SAP Information
The DOT drug testing regulations have been in existence since 1989, and the alcohol testing regulations became effective in 1994. So, for decades, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees have known their obligations to remain drug-free and to not misuse alcohol. When an employee tests positive for drugs, has an alcohol violation, or refuses to submit to testing, the employee has chosen to violate their responsibilities to safety. Because of this threat to safety, they have immediately been removed from safety-sensitive duties and cannot return to work until they have successfully complied with your recommendations.
Assessment Process
Thank you for considering Mesa Verde Counseling for your Substance Abuse Assessment.
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The assessment will take about 90 minutes. This can be done via telehealth using Zoom, in person in southern Arizona, or by phone using audio/visual application as a last resort. During the assessment, we will gather information about your history, life, work, and relationships. We will also talk about any alcohol and drug use history. Please be ready to provide your positive test results that prompted the assessment and any other paperwork related to the event. We will also be asking for names and phone/email for your work contacts, such as your supervisor and the human resources person. Even if this employer terminated your employment due to the positive test, we will need to make contact with them.
It is important that you are prepared to discuss all the details surrounding the event that prompted the assessment, your history, your substance use patterns, and your work history. Withholding information could reflect negatively on the final recommendation.
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Once the assessment is completed, we will make a treatment recommendation. The DOT has strict guidelines on treatment recommendations. There will be individual counseling AND substance use education in the recommendation.
You will find and schedule your counseling with a provider of your choice. This is separate from your relationship with Mesa Verde Counseling for the evaluation. The counselor you choose MUST BE licensed to provide counseling. The cost of the counseling may or may not be covered by your insurance if you have mental health coverage. If counseling is not covered, this will be an additional cost to you.
Once the treatment recommendation is complete, we will schedule a follow up appointment. We will verify that the recommendation was followed and has been completed.
You must submit a sample (urine or blood) for testing before compliance interview can be scheduled. Urine or blood test must be an "observed collection" marked as a "Return to Duty" test at the lab. The sample must be tested in a CLIA approved confirmatory laboratory and results must be sent directly to this provider. We will send a final compliance report to your employer and provider written documentation verifying that you have completed all the necessary steps/treatment.
Your employer will also receive a recommended testing schedule moving forward. Recommended testing will occur for a period of 5 years after the final report.
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IT IS ALWAYS UP TO THE EMPLOYER ONLY IF THEY OFFER YOU A JOB, GIVE YOUR JOB BACK, OR ALLOW YOU TO WORK IN A DIFFERENT CAPACITY DURING THIS PROCESS.