DOT SAP Services for Employers and Designated Employer Representatives (DERs)
When an employee has a DOT drug or alcohol violation, they need a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before they can return to safety-sensitive duty. DrugEval.com provides initial and follow-up SAP evaluations by secure telehealth, with clear documentation for your DER and consortium/TPA.
No referral is needed. Employees book the first appointment directly on our website.
The short answer for DERs and DOT employers
After a DOT violation, the employee must complete the SAP process before returning to safety-sensitive work: an initial SAP evaluation, completion of the SAP’s recommendations, a follow-up SAP evaluation, and a negative return-to-duty (RTD) test.
You do not need to refer the employee to us. Point them to our homepage or our DOT SAP page, where they can book the first appointment. Your DER then receives the SAP’s reports as DOT rules require.
DOT Violations That Require a SAP
Under 49 CFR Part 40 and the rules of each DOT agency, an employee cannot perform safety-sensitive functions after a violation until the SAP process is complete. Common violations include:
- A verified positive drug test (confirmed by a Medical Review Officer)
- An alcohol test of 0.04 or higher
- A refusal to test, including failing to appear or leave a specimen
- An adulterated or substituted specimen
- Other violations of DOT drug and alcohol testing rules
Requirements differ by DOT agency. Confirm the rules that apply to your workforce.
Who we serve
Employers, DERs, and consortium/third-party administrators (C/TPAs) whose safety-sensitive employees fall under:
- FMCSA (CDL drivers and other covered employees)
- FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and USCG
- Owner-operators and drivers between jobs
- Non-CDL employees referred under company policy or after a DOT physical
Telehealth is available nationwide except Nebraska.
Our DOT SAP Services
- Initial SAP evaluation by a DOT-qualified SAP
- Recommendations for education, counseling, or treatment
- Follow-up SAP evaluation to confirm completion
- Authorization of the return-to-duty test when eligible
- Follow-up testing plan for the employer or C/TPA
What Your DER Receives
- Initial evaluation summary and recommendations
- Follow-up evaluation report confirming completion or not-yet-eligible status
- Follow-up testing plan and schedule
- Employee-authorized communication with your consortium/TPA
Full clinical notes are shared only with the employee’s written consent.
No Referral Needed
Employees do not need a referral from a DER or employer. They choose a service and book the first appointment themselves.
Or start from our homepage or How It Works.
The DOT Return-to-Duty Process, Step by Step
1) Violation and removal
The employer removes the employee from safety-sensitive duty. Violations for CDL holders appear in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
2) Employee books a SAP
The employee books directly with DrugEval.com and completes a secure questionnaire. Documents such as the violation notice and consortium/TPA contact help the SAP.
3) Initial SAP evaluation
A DOT-qualified SAP conducts a video evaluation and issues recommendations for education, counseling, or treatment. The DER receives the initial summary.
4) Recommendations and follow-up evaluation
The employee completes the recommendations. The SAP verifies completion at a follow-up evaluation and reports to the DER.
5) Return-to-duty test
The employer or C/TPA arranges the RTD test. The employee must test negative (for alcohol, below 0.02) before performing safety-sensitive functions.
6) Follow-up testing
The employer administers the SAP’s follow-up plan: at least six unannounced tests in the first 12 months, which may extend up to 60 months.
Documentation is typically provided about 48 hours after both SAP sessions (expedited about 24 hours). Education, treatment, and testing are provided and billed by separate providers, and can lengthen the timeline.
Helpful Notes for DERs
- Completing the SAP process makes an employee eligible to return. It does not require you to rehire or reinstate them.
- Follow-up tests must be carried out exactly as the SAP’s plan is written. Missed tests can be violations.
- A new violation starts a new SAP process and a new follow-up plan.
- Keep records of SAP reports, RTD results, and follow-up tests according to DOT retention rules.
DrugEval.com provides SAP services and is not affiliated with the DOT or FMCSA. Our counselors are independently credentialed DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs). Each counselor also maintains an FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse profile when needed to report SAP activities, including the initial evaluation and the determination that a driver is eligible for return-to-duty testing.
DOT SAP Questions from Employers and DERs
What is a Designated Employer Representative (DER)?
A DER is the person an employer authorizes to receive DOT drug and alcohol test results, remove employees from safety-sensitive duty right away, and make the required decisions in the testing and evaluation process under 49 CFR Part 40. DERs also receive Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) reports and oversee return-to-duty and follow-up testing.
When is a DOT SAP evaluation required?
An employee who has a DOT drug or alcohol violation, such as a verified positive drug test, an alcohol test of 0.04 or higher, a refusal to test, or another violation of DOT rules, cannot perform safety-sensitive functions until the SAP process and a negative return-to-duty test are complete. Employers should confirm the rules that apply to their DOT agency.
Does a DER or employer need to refer an employee to DrugEval.com?
No. A referral is not needed. The employee can book the first appointment directly on our website, and the process begins from there. DERs are welcome to point employees to our DOT SAP page. Employers remain responsible for their own DOT obligations, including test administration and reporting.
What does the DER receive from the SAP?
The SAP provides the employer with a written summary after the initial evaluation, including the purpose and recommendations, a follow-up evaluation report once the recommendations are complete, and, when the employee is eligible, a follow-up testing plan. Full clinical notes are not shared without the employee’s written consent.
How long does the DOT SAP process take?
Documentation is typically provided within about 48 hours after both required SAP sessions, or about 24 hours with expedited service. Overall time depends on scheduling, any education or treatment the SAP recommends, and testing. Many straightforward cases finish the SAP steps in under one week, but timelines cannot be guaranteed.
What is follow-up testing and who manages it?
After a negative return-to-duty test, the SAP prescribes a follow-up testing plan with at least six unannounced tests in the first 12 months, which may extend up to 60 months. The employer or its consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) schedules and administers the tests exactly as written.
Can an owner-operator or unemployed driver complete the SAP process?
Yes. The evaluation and any SAP-directed education or treatment can be completed without a current employer. A consortium/TPA is typically used to administer the return-to-duty and follow-up tests until an employer assumes responsibility.
Does completing the SAP process mean the employer must return the employee to duty?
No. Completing the SAP process and passing the return-to-duty test makes the employee eligible to perform safety-sensitive functions. Whether to return or hire the employee is the employer’s decision.
Is DrugEval.com affiliated with the DOT or FMCSA?
No. DrugEval.com is an independent provider. Our clinicians are DOT-qualified SAPs who follow federal requirements, but we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the DOT, FMCSA, or any government agency.
Is DOT SAP telehealth available in every state?
DOT SAP telehealth is available nationwide except Nebraska.
Send your employee to book the first appointment
No referral is required. Share our DOT SAP page and the employee can choose a service and book directly.
Questions from your DER team? Call (888) 648-2012, contact us, or submit a ticket.
Last reviewed September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. DrugEval.com is an independent provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. DOT, FMCSA, or any government agency. Acceptance by employers or agencies is not guaranteed. Education, treatment, and testing costs are separate.