Introduction
Successfully completing the return-to-duty Return-to-Duty process is a significant step toward resuming your professional career, especially for safety-sensitive positions regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Potential employers will require specific documentation to verify your eligibility for reemployment. Delivered2Choices is here to guide you through the documentation you need to present, ensuring a smooth transition back into the workplace.
Understanding the Return-to-Duty Process
The return-to-duty process is designed to ensure that employees who have violated drug and alcohol testing regulations can safely return to work. The process includes:
- Initial Violation: Failing or refusing a drug or alcohol test.
- SAP Evaluation: Assessment by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
- Education and Treatment: Completion of the recommended program.
- Return-to-Duty Test: A negative drug and/or alcohol test result (Ordered by employer or C/TPA).
- Follow-Up Testing: Scheduled tests as per the SAP’s testing plan.
Completing this process allows you to re-enter the workforce, but proper documentation is crucial.
Key Documentation Required After Completion
After completing the return-to-duty process, you must provide the following documents to potential employers:
1. Two SAP Reports
- Initial Report: Includes details about the evaluation, treatment recommendations, and possible negative UA test before SAP follow-up.
- Follow-up Report: Confirms that you complied with the SAP’s recommendation and successfully completed all requirements.
2. Completion of Treatment or Education Program
- A certificate, completion letter, or discharge summary from the treatment provider confirming successful completion of the recommended program. For outpatient treatment, intake confirmation paperwork is required. Immediately forward these documents to your SAP .
- Sometimes your employer wants a copy of these documents as well.
3. Return-to-Duty Test Results
- A negative drug and/or alcohol test result, conducted under DOT guidelines. This test can only be ordered by your Designated Employer Representative (DER) or Consortium / Third Party Administrator (C/TPA).
4. Follow-Up Testing Plan
- The SAP outlines a follow-up testing plan, specifying the number and frequency of tests required from 1 up to 5 years. You, the employee, CANNOT know how long the testing plan lasts, how many tests are on the plan, or when it ends. The only thing you can know is that there are a MINIMUM 6 tests in the first 12 months after returning to work.
5. Employer Notification (If Applicable)
- If you’re reapplying with a previous employer, or simply returning to your current position, they may require a notification from the SAP directly.
- If you are seeking employment, it’s your responsibility to provide them with your SAP reports.
- The best thing is to create a folder in your email, label “SAP Reports”, that way you are always ready to print or forward these documents to a potential employer.
6. Personal Statement (Optional but Recommended)
- A brief statement acknowledging the steps you’ve taken to complete the RTD process can demonstrate accountability and commitment to your responsibility.
- Remember, the SAP portion of the RTD process only makes you eligible for the RTD test.
How to Present Your Return-to-Duty Documentation
When applying for a new position, follow these tips for presenting your documentation professionally:
- Organize Your Documents: Keep everything in a secure folder, including digital copies. (in your email ready to forward)
- Be Transparent: If asked about your return-to-duty process, provide honest and concise explanations.
- Maintain Confidentiality: Only share documents with authorized personnel, such as HR representatives who show interest in hiring you.
- Successfully Completed: Remember you can say. “I have successfully completed the SAP portion of the RTD process and here are my SAP reports”.
Importance of Maintaining Privacy and Compliance
While it’s essential to provide documentation, your privacy matters. Employers must adhere to DOT regulations and cannot disclose your RTD status without your consent. Always verify the legitimacy of the request before sharing sensitive information.
It’s ok to move to a new employer while in the midst of completing your follow-up testing plan. You can fill out a release of information ROI with your new employer who will request the follow-up testing plan and all completed follow-up tests from your previous employer. The new employer will simply pick up testing where the previous employer left off. The testing plan moves from employer to employer until completed. Testing Plan Moves From Employer To Employer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all employers require return-to-duty documentation?
Yes, all DOT regulated employers require the SAP reports and follow-up testing plan. In addition, most NON-DOT employer company policies, Teamsters, and Local Unions require these documents.
2. How long is the follow-up testing period?
You CANNOT know how long the testing plan lasts. According to DOT Rule, you can only know that there are a MINIMUM 6 tests in the first 12 months after returning to work. Depending on the severity level of the assessment outcome, the testing plan can last up to 5 years.
3. Can I start working before completing the return-to-duty process?
No, remember the SAP portion of the RTD process only makes you eligible for the RTD test. You must submit a negative RTD test result, before resuming safety-sensitive duties. Only your employer of C/TPA can order this test. You CANNOT order your own RTD test.
4. What if I lose my documentation?
Contact your SAP or treatment provider immediately to request duplicate copies. Then make every effort to store these documents in a safe and easy to access location. (i.e. physical or email folder)
Take the Next Step with Delivered2Choices
Completing the return-to-duty process is a significant achievement, and Delivered2Choices is here to support you every step of the way. Ensure you have the proper documentation ready to present to potential employers and confidently re-enter the workforce.
👉 Need Help with the Return-to-Duty Process? Contact Delivered2Choices Today!
