What Your SAP Does and What Happens After

Once you’ve completed your SAP process, it’s important to clearly understand where your SAP’s role ends and where yours (or your employer’s) begins. Many drivers assume the SAP can “clear” them to go back to work, but that’s not the case.

Your SAP’s responsibilities include:

1. Conducting your initial evaluation to assess the violation and your needs.
2. Recommending the appropriate education or treatment program based on clinical guidelines.
3. Completing a follow-up evaluation once you’ve successfully finished those recommendations.
4. Determining whether you are eligible to take a Return-to-Duty (RTD) test.

At this point, your SAP’s official duties are complete. Their role is strictly evaluative and clinical—they do not have authority over your employment status.

After your SAP signs off, responsibility shifts to your employer (or a C/TPA if using a DOT-approved alternative). They must:

1. Schedule your RTD test through a DOT-approved lab.
2. Receive and review the results of your RTD test.
3. Decide whether to reinstate you in a safety-sensitive position.

This distinction is important: your SAP verifies you’ve met the DOT requirements, but only your employer has the power to return you to duty. Even if your SAP declares you eligible, your employer may have additional company policies or requirements before allowing you back on the job.