If you're a commercial driver struggling with a prohibited status in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, it’s essential to understand the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process, a six-step journey that must be followed precisely to regain your commercial driving privileges. With the November 18, 2024 deadline for Clearinghouse Rule II approaching fast, any driver in prohibited status faces the risk of a CDL downgrade if steps are not completed. This blog explains each RTD step, highlights the importance of Clearinghouse Rule II, and details how our team at Life on the Road can support you in successfully completing this process.
Step-by-Step Guide to the FMCSA Return-to-Duty (RTD) Process
The RTD process is mandatory for drivers who have tested positive or refused a drug/alcohol test.
Here's a breakdown:
Find a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): The first step involves locating a reputable SAP to assess your situation. The SAP will conduct an evaluation and set up a treatment plan based on your specific needs. If you need help finding a trusted SAP, reach out to us for recommendations from our vetted network.
SAP Evaluation and Treatment Plan: During the evaluation, the SAP will determine what you need to do to complete the treatment. This can include online courses, in-person sessions, or outpatient treatments, depending on your assessment.
Complete the Treatment Plan: After the treatment, you move on to either finding an employer or partnering with a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) like us for further assistance.
Return-to-Duty Drug Screen: As a C/TPA, we can direct you to take your RTD drug screen, which will be an observed test (a person of the same sex will observe the specimen collection). Once you complete the RTD test, the results usually take 3-5 business days to process.
Clearinghouse Status Update: If the drug test result is negative, your status in the FMCSA Clearinghouse will change from “prohibited” (red) to “not prohibited” (green), indicating compliance and preventing any CDL downgrade.
Follow-Up Testing Plan: After obtaining a green status, drivers must adhere to a follow-up testing plan designed by the SAP. This plan, however, can only be administered by an employer with a DOT number, and C/TPAs cannot assist with this final step. You can however have this step performed while working under any DOT entity, ie. pipeline, coast guard, trucking, transit authority or FAA.
The Importance of FMCSA Clearinghouse Rule II
On November 18, 2024, Clearinghouse Rule II will require State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) to downgrade CDL privileges for any driver in prohibited status. This means that if you haven't completed the RTD process by this deadline, your CDL will be downgraded to a standard license, and you’ll lose the ability to drive commercially until all steps are finalized.
Many states are already implementing this rule.
As illustrated in recent FAQ updates from the Clearinghouse, SDLAs will prevent drivers from renewing, upgrading, or even maintaining their medical certificates if they are in prohibited status. Avoid this consequence by ensuring your status in the Clearinghouse is "not prohibited" before the November deadline.
How Life on the Road Can Help You
Navigating the RTD process can be challenging, especially if you're unsure of each step. Our team at Life on the Road specializes in managing step 5 for drivers who need a C/TPA to facilitate the RTD drug screen.
Here’s what we offer:
SAP Paperwork Retrieval: We contact your SAP to get the necessary paperwork and keep it on file for five years.
Clearinghouse Set-Up and Guidance: We walk you through designating our company as your C/TPA in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Return-to-Duty Drug Test Management: After completing all preliminary steps, we arrange for your RTD test, ensuring your results are uploaded promptly to lift the prohibited status.
For help or further information, contact our team:
Mrs. Jerri at (832) 384-5689
Julie at (832) 339-0790
Rae at (346) 706-4005
Main Line: (832) 572-5277
Or visit us at www.getoutofprohibited.com
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