Ralph Melancon, SAP


Return-to-Duty (RTD) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Support

Guidance & evaluation for employees regulated under 49 CFR Part 40

Disclaimer

The information listed on this site is meant to assist 49 CFR Part 40 regulated employees and employers with the information necessary to aide in the successful completion of the Return-to-Duty and Safety Sensitive Functions process. 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 here: Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs

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

What Is a SAP?

A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) assists safety-sensitive employees and employers through the DOT Return-to-Duty process. SAPs must have approved credentials and training to evaluate, educate, and recommend treatment, education or counseling as required by 49 CFR Part 40 regulations.

Return-To-Duty (RTD) Process

After a drug or alcohol testing violation (postive, self admissiion or refusal), employees must complete a SAP evaluation and any recommended treatment before they can be considered by an employer for a Return-to-Duty drug test and return to safety sensitive duty. The SAP plays a key role in guiding the employee through this process.

Steps of the RTD Process

RED = PROHIBITED FROM WORKING IN A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION
GREEN = ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

    Steps Listed Below are the Responsibilities of the SAP

  1. Initial clinical evaluation by a SAP
  2. Treatment or education recommendations
  3. Verification of treatment completion
  4. Follow-up evaluation and RTD testing
  5. SAP paperwork & Follow-up Testing Plan sent to employer

    6. Steps Listed Below are the Responsibilities of the EMPLOYER

  6. Order and perform a Return-to-Duty Drug Test (RTD Test)
  7. Implement Follow-up Testing Plan as prescribed by the SAP

Contact

Email: ramel521@yahoo.com