If you’re a truck driver dealing with a CDL downgrade due to a violation in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, understanding the return-to-duty (RTD) process is important. A big part of getting back on the road is working with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). A SAP will guide you through the necessary steps to complete their part of the RTD process, including evaluating you, recommending treatment, and verifying that you’ve completed it. In this blog, we’ll explain what a SAP does, offer tips for choosing one, and provide key questions to ask before selecting your SAP.
What Is a SAP, and Why Do You Need One?
A SAP is a qualified professional who evaluates drivers who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. Their job is to complete steps 2,3 and 4 in the FMCSA's Return to Duty Process:
Conduct an initial evaluation.
Recommend a treatment or education plan tailored to your needs.
Monitor your progress and compliance with the plan.
Conduct an evaluation to determine if you’ve successfully completed the program.
Submit compliance or non-compliance reports to your employer or the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
If you don’t successfully complete the SAP’s requirements, your CDL/CLP will stay prohibited and you cannot return to a safety-sensitive role. Furthermore, with the Clearinghouse Rule II going into effect on November 18, 2024, drivers still in prohibited status may face CDL/CLP downgrades. This makes selecting the right SAP a vital step in reclaiming your CDL.
Tips for Choosing a SAP
Not all SAPs are the same. To make the process smoother and ensure you’re set up for success, keep the following tips in mind:
Check Credentials: Ensure the SAP is qualified and certified under DOT regulations. Only evaluations by qualified SAPs are valid in the RTD process.
Understand Costs: SAP services are not typically covered by insurance, and payment is often required upfront. Confirm all costs, including evaluation fees and additional charges for reports or follow-up tests. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, ask your SAP if they have payment plans.
Availability and Accessibility: Choose a SAP who can accommodate your schedule and has a process that works for you, whether it’s in-person or via telehealth options.
Reputation: Use Google and social media to look for reviews or ask for recommendations to find a SAP who has a history of helping drivers successfully complete the RTD process.
Clear Communication: Although the SAP cannot give you a timeline of how long the process will take, only work with a SAP who is transparent about the steps and requirements to avoid confusion.
Top Questions to Ask a SAP Before Designating Them in the Clearinghouse
To protect your time, money, and effort, ask these five questions before committing to a SAP:
What are your fees, do you require payment upfront, do you offer payment arrangements? Understand all associated costs, including follow-up evaluations and any additional charges.
Do you charge my employer for requesting my completion paperwork and follow-up testing plan? Some SAPs charge extra for these services, so it’s important to clarify upfront.
What is your process for submitting paperwork to my employer or C/TPA? How long does this typically take? When getting back to work, timelines can be very important. Understanding their process helps you to communicate it to your future employer or C/TPA.
Do you offer telehealth or virtual evaluations? If you live in a remote area, a SAP who offers virtual appointments may save you time and travel expenses.
What treatment options do you typically recommend? Understanding their approach can help you decide if their process aligns with your ability to complete the requirements.
Why the Right SAP Matters
A SAP isn’t just evaluating you—they are also helping decide whether you can safely return to work in the transportation industry. Choosing the right SAP ensures you have clear guidance and support throughout the process, reducing delays and avoiding misunderstandings.
Failing to complete the SAP process successfully can lead to further violations, additional expenses, and even termination. That’s why it’s crucial to pick a SAP who has your best interests in mind and is committed to helping you meet FMCSA requirements.
Need Help?
A SAP helps drivers complete steps 2, 3, and 4 of the RTD process. Once they send your paperwork to your consortium/third-party administrator in step 5, their role is complete. From there, your C/TPA will help schedule your return-to-duty test and update your Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status.
We understand how stressful the RTD process can be. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from finding a reputable SAP to ensuring your compliance is reported to the Clearinghouse. If you’re facing a CDL downgrade or need help navigating the SAP process, contact us today:
If you’ve completed the SAP process and need help returning to good standing, our Get Out of Prohibited team—a division of Life on the Road Recruiting and Transportation—is here to help. We’ll guide you through step 5 and ensure your CDL is updated to “not prohibited.”
Contact us today for assistance:
Mrs. Jerri: (832) 384-5689
Julie: (832) 339-0790
Rae: (346) 706-4005
Main Line: (832) 572-5277
Visit us at www.getoutofprohibited.com
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll share more tips to help drivers successfully complete Step 6, the Follow-up Testing plan in the RTD process and avoid common pitfalls. You’re not alone—our team is ready to support you!
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