Steps Included In The DOT Return To Duty Process.


When an employee fails a drug test or refuses to take it, he or she has to follow a series of steps. This whole process is termed as DOT Return To Duty Process. Once an employee completes the steps he or she can return to safety-sensitive functions offered by the previous employer or a new employer. The process is not as easy as it sounds and can be expensive but the condition is, you must find the right service provider for that. With that being said, let's take a look at the five steps of the DOT return to duty process. 

Step 1

The first of the evaluation is being evaluated by the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). He or she evaluates the person that has failed the drug test or refused to take it just to suggest the right treatment for it. The professional can order counseling sessions, medical therapy, or anything else that is beneficial for the employee or the ex-employee of a particular company.

Step 2

The second step is the treatment or education the individual has to take which was ordered by the SAP. In the treatment, the employee gets the aftercare services that also include medication as well. In education, the employee may be asked to participate in self-help groups, community lectures, and other courses related to the consumption of alcohol/drugs.

Step 3

The third step is basically the follow-up to the evaluation recommended by the SAP. The time period that lies between the two steps is the time taken to finish the education or treatment suggested by the SAP. The SAP will forward the report to the DER and the DER will use the report to reinstate the individual's condition. Until the treatment is completed, the next step in the DOT SAP program cannot take place.

Step 4

In the fourth step, an individual who applies for a DOT physical will have to take a drug/alcohol screening test. The employer that is involved in the process determines whether or not individuals undergo alcohol, drug testing, or both tests, depending on the situation. An effective method to return those who’ve been suspended is through getting them at the right place and making sure they are not under any substance abuse before letting them into their job environment again. However, no matter how clean they may seem to be during and after the program, that doesn’t grant automatic permission by employers to let these people return to work.

Step 5

The final step is follow-up testing in which the employee has to go through at least six follow-up tests to ensure that he or she is not under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The employee has to follow this for at least 12 months and only then he or she can be allowed to work in peace.

If you're been suggested to take a DOT Substance Abuse Program, affordable-evaluations.com can help you. They provide alcohol and drug assessments online for all companies located in the 50 states of America. Their professional service and accurate results will definitely help you in returning to work as soon as possible.  


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