DOT Substance Abuse Professional

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) first published Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules for safety-sensitive transportation workers in 1994. The rules identify Certified Employee Assistance Professionals (CEAPs), and five other types of professionals, as eligible to carry out the functions of a substance abuse professional (SAP) if the professional meets two other criteria provided in the rules. The SAP evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

A SAP is an advocate for neither the employer nor the employee. His/her recommendations protect the public safety in the event that the employee returns to the performance of safety-sensitive functions.

A DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional must be one of the following:

A licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
A licensed or certified social worker
A licensed or certified psychologist
A licensed or certified employee assistance professional
A state-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist
An alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified by NAADAC (National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission) or by ICRC (International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.

The DOT regulations also require that SAPs complete qualifying training and pass a nationally recognized examination. This Provider is listed in the EAP-SAP National Directory.

Interested Employers or their Designated Employer Representative may call or email for specifics and the referral process. DOT regulated individuals may call or email for confidential inquiry, explanation of the SAP process, fee structure, and to schedule an appointment.