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SAP Program and Logistics behind it…
What is SAP Program and Why is it Important to Know?
SAP is an acronym for “Substance Abuse Program,” put in place after an Act of Congress directed the Secretary of Transportation to establish a government regulated database called “Drug and Alcohol Clearing House” designed to enact as a portal for employers to be able to validate a driver’s drug and alcohol violations. As of January 6, 2023, this portal has become active and has aided in the employer’s ability to follow-up on a driver’s history without having to call the drivers’ references to validate any violations.
Not only has this tremendously helped employers, but it has been successful in validating those who qualify to be “road safe” and has the ability to continue operating a “Commercial Truck” and continue obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a learner’s permit (CLP).
What Qualifies as a Failure in the Eyes of the Clearinghouse?
According to the Clearinghouse, anyone who has failed and/or refused to take a (urine) drug test with an employer will be held ineligible for the operating of a Commercial Vehicle. If you find that a failure was of wrong-doing or inaccurate in any way, you can challenge the results with a second urine sample provided by the company who administered the drug screening.
You will need to Login/Register to the “Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse” to see if your violation has been posted in the clearing house. Once you can find the violation, you will need to find a substance abuse professionals (SAPs), and consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPAs) who can administer the strategy necessary to report to the Clearinghouse information related to violations of the drug and alcohol regulations in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 40 and 382 by current and prospective employers.
You will be required to take classes which are generally 16hrs long, but may be more, to be cleared by the consortia/third-party administrator.
Here is a breakdown of what needs to happen.
- Login to the Clearinghouse and make sure your violation has been posted.
- Find a SAP program, a certified consortia/third-party to administer the classes that is necessary for you to be cleared by the Clearinghouse.
- Once you complete the courses, the Consortia/ Third-Party will post in the clearinghouse that you have effectively and efficiently been evaluated for reinstatement for your CDL and to continue employment before 18Nov2024.
- Find an employer who accepts the SAP Program and will employee you to go to work.
- You will be monitored for 1-5 years if you do not comply or finish your final two steps.
- There are 6 steps which need to be completed to completely clear you, but you can go back to work in step 5.
What are the 6 Steps in completing a clearinghouse violation?
Below, I list who our clients use for the evaluation Process. You can find your own, but this is who we use. (We do not endorse or condone any of these services. You are responsible for due diligence and make sure you are in compliance no matter which/who you choose. This is only a guideline for those who can’t find information and need a contact. We do not receive any payment for providing this information.)
First Option
Contact information:
Jenny Kirwin: Registered SAP Evaluator
Phone#: 1-803-866-2836
DOT SAP Evaluation Process
FMCSA Requires:
Step 1:
Go to the Clearing House.
Select Jenny Kirwin as a registered SAP Evaluator
Step 2:
They will schedule your initial SAP evaluation- $250
Step 3:
They will refer to online course, which run about- $100-$200
depending on the results of the evaluation.
Step 4:
They will give you your final evaluation- $250
Step 5:
Your “Return to Duty” drug test will be ordered by employer the employer when hired.
Step 6:
You will receive a 1 year follow up drug testing schedule.
They will stay with you during your 1year period to assist or help with any questions (situation) in which you may need DOT SAP support.
Payments:
They accept Cash App, Venmo, Zelle or Debit Credit Card
When you log in:
Go to view violation details and screen shot the violation details and text to 1-803-866-2836.
Let them know the type of violation it is. Then text it to them with the number provided above.
Their program is 100% online and virtual.
Second Option:
This is only the contact information for another provider. We do not use them, so we do not know how their evaluations will work. However, it will give you another source if you fall short anywhere else.
Diversion Center:
1-800-451-2170
We want to ensure it is always wise to call before logging anyone in the Clearinghouse to make sure that you are aware of the requirements. Once you select a provider in the Clearinghouse, you will be locked in and will not be able to make another selection.
If we have not provided enough information or the information is complete in anyway, please feel free to contact us at HitMeUp@RuggedTrucker.com and let us know. We would love to hear from you and any situations which you run into that we have not provided.
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