SAP Evaluations

The Role: A neutral evaluator who represents neither the employer nor the employee, with the primary legal mission of protecting public safety. [1, 2]

Not a Rehab Center: The SAP acts as a clinical gatekeeper or case manager. They diagnose and prescribe a path forward, but they typically do not provide the ongoing therapy or rehab classes themselves (they refer you to outside providers). [1, 2, 3]

A SAP evaluation is a federally mandated clinical assessment used to determine the extent of an employee's substance use and prescribe the necessary education, treatment, aftercare, and follow-up testing before they can return to safety-sensitive duties. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

No, your SAP will not drug test you. However, depending on their evaluation, they may refer you for testing.

If your employer decides to take you back, and if you have a negative return-to-duty test, you will be subject to follow-up testing. There must be at least 6 unannounced follow-up tests in the first year, but any number of tests can be required. The testing period can also extend to five years.

DOT requires that the follow-up testing schedule (when, how often, and how many years) must be confidential. Neither the SAP nor your employer is permitted to share this testing plan with you.

The fee for the SAP services (2 evaluations, treatment plan + revisions as needed, treatment monitoring, final recommendations), for initial violations begin at $375

That depends on the treatment recommendation & your own progress in complying with the recommendation. Your progress will be monitored with regular check ups with your treatment provider. Once sufficient progress has been made, you will be called to schedule a clinical Follow-Up Evaluation.  If you are making little or no progress, or if your participation in your program is minimal, the SAP will be unable to schedule the Follow-Up Evaluation