What is a SAP?
The SAP, or Substance Abuse Professional, is a specially qualified substance abuse clinician who plays a central role in the return to duty process of an employee who has tested positive for drugs or alcohol. The SAP is not an advocate for the employer or the employee. The SAP's overarching function is to protect the public interest of safety by professionally performing specific DOT mandated Return to Duty functions.
The DOT (Department of Transportation) has outlined qualification requirements for becoming a SAP:
- A SAP is a professional who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and who is licensed/certified as a physician, a psychologist, a social worker, or a drug and alcohol counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission (NAADAC), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) at the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) level or by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (ICRC).
- A SAP must take Qualification Training. Present SAPs must take a Qualification Training by December 31, 2003.
- A SAP must pass a Qualification Examination. Present SAPs must pass a Qualification Exam by December 31, 2003.
These are the areas of expertise for SAP qualification:
- The diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance-related disorders.
- The SAP functions in the DOT's regulation of safety-sensitive duties.
- Background, rationale and coverage of the DOT's drug and alcohol testing program.
- The 49 CFR Part 40 drug and alcohol testing rules
- Key DOT testing requirements, including collections, laboratory testing, MRO review and problems in drug testing.
- SAP qualifications and prohibitions.
- The role of the SAP in the return-to duty process, including the initial employee evaluation, referrals for education and/or treatment, the follow-up evaluation, continuing treatment recommendations and the follow-up testing plan.
- The SAP role in consulting with employers, MROs and treatment providers.
- Requirements for reporting, maintaining confidentiality and record keeping.
- Miscellaneous issues which confront the SAP in the course of evaluation and the return-to-duty process.
- A SAP must complete and document 12 hours of pertinent professional development training (continuing education) every three years.