July 15, 2025
If you’re in a DOT-regulated, safety-sensitive job, like a commercial driver, train operator, pipeline tech, or pilot, you’ve probably heard about SAP assessments. But knowing when they’re required (and when they’re not) is just as important as knowing what they are.
Let’s clear it up once and for all.
An SAP assessment is required only when the Medical Review Officer (MRO) reports a verified positive drug test.
This means:
Once the MRO reports a verified positive result, you are immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties, and that’s when you must complete a SAP evaluation to begin the return-to-duty process.
There are several situations where people think they need an SAP assessment but actually, they don’t.
These DO require removal from duty and a SAP assessment:
Once an SAP is required:
Not every incident leads to a SAP assessment, but every DOT violation does. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of stress and maybe your job.
If you’re unsure about your test result or how it was handled, ask your employer, Designated Employer Representative (DER), or the MRO directly. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be in handling DOT testing requirements.