SAP (Substance Abuse Professional)

A qualified professional who evaluates employees who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations and recommends treatment.

Key Facts

  • DOT-qualified clinical evaluator (not a treatment provider)
  • Initial and follow-up evaluations are required after a violation
  • Prescribes minimum 12 months of follow-up testing
  • Employee typically pays for SAP evaluation unless employer covers it

A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a licensed or certified professional (physician, psychologist, social worker, counselor, or EAP professional) who has completed SAP-specific training. Under 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart O, the SAP conducts face-to-face clinical assessments, recommends education and/or treatment, and conducts follow-up evaluations to determine if the employee has complied with recommendations. Only after the SAP provides a return-to-duty recommendation can the employee take a return-to-duty test.

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