If you are a driver who has violated the DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations, you may be required to complete a return to duty process. This consists of a series of steps that you must be documented as completing. It is mandatory to do so in a timely and successful fashion. The reward for doing so will be to get closer to regaining your driving privileges. There are a number of factors that inform whether or not you will be judged as having done so in a satisfactory manner.
You Must Undergo an Initial Evaluation
The process begins with an initial evaluation that you will be required to complete (1). This will be conducted by a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional (SAP). It will be their task to determine the level of education and/or treatment that is right for your needs. They will also report the date of completion of the initial assessment to the Clearinghouse. Once this is done, you will be ready to complete the rest of the program.
You Must Show an Ability to Follow the Rules
Your ability to comply with existing rules and regulations will be observed at all times. A careful record will be made in each instance. You will need to follow all of the recommendations made by the SAP. As you do so, you must complete the entire educational or treatment program. This must be done in a timely manner.
Keep in mind that it is also the required task of the SAP to personally re-evaluate you. This will come just after you finish the program. The SAP will then determine if you are eligible for return to duty testing. The SAP will be required to report the date of eligibility to the Clearinghouse. A date for the testing that you need to undergo will then be assigned.
You Must Pass a Test with Negative Results
The next stage of the process involves taking a return to duty test. This test must conclude with a fully negative result. This will be required before you can resume performing safety-sensitive functions. The test itself must be conducted under direct observation. It must be reported by your employer or their designated C/TPA.
The report of your test will go directly to the Clearinghouse. You will then need to complete a follow-up testing plan. The conditions of this plan will be specified by your SAP. This plan must include at least six unannounced tests in the first 12 months. The period may potentially be extended up to five years.
How Long Will the Process Usually Take?
The exact length of the return to duty process will vary depending on your individual circumstances. It can take anywhere from weeks to months. The length of time required may depend on several factors. These include the severity of your violation and the availability of the SAP. There is also the length of the available education and/or treatment program to consider.
In most cases, you will not be able to perform any safety-sensitive functions until you complete the process. You must do so with a negative return to duty test result. It will also be necessary to comply with the follow-up testing plan. Doing so will help to maintain your eligibility. A reasonable length of time will be needed to accomplish this.
The entire return to duty process has been engineered in a specific direction. It has been designed to help you overcome your substance abuse problem. It can also help to ensure your personal safety. Finally, it aids in ensuring the safety of others on the road. All of these factors play a part in the length and extent of the program.
The Time to Start Your Process is Now
The time to get started on initiating your personal return to duty process is now. This is a series of steps that you must take. They will be the means of returning you to your daily routine. These steps can also help to enhance your quality of life. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can be restored to full normality.