What is a SAP evaluation?
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a clinician who has completed specialized training and testing required by the U.S. Department of Transportation. When an employee in a safety-sensitive position violates DOT drug and alcohol regulations, a positive test, a refusal to test, or another violation under 49 CFR Part 40, only a qualified SAP can perform the evaluation required before that employee can be considered for return to duty.
The SAP doesn’t advocate for the employer or the employee. The SAP’s role is to protect public safety by professionally evaluating the employee and recommending appropriate education and/or treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. At Mana Life Counseling, SAP services are provided by Heather Dick, LCSW, a Certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with over 20 years of clinical experience.
Who needs a SAP evaluation?
DOT regulations cover employees in safety-sensitive functions across the transportation industry, including:
- CDL and truck drivers: operators of commercial motor vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR, vehicles designed for 16+ occupants, or placarded hazmat vehicles (FMCSA)
- School bus drivers and passenger transport drivers
- Rail workers: locomotive engineers, conductors, trainmen, switchmen, dispatchers, signalmen (FRA)
- Aviation employees: flight crews, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, dispatchers, air traffic control, screeners (FAA)
- Pipeline workers: operations, maintenance, and emergency response on pipeline or LNG facilities (PHMSA)
- Maritime workers: mariners operating under a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document (USCG)
