For drivers and employers navigating a DOT drug/alcohol violation — a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional evaluation, explained step by step.
Per FMCSA Clearinghouse guidance — six steps from SAP selection to a cleared return to safety-sensitive duty.
Your employer gives you a list of DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals, or you research and choose one independently — like Ky Washington.
Your employer initiates contact with the SAP you've chosen.
The SAP evaluates you and prescribes education and/or treatment. After you complete it, the SAP re-evaluates you and builds your follow-up testing plan.
Your SAP confirms in writing that you meet the criteria to take a return-to-duty test.
Your employer (or a C/TPA, for owner-operators) executes the SAP's follow-up testing schedule over the prescribed period.
A negative result means you are no longer prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions — you're cleared to return to duty.
Employers share responsibility for following the Return-to-Duty process correctly — here is what FMCSA expects.
A SAP is a specially trained clinician who evaluates DOT-regulated employees after a positive drug/alcohol test or test refusal, and recommends education, treatment, and follow-up testing before a return to safety-sensitive duty.
Any employee who tests positive or refuses a DOT-mandated test must complete a SAP evaluation before resuming safety-sensitive functions, per 49 CFR Part 40.
Yes — DOT-approved telehealth evaluations are available nationwide through a secure, confidential online platform.
Yes — New Concepts in Recovery offers services in both English and Spanish.
Call or text (619) 829-7899 for current rates. Cash and PayPal are accepted, and a free 15-minute phone consultation is available before you book.
Per FMCSA Clearinghouse: (1) your employer gives you a list of qualified SAPs and you choose one; (2) the employer sends the SAP request; (3) the SAP completes your initial assessment and prescribes education/treatment, then re-evaluates you afterward and sets a follow-up testing plan; (4) the SAP determines you’re eligible for return-to-duty testing; (5) your employer carries out the follow-up testing plan; (6) you take the RTD test — a negative result means you’re no longer prohibited from safety-sensitive duties.
Same-day and evening appointments available. Prefer to talk first? Call or text (619) 829-7899.
A plain-English, step-by-step walkthrough sourced from FMCSA Clearinghouse guidance.
More recovery, compliance, and DOT guides are added regularly.