What is Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)?

~ A Substance Abuse Professional possesses specific credentials,  qualifications, and has passed the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) qualification exam.

~ The SAP evaluates employees who have violated a  DOT drug and  alcohol regulation and makes recommendations to the employer  concerning education, treatment, continuing care for the employee, and  follow-up  testing.

~ SAP’s function is to protect the  public interest  and safety by  professionally evaluating the person and  recommending  appropriate education  and/or treatment, follow-up, and after  care.

~  SAPs understand the DOT Regulation CFR 49, Part  40.

~ SAPs are  knowledgeable with regards to diagnosis and  treatment of  disorders revolving around the use of alcohol and other  substances.

~ A SAP is the only  certified professional who can conduct  the  assessment under the DOT regulations. SAP’s recommendations are final  and you  cannot get a second  opinion.

~  Many Chemical Dependency professionals in Washington State  are  unfamiliar  with a SAP evaluation.

~ Evaluations performed by an  unqualified SAP will not be accepted  by DOT. This will delay your return to  work and fines may be imposed on any  employer who utilized a non-qualified professional in the return-to-duty  process.