments of $200 at your initial evaluation, and $200 at your follow up evaluation.
Veterans receive a 20% discount with proof of service provided.
You will also need to budget to pay for the recommendations given and your follow up drug test. More details will be explained during your phone or email consultation.
In some cases, if your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), this may cover SAP fees. In other cases, you will need to pay. Ask your employer for details.
Health insurance typically doesn’t cover SAP assessments or follow-up appointments.
Megan accepts payment via cash or credit card.
HOW LONG WILL THIS PROCESS TAKE?
It depends on the treatment plan that Megan provides, and how well you comply with it. Typically, the process takes between a few weeks; but depending on your needs, may take longer.