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We assist 49 CFR Part 40 regulated employees and employers with the successful completion of the Return-to-Duty and Safety Sensitive Functions process.





Substance Abuse Professional Services (SAP)
as outlined in 49 CFR Part 40

FMCSA Clearinghouse


ATTENTION CDL Drivers: The FMCSA now has a driver database called the FMSCA Clearinghouse Database. You should have been informed about it as it went into effect on January 5, 2020. If you are not registered yet with the database and you have a violation you MUST register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse. The SAP Return to Duty process is now verified in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

CDL drivers can register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse here: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/About



According to the FMCSA: "The Clearinghouse contains information about drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL drivers) who are covered by FMCSA’s drug and alcohol program. This also includes drivers with commercial learner’s permits (CLPs)."


FMCSA Clearinghouse Instructions & Links
for Drivers and Employers

(Clicking the name of the document
will open the FMCSA related document)


  • Driver Registration Instructions: FMCSA Clearinghouse PDF document outlining the Driver Registration instructions.

  • The Return to Duty Infographic: FMCSA Clearinghouse Information Brochure PDF document outlining the 6 specific steps of the Return to Duty Process.

  • The Requirements and Instructions for Employer Reporting: The FMCSA Clearinghouse PDF document outlining the Employer Requirements for reporting during the Return to Duty process.

    *IMPORTANT* - Once the SAP places the "Eligible for a RTD Test Date" into the Clearinghouse (Step 4), EMPLOYERS are required by the FMCSA to order the RTD test and enter into the Clearinghouse that it had a negative result (Step 5). This moves the driver's status from "Prohibited From Driving" to being able to drive and perform safety sensitive functions. The FMCSA also requires the EMPLOYER to enter the date that the Follow Up Testing Plan has been completed (Step 6) into the Clearinghouse once the final drug test of the Follow Up Testing Plan is completed.

  • FMCSA Clearinghouse Fact Sheet: The FMCSA Clearinghouse Fact Sheet PDF document.

  • FMCSA Instructional Powerpoint: The FMCSA PowerPoint PDF document For CDL Drivers, Employers and C\TPA's

  • FMCSA Clearinghous Registration: FMCSA Clearinghous Website Registration Link for Drivers and Employers

  • FMCSA Clearinghouse FAQ: FMCSA Clearinghous Website Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page

  • FMCSA Clearinghouse Login: FMCSA Clearinghous Website Login Page - (click "Login" once you have registerd)





Coast Guard


ATTENTION Coast Guard regulated employees:


When the USCG suspends a certification or license, it usually requires a drug screen to be done randomly one time a month for 12 months before the license can be re-issued. This is part of the Coast Guard "Sweeny Cure process". Generally, this is NOT considered to be the SAP Follow Up Testing Plan which can ONLY be ordered and managed by the employer.


Additionally, each of the Coast Guard required 12 months of random drug tests must be DOT certified drug tests and performed by a DOT certified drug testing facility. These can usually be performed at Occupational Medicine Drug Testing facilities.


Employees that are required by the Coast Guard to have 12 months of random drug tests are instructed to ensure the following:

1) Contact a local Occupational Drug Testing facility in order to arrange these tests.

2) The test results can be provided to the employee for their records. The employee should maintain a record of all drug test results.

3) Once all 12 random DOT certified drug tests are completed, the employee can submit the results to the Coast Guard investigator working their case for review and confirmation.




The SAP does NOT perform DOT drug tests but can help serve as a resource to help the employee find an organization who meets the DOT certified drug testing facility requirements.

The SAP may require that a laboratory drug test be preformed in order to ensure a negative test result prior to completion of the SAP Return to Duty Process.




Non-DOT and DISA


Our SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) mission is to provide the professional services necessary to aid in the successful implementation of the SAP Return to Duty Process to safety sensitive employers & employees regulated by the Department of Transportation rule, 49 CFR Part 40 "Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs".

Some cases may not be "DOT" cases and may be "Non-DOT" as in the case of managed drug testing organizations such as "DISA".

DISA URINE DRUG TESTS: (For DOT and non-DOT) Cannabinoids can store in the body for an extended period of time. DISA will suspend persons who test positive on a RTD test for up to a period of 3 years.

For these reasons, and in order to attempt to ensure your protection, if you tested positive for Cannabinoids on a DISA UDS test you will most likely be required to submit a copy of a negative test result on a personal drug test performed by a lab, usually an Occupational Medicine testing company, before any RTD process completion paperwork will be sent to DISA.

Also, it is important to understand that DISA tests test more stringently than the DOT standard 50/15 ng/ml, so an employee can test negative on a DOT test but positive on a DISA test as the THC is working out of the system although there has been no new use. For this reason it is a good rule to wait as long as possible (typically 60 - 90 days) before taking a DISA return-to-duty test after the last exposure to Cannabinoids.






Federal Administrations covered under the DOT drugs and alcohol testing and Return-to-Duty Process:

(Clicking the name of the administration
will bring you to it's web site)

  • Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA)
    Drivers, mechanics, management drivers, who need a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and who drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). (49 CFR Part 382; Part 391 Subpart E)

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
    Each person who performs a safety-sensitive function directly or by contract (including by subcontract at any tier.) Those who perform duties as: flight crewmembers; flight attendant; flight instruction; aircraft dispatcher; aircraft maintenance or preventive maintenance; ground security coordinator; aviation screening; air traffic control. (14 CFR Part 121)

  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
    Locomotive engineers, trainmen, conductors, switchmen, locomotive hostlers/helpers, utility employees, signalmen, operators and train dispatchers, subject to Hours of Service Act and Co-Worker Report Policy. (49 CFR Part 19; Part 240)

  • Federal Transit Authority (FTA)
    Those who provide mass transportation service or which performs safety sensitive function for bus, electric bus, van, automobile, rail car, trolley car, trolley bus or vessel. (49 CFR Part 655)

  • United States Coast Guard (USCG)
    Employer, marine employer and crewmember on board a vessel who will navigate, steer, direct, manage or sail a vessel, or control, monitor, or maintain the vessel main or auxiliary equipment or systems. (49 CFRPart 16; Part 4)

  • Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
    Operators maintenance, emergency-response functions who are performing, ready to perform or immediately available to perform covered functions; owners or operators of pipeline facilities, including persons employed by operators, contractors, engaged by operators and persons employed by such contractors. (49 CFR Part 199)

  • Department of Transportation ODAPC Website (ODAPC)
    Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance; The Department of Transportation (DOT) rule, 49 CFR Part 40, describes required procedures for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for the Federally regulated transportation industry.




SAP Services


What is a SAP?

Disclaimer: A SAP is not employed by, nor has any employment affiliation with the Department of Transportation. A SAP is NOT "certified", "accredited" or "credentialed" by the Department of Transportation.

A SAP goes through a specific training and examination process as outlined by 49 CFR Part 40 to prove knowledge and competency in the skills necessary to assist employees and employers regulated by 49 CFR part 40. This training and examination process is required by the Department of Transportation in order for an SAP to provide these specific and regulated services. It is important to understand that a SAP is not "credentialed", "accredited" or "certified" by the Department of Transportation.

For more information on this matter please see section 281 of 49 CFR Part 40 (49 CFR Part 40.281) describing the requirements, training and examination requirements and responsibilities of a SAP, or see parts of this section on the right side of this page.




According to 49 CFR Part 40.281:

To be permitted to act as a SAP in the DOT drug and alcohol testing program, you must meet each of the requirements of this section:

(a) Credentials. You must have one of the following credentials:
  1. (1) You are a licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy);
  2. (2) You are a licensed or certified social worker;
  3. (3) You are a licensed or certified psychologist;
  4. (4) You are a licensed or certified employee assistance professional;
  5. (5) You are a state-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist; or
  6. (6) You are a drug and alcohol counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission (NAADAC); or by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (ICRC); or by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates/Master Addictions Counselor (NBCC).


A SAP is required to be knowledgeable about this part, the DOT agency regulations applicable to the employers for whom you evaluate employees, and the DOT SAP Guidelines, and you keep current on any changes to these materials.

c) Qualification training. You must receive qualification training meeting the requirements of this paragraph (c).

(1) Qualification training must provide instruction on the following subjects:

  1. (i) Background, rationale, and coverage of the Department's drug and alcohol testing program;
  2. (ii) 49 CFR Part 40 and DOT agency drug and alcohol testing rules;
  3. (iii) Key DOT drug testing requirements, including collections, laboratory testing, MRO review, and problems in drug testing;
  4. (iv) Key DOT alcohol testing requirements, including the testing process, the role of BATs and STTs, and problems in alcohol tests;
  5. (v) SAP qualifications and prohibitions;
  6. (vi) The role of the SAP in the return-to-duty process, including the initial employee evaluation, referrals for education and/or treatment, the follow-up evaluation, continuing treatment recommendations, and the follow-up testing plan;
  7. (vii) SAP consultation and communication with employers, MROs, and treatment providers;
  8. (viii) Reporting and recordkeeping requirements;
  9. (ix) Issues that SAPs confront in carrying out their duties under the program.


(2) Following your completion of qualification training under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, you must satisfactorily complete an examination administered by a nationally-recognized professional or training organization. The examination must comprehensively cover all the elements of qualification training listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.




In the late 1980's, the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) was established to advise the Secretary & DOT Agencies on drug enforcement and drug testing issues. As a result of the 1991 Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, ODAPC's role was expanded, and today, employers in aviation, trucking, railroad, transit, pipeline and maritime industries are covered by ODAPC regulations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) primary safety objective regarding substance abuse is to prevent alcohol and other controlled substance abusers from performing transportation safety sensitive functions.

To assist in the process, the substance abuse professional (SAP) is charged with duties important to the evaluation, referral and treatment of employees identified as being positive for alcohol and/or controlled substances or who have refused to be tested.

Disclaimer: A SAP is not employed by, nor has any employment affiliation with the Department of Transportation. A SAP is NOT "certified", "accredited" or "credentialed" by the Department of Transportation.

A SAP goes through a specific training and examination process as outlined by 49 CFR Part 40 to prove knowledge and competency in the skills necessary to assist employees and employers regulated by 49 CFR part 40. This training and examination process is required by the Department of Transportation in order for an SAP to provide these specific and regulated services. It is important to understand that a SAP is not "credentialed", "accredited" or "certified" by the Department of Transportation.



Return-To-Duty and Safety Sensitive Functions



Why is a SAP required?


Any employee regulated by 49 CFR part 40 who violates these regulations must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions, and may not be returned to any safety sensitive functions in the transportation industry until the DOT return-to-duty process is successfully completed.



When can an employee return to safety sensitive duties?


An employee who has violated one or more of the DOT regulations must receive a follow-up evaluation by the original SAP evaluator to be considered for return to duty status.

If the evaluator finds him in compliance with the treatment recommendations and deems him appropriate for consideration for safety sensitive duty, a recommendation may be made to the employer for consideration.

This recommendation only recommends that the employee has been found to be eligible for the employer to preform a Return-to-Duty Drug Test for the purspose of determining readiness for a return to safety sensitive duty. The SAP in no way recommends a return to employment which can only be decided by an employer.



Must employers give SAP referrals to applicants that test positive?


Yes, the DOT regulations mandate that employers provide a SAP referral to any employee performing duties in a safety sensitive position that test positive or violate the regulations.




The SAP has four primary functions:


  • The SAP must provide a comprehensive face-to-face assessment and clinical evaluation to determine what assistance, if any, the employee needs in resolving problems associated with prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse. Even though there is not a significant alcohol or drug problem or you just failed to show up at the test site. You will still have to complete some type of education.

  • The SAP must recommend a treatment or rehabilitation program as necessary and monitor the individual progress through the treatment program.

  • The SAP must determine when the individual has successfully completed the recommended treatment program through a face-to-face follow-up for compliance session and when they are ready to return to safety-sensitive duties.

  • The essential and primary function of the SAP is Public Safety. All clinical work and SAP recommendations for treatment or education are made in the interest of public safety.






The Steps of the SAP Return-to-Duty Process:



  1. Initial Evaluation: In-depth clinical evaluation and treatment recommendations, reported to the employer and/or federal administration. If the employee does not successfully complele the Initial Evaluation recommendations, the employee is not eligible to return to safety-sensitive functions.

  2. Referral / Recommended Course of Action: taking into account, the severity of need, work schedule, location and cost.

  3. Tracking: follows employees through treatment, or recommendations to ensure compliance and reports progress to employer.

  4. Follow-Up Evaluation: to determine if the employee has complied with the Substance Abuse Professional's recommendations. Follow-up testing and an after care plan may be scheduled at this point.

  5. Continuing Treatment / Aftercare Recommendation: when appropriate once the employee has returned to a safety-sensitive position.

  6. Follow-Up Testing Plan: (provided to the employer)
    Note: As defined and regulated in 49 CFR Part 40, the Follow-Up Testing Plan is provided to the employer, cannot be released to the employee and is implemented by the employer AFTER the employee is cleared by the SAP and returns to safety sensitive duty. The Follow Up Plan is NOT to be considered the same testing requirement of 12 months of random screening as often required by the USCG and is required to be implemented by the employer as outlined in 49 CFR Part 40.

  7. Return to Duty Drug Test (can only be ordered and documented by the employer)
    Note: As defined and regulated in 49 CFR Part 40, the employer must order a Return to Duty drug test after receiving the SAP RTD completion paperwork with the Follow Up Testing Plan for the purpose of establishing eligibility of returning to safety sensitive duty. The employee must test negative in order to be eligible to be reinstated to safety sensitive duty. All FMCSA employers MUST enter the negative test result date INTO THE CLEARINGHOUSE.

    - If the SAP reports that the employee has successfully complied with the recommendation, the employer will decide whether to arrange for a return-to-duty test for the employee. (The employer is not obligated to take the employee back.)

  8. Follow-Up Testing Plan Implementation (can only be perfomed and documented by the employer)
    As defined and regulated in 49 CFR Part 40, the employer must implement the Follow Up Testing Plan as prescribed by the SAP once the employee returns to safety sensistive duty for the purpose of verifying continued compliance with safety sensitive duty. All FMCSA employers MUST enter the date of the last Follow Up Test (completion date) INTO THE CLEARINGHOUSE.


Note: Substance abuse treatment (outpatient or inpatient) will ONLY be recommended if it is indicated and needed as determined by professional evaluative instruments and guidelines such as the ASAM PPC2 Criteria and DSM 5 severity scales. If treatment is not needed, then Drug/Alcohol Awareness education in the form of classes, counseling sessions and/or 12 step recovery meeting attendance will be more than likely required.








Note: An employee who has not successfully complied with the SAP's recommendation may not return to safety-sensitive functions for any DOT employer until the SAP's recommendations have been fully met and the employee is able to provide a negative return-to-duty test.





Providing (SAP) Return-to-Duty Services to employers & employees who are working or seeking employment in the Federally Regulated Transit, USCG Merchant Marine & Marine Services, Trucking, Towing, Aviation, Railway, Safety, Oilfield, Fabrications and Offshore industries.

Click here for Contact Information


Serving all of Acadiana (South Louisiana)
including the following areas and areas surrounding them:

Locations Served:

Serving ALL of Acadiana & South Louisiana. We travel to work with clients in and around most parishes and cities in South Louisiana, including Coastal Louisiana and Industrial Plants along the Mississippi River.

  • Thibodaux, Lockport, Raceland, Houma, Morgan City, Pierre Part, Belle Rose

  • Galliano, Luling, Kenner, Norco, New Orleans, Gretna, Marerro, Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Sorrento

  • Port Fourchon, Grand Isle, St. Martinville, New Iberia, Lafayette


  • Baton Rouge, LA 70808

  • New Orleans, LA 70114

  • Houma, LA 70363

  • Morgan City, 70380

  • Lafayette, LA 70501









*This information is meant as a quick reference to various important information and is not intended as a comprehensive list of all situations or expectations for employees covered under 49 CFR Part 40. For complete information refer to Federal Register Part II, Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 40.




    What is the Return-to-Duty Process?

  • The DOT SAP return-to-duty process is explained here. The process itself can be lengthy and involved if ongoing treatment for substance abuse is indicated. An employee who has been removed from duty because of a violation must successfully complete this process before he/she can be considered for return to duty or be hired by a different DOT-covered employer.

    When is the Return-to-Duty Process necessary?

  • Federal Department of Transportation Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules: Department of Transportation regulations require that any safety-sensitive individual who refuses a test can not provide the specimen in a timely manner, tests positive for drugs, or has a breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater must be immediately removed from duty and referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

  • A positive test is a violation. A refusal to be tested is also a violation, as well as number of other things that are prohibited by DOT. For a full explanation of DOT rules and regulations, please visit their website.

  • When an employee has a positive test or refuses to be tested or has one of the other violations, DOT requires the employer to immediately remove that employee from safety-sensitive functions. An employer who allows an employee with a violation to continue performing safety-sensitive functions is subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day.

  • An employee who has a violation has two options.

  • He/she can find another job, outside of the transportation industry.

    or

  • He/she can be considered for returning to safety-sensitive functions in the transportation industry, but only after successfully completing the DOT return-to-duty process, and then providing a negative result on a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol testing.

  • The return-to-duty process requires involvement of a qualified and trained Substance Abuse Professional, or a SAP.


The Process at a "Glance":


  • Face-to-face initial clinical evaluation of the employee.

  • SAP sends report to the employer, specifying the SAP's recommendation for treatment and/or education.

  • The SAP monitors the employee progress in the recommended program of treatment and/or education.

  • When the SAP feels that the employee has made sufficient progress, the SAP will schedule a follow-up evaluation for the employee.

  • Based on the follow-up evaluation, the SAP will report to the employer that the employee has successfully complied with the SAP's recommendation (or that the employee has not complied.)



    - If the SAP reports that the employee has successfully complied with the recommendation, the employer will decide whether to arrange for a return-to-duty test for the employee. (The employer is not obligated to take the employee back.)

    - If the employee has not successfully complied with the Initial Evaluation recommendations, the employee is not eligible to return to safety-sensitive functions.







Review contact and service information below:



Click here for Contact Information

Click here for profile on: www.saplist.com

Click here for Information Brochure

Click here for Information Flyer



Click here for Business Card







Addiction Professionals of Louisiana

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