Q & A 

What is SAP?

• ​ A Substance Abuse Professional has met the specific credentials, qualifications and passed the qualification exam of the Department of Transportation (DOT). 
• 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.
• SAPs are Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists or Master Addiction Counselors certified by NAADAC.
• SAPs understand the DOT CFR 49, Part 40.
• SAPs are knowledgeable with regards to diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and other drug.

What does a Dept. of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Do?

• Conducts a face-to-face initial employee evaluation and clinical assessment to determine the level of assistance needed to resolve the substance issues.
• ​Recommends and refers the employee to an appropriate education and/or treatment program.
• ​Monitors the employee's progress while in treatment.
• Conducts a face-to-face follow-up evaluation to determine if the employee has fully and successfully complied with the recommendations and treatment plan of the SAP.
• Provides the Designated Employer Representative (DER) a follow-up evaluation with a drug and/or alcohol testing plan for up to five years.
• ​Provides the employer and employee with recommendations concerning education and/or treatment.​

​Who is your parent company?

Answer: The DOT SAP Assessment is a service provided by Pathways Mental Health Services (PMHS). We are one of the few Department of Transportation qualified, substance abuse professional (SAP) provider in Olympia, Washington Area. Please visit our main website (www.pathwaysmhs.org) for more information. 
​
I have a WA Commercial Driver’s License and was told by DOL that I need a SAP Assessment. 

Answer: Yes, they are correct. You will need a SAP assessment to  re-qualify for a WA CDL.  You will  also need to provide evidence that you have successfully completed or  participated in an approved alcohol or drug treatment and/or education as  recommended by SAP. 
​
What are the requirements for Washington State Chauffeurs and Limousine Drivers?

Answers:

• Drivers are required to participate in mandatory drug and alcohol testing.  Any driver, who fails a drug or alcohol test, refuses to test or to report for testing is disqualified from driving with the company per WAC 308-83-150.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 308-83-151, states that for the driver to be reinstated after disqualification or be hired by a different employer within the industry, the individual must meet with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) qualified under 49 CFR 40 and successfully complete the requirements recommended by the SAP.                                            

​​
What is the fee for the SAP evaluation?
Answers:

• Please call our office so that we could let you know.
• The fee is up-front and must be paid in full, 2 days before the SAP assessment. We accept most major credit or debit cards and cash. We do not accept check.
• If you schedule an appointment and no-show, you will be charge with a No-Show fee of $65.00 times 2 as the appointment is for 2 hours.
• The SAP assessment is a 1-2 hour block of time. 

How do I set up an appointment?
Answers: 

• Designate and select Arthur Tolentino as your SAP at the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
• You will need to go to the US DOT FMSCA - https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/ 
• Dr. Art Tolentino is a qualified DOT SAP who conducts SAP evaluation for the States of WA, FL, HI, IA, OR, MN, SC, and TX. 
• Call our office location. See the phone number below. 

             Email: ​ PMHS Admin
             Text:   360-777- 7284
​             Phone:  360-799-5782
             Toll Free: 1-888-617-699

• Complete our SAP Forms online or at our Olympia, WA clinic.
• Pay the SAP assessment fee. 
• Sign a release of information for your work and write down the DER - Designated Employer Representative. 
• Send us your Driving Abstract. You will need to go to your respective Department of Licensing or Dept. of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website. 
• Send us your positive drug or Alcohol test lab result. 

Set up your appointment (click here)