Positive Test?
Get Back to Work in 3 Easy Steps
Face to Face or Remote!
INITIAL EVALUATION
Your Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) will perform a face-to-face or a remote clinical evaluation.
SAP'S RECOMMENDATIONS
FOLLOW-UP EVALUATION
Your SAP will conduct a face-to-face or remote follow-up evaluation to determine your eligibility to return to safety-sensitive duty, and provide documentation to your Designated Employer Representative (DER).
DOT Positive Test Assistance in Sacramento, CA
If you had a DOT positive test in Sacramento, you are prohibited from driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). We’re here to support you with that.
Understanding DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
FMCSA regulations state that if a CDL driver tests positive on a DOT drug/alcohol test or refuses to take a DOT test, they can’t perform safety-sensitive functions, such as driving commercial motor vehicles. To regain that privilege, they must complete the return-to-duty process.
Consequences of a Positive DOT Test
A positive DOT test is something employers take seriously. If you have a positive DOT drug/alcohol test, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will call to inform you. What happens next depends on your circumstances. For example, if you have a valid prescription for medication that doesn’t impact your ability to perform safety-sensitive duties, the MRO may allow you to return to work.
If you don’t have a valid prescription, the MRO may remove you from safety-sensitive duties until you’ve completed the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process with a substance abuse professional (SAP).
The Role of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) in DOT Compliance
SAPs help people work toward employment reinstatement by performing face-to-face assessments and devising treatment/education plans for those who have failed a DOT drug/alcohol test. The nature of a return-to-duty process depends on the reason you failed the test and your employment history. It’s important to take the SAP’s recommendations seriously and to work with them on a return-to-duty plan so you can protect your CDL.
Steps to Take After a Positive DOT Test
If you failed a DOT drug/alcohol test and believe it’s an error or that prescription medication caused the failure, discuss this with the MRO immediately, and provide the necessary documentation.
If the failure was due to drug use or alcohol consumption, enroll in an RTD program with a SAP as soon as possible and be honest and up-front with them.
Return-to-Duty Process for DOT-Regulated Employees
Your SAP should look at several factors when considering a treatment plan, including the duration of the drug/alcohol use, the intensity and the frequency. They also consider the type of substance consumed. These factors guide the SAP as they decide whether to recommend inpatient/outpatient treatment, education courses, or self-help services.
As part of the return-to-duty process, you will also be required to undergo follow-up testing. You can expect at least six unannounced follow-up tests during the first year after a return to safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the recommendations of your SAP, you may face follow-up tests for up to 5 years.
Education and Counseling Services for DOT Violations
If you’ve failed a DOT drug/alcohol test or are faced with a suspension because of a refusal to take a test, Delivered2Choices can help you. We offer DOT violation assistance and substance abuse professional evaluations (both in-person and remotely) to get you on the path to employment reinstatement.
Maintaining Compliance: Follow-Up Testing and Aftercare
Follow-up testing is a major part of maintaining safety among commercial drivers. If you’re concerned about follow-up tests and want help remaining compliant, we can help you with ongoing support and aftercare.
Contact Us for DOT Return-to-Duty Process
DOT violations are a serious issue for any commercial driver. If you’re at risk of losing your DOT license, contact us today to enroll in a program with our compassionate, professional SAPs.
