Everything You Should Know About Substance Abuse Professionals
Summary: Well, it is fully a public safety mission and ensures the employee is back to their safety and sensitive duties. This temporary guidance had been issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified DOT needs to maintain a specific qualification that is mandated to 49 CFR Part 40. The credential team ensures the documentation and examination are thoroughly followed.
DOT Substance Abuse Professional or SAP evaluates the employees who have violated alcohol program regulations and use DOT drugs. They make recommendations for the concerning treatment and follow-up testing. The process is a face-to-face clinical assessment of an individual.
This article points out the most critical things you should know about SAP and their responsibilities.
How The Test Is Conducted?
If you find a DOT Substance Abuse Professional Near me, the professional would determine what exactly they need to resolve the issue. Well, it is also important to analyze the physical cues relevant to the evaluation process. During the evaluation, a SAP would determine if the employee has any problem or addiction.
The process is done through standardized testing, collection of information, and current history of using alcohol or drugs. It includes: accessing tremors, dilated pupils, yellow eyes, lack of eye contact, needle marks, exaggerated movements, and glazed or bloodshot eyes.
The alcohol and drug consumption history includes the frequency, amount, duration, and emotional and physical characteristics of the use. Once an employee is found, attention will be placed on the rule violation. Other information obtained from the evaluation is the problem with health, work, family, personal, and interpersonal problems that lead them to their current mental status.
After the evaluation, a treatment plan would be determined. Some of the recommendations are based on the evaluation of in-patient treatment, education programs, aftercare, and outpatient treatment. The report provided to the employee can't be charged by any third party. In fact, employers are prohibited from seeking a reevaluation to obtain another recommendation. However, the follow-up evaluation would be provided to the employer on the basis of the clinical records.
On the other hand, the SAP would consult with the employee if they successfully demonstrated compliance with the treatment. In fact, follow-up treatment would be administrated to continue the support of the recovering employee. The frequency of the testing depends on what the SAP presents to the employer.
Why Do You Need A DOT Substance Abuse Professional?
DOT SAP acts as a neutral party and it is not related to deciding if the employee should be terminated or hired. This evaluation is done to maintain the company policy. They assess the employee clinically and evaluate all the factors to provide personalized treatment or education with the DOT protocol.
