RTD process: How much time is required to resume driving after a failed drug test?
If a truck driver is tested positive or refused the drug and alcohol test, a complete RTD process is observed to get back the driver to the safety-sensitive work.
RTD stands for?
RTD stands for Return-to-Duty process which includes a complete procedure to get back to the road after a violation of drug.
When should a driver start Return-to-duty process?
What is SAP?
According to FMSCA, “The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.”
What is DOT SAP process?
SAP is a qualified mental health service professional who designs a series of processes that must be followed to be eligible for continuing work after violation of drugs. Following are the steps included in SAP process:
1. Determining the duration of drug and alcohol abuse.
2. Making a return to duty program
3. Deciding how many follow-up tests will be required per year.
How long is the duration of RTD process?
It solely depends upon the violation. Sometimes it takes a few weeks and sometimes it’s the duration is extended to 5 years
What is the estimated time for each step of RTD process?
Following is the very general overview of the time allotted to the RTD process according to FMSCA guidelines:
1. After 2-3 days of being tested positive, the reports are sent to MRO (Medical Review Officer)
2. Within 24-48 hours MRO reports the Clearing House meanwhile sharing it with the employer as well and the driver is removed immediately from safety-sensitive work.
3. The driver is informed to observe RTD process to get back to the work.
4. Driver must be evaluated by the SAP(Substance Abuse Professional)
5. Maximum 1-3 days to arrange a SAP, after receiving the notification of testing positive. Yet it totally depends on the driver and employer how immediate they can arrange SAP.
6. 1 week to 1-month duration is required to cover SAP’s initial evaluation after a face-to-face meet-up.
7. After SAP evaluation, SAP itself determines how long will SAP treatment program to take place.
8. Releasing from SAP treatment requires 1-3 days after the treatment program completion, after that, a release letter is issued declaring the driver is eligible to continue work.
9. Return-to-duty test is observed under direct observation by a lab assistant.
10. 1-3 days after being tested negative for Return-to-duty test, a negative report is sent to the FMSCA clearinghouse.
11. Follow up random drug tests for 1-5 years after returning to duty.
12. After a negative follow-up test, the driver is officially DOT-compliant.
What if I skip the Return-to-Duty process?
By skipping the Return to Duty process the driver will destroy his career as he may not be able to continue without being eligible
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