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Employee Resources
How Do I Get Back to Work?
If you’ve tested positive, refused a test, or had another DOT drug and alcohol violation, you’ve been removed from safety-sensitive duty. To return, you must complete the DOT return-to-duty process with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Your DOT SAP will:
- Conduct an initial evaluation
- Recommend education and/or treatment based on your individual needs
- Send the evaluation report to your employer’s Designated Employer Representative (DER)
- Conduct a follow-up evaluation to confirm you completed the recommendation
- Give your employer a follow-up testing plan
What Does a DOT SAP Do?
A DOT Substance Abuse Professional is a licensed clinician qualified under 49 CFR Part 40 to evaluate employees who have violated DOT drug and alcohol rules. The DOT SAP’s role is to protect public safety by making sure you are ready to return to safety-sensitive work.
A DOT SAP does not decide whether you keep your job or are rehired. That decision belongs to your employer. The DOT SAP’s job is to assess your situation and recommend the education or treatment you need.
Evaluations at TCS are conducted by Charmaine Nalty, LCSW-C, a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional who maintains the training, exam, and continuing education DOT requires.
How Do I Get Started?
Getting started takes three steps.
Step 1: Call (443) 560-0922 to schedule your evaluation.
Step 2: PAY ONLINE
Step 3 (CDL drivers): Designate your DOT SAP in the FMCSA CLEARINGHOUSE
What Is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database of drug and alcohol program violations for commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders. It has been in effect since January 6, 2020.
As a CDL or CLP holder, you’ll need to register in the Clearinghouse to designate your DOT SAP, view your own record, and give electronic consent when an employer runs a full query, including a pre-employment query. If you don’t give consent, you can’t perform safety-sensitive functions for that employer.
Since November 18, 2024, state licensing agencies must remove the commercial driving privilege from drivers whose Clearinghouse status is “prohibited.” Your status changes once you complete the return-to-duty process, including a negative return-to-duty test.
FMCSA CLEARINGHOUSE DRIVER RESOURCES
After You Return to Work
Once you’re back on the job, you’ll be subject to unannounced follow-up testing set by your DOT SAP: at least six directly observed tests in the first 12 months, and testing can continue for up to five years. Your follow-up testing plan stays with you if you change DOT-regulated employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A DOT drug or alcohol violation makes you ineligible for safety-sensitive work with any DOT-regulated employer until you complete the return-to-duty process, whether or not you keep your current job.
No. A verified positive result or a refusal can’t be undone by testing again. If you believe a positive drug test is wrong, talk with the Medical Review Officer (MRO) about testing your split specimen. You must request it within 72 hours of the MRO telling you about the result.
No. DOT rules don’t allow you to see a different DOT SAP to get a different recommendation. You must follow the recommendation of the DOT SAP who evaluated you.
It depends on your recommendation. Education may take a few weeks, and treatment may take longer. Once you finish, you’ll complete a follow-up evaluation, and your employer will schedule a return-to-duty test.
DOT doesn’t require employers to pay. Some employers cover the cost and some don’t, depending on company policy or a labor agreement. Our DOT SAP fee is $550, which includes both the initial and follow-up evaluations.
Yes. Before returning to safety-sensitive work, you must have a negative return-to-duty test. Drug tests are directly observed, and alcohol tests must show a concentration below 0.02. Unannounced follow-up testing begins after you return.
A violation stays in the Clearinghouse for five years from the date of the violation, or until you complete the return-to-duty process and your follow-up testing, whichever is later.
The Clearinghouse covers only FMCSA-regulated CDL and CLP holders. If you work under FAA, FTA, FRA, PHMSA, or USCG rules, you still must complete the same return-to-duty process under 49 CFR Part 40.
Additional Resources
Find links to federal agencies, recovery support groups, and other helpful organizations.
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to start your return-to-duty process? Call (443) 560-0922 or request an appointment, and we'll help you take the next step.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT