Return to Duty

The return-to-duty process (sometimes referred to as return-to-work), answers the question “what next?" after a positive drug test or an employee has disclosed that they have a substance use disorder. ​

DriverCheck can facilitate the return-to-duty process, including coordinating Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) assessments, generating a random drug and/or alcohol follow-up testing schedule, and generating test reminders and notification of final test completion.  ​

While the return-to-duty process is mandatory for companies that must adhere to DOT regulations, it is also often used as a best practice guideline for other safety sensitive workplaces/industries. ​

The DOT Return-To-Duty Process Explained​

1. Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)​

Whether an employee tests positive during a drug or alcohol test or discloses a substance use concern, an SAP assessment occurs. The SAP evaluates the driver/employee and recommends an appropriate treatment program. Until the SAP has made return-to-duty recommendations, the employee remains off work, or in a non-safety-sensitive position, to ensure that public and workplace safety is upheld. The SAP is unable to provide a limit as to how long the employee can take to complete their recommendations. ​

2. Treatment Program​

Depending on the nature of the employee's substance use, the SAP can recommend one of several options for treatment ranging from education sessions, out-patient community treatment, or 21- or 28-day in-patient rehabilitation programs. The employee must complete the SAP-recommended treatment program.​

3. Return-to-Duty Testing​

After the SAP determines that the employee has successfully completed the recommended treatment program, the SAP will recommend a Return-to-Duty (RTD) plan and will provide a written follow-up testing plan (see below). Before resuming any work, the employee MUST provide a RTD drug and/or alcohol test, which must test negative to ensure the absence of drugs or alcohol. ​​

4. Follow up and Unannounced Testing​

Following treatment and the RTD test, the employer must establish a written follow-up testing plan. This plan is made by the SAP and is done on a case-by-case basis. The plan can be tailored to company requirements; however, employers are required to, at minimum, subject the employee to 6 unannounced follow-up tests in the first 12 months of the employee's return to safety-sensitive work. ​

DriverCheck can create a customized schedule for unannounced tests and manage the follow-up program so the employer remains up to date and compliant with any SAP recommendations, other regulations, or employer-specific return-to-duty agreements. Once the Follow-up testing recommendations are completed, a letter is issued to inform of the employee's successful completion and the end of the program for the employee’s records.

Related Services:

Pre-Placement/Pre-Access Testing​

Reasonable Suspicion Training ​​