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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.
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