Build Your Business with the Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Qualification Presented by: Wanda McMichael, CAC II, NCAC II, SAP Misti misti misti mist Misti mist
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Seminar Objectives Today s webinar will answer the following questions: 1) What is the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program? 2) What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)? 3) What are the benefits of becoming an SAP? 4) What are the requirements to be an SAP? 5) How can I meet the requirements? 6) How can I re-qualify? Question and Answer session at end of program
What is the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program?
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program Safety is the #1 priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. A cornerstone of their safety policy is ensuring that transportation providers across all modes employ workers who are drug- and alcohol-free while performing safety sensitive duties: roads, rails, water, or in the air, over land and underground
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program The transportation industry has worked hard to reduce the number of accidents and crashes directly related to drug and alcohol use. Human risk factors remain some transportation workers do use illicit drugs or abuse alcohol, despite serious efforts to deter them.
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program 49 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) 40 First published in 1988 and finally implemented in 1990 Adopted from The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing set scientific and technical standards for drug testing for federal employees and for federal certification of drug testing laboratories.
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program The Guidelines established the legality of and procedures for removing employees from safety-sensitive duties immediately after they violate drug and alcohol testing rules. Removed employees are not permitted to return to safetysensitive duty until they are referred for evaluation and have successfully complied with treatment recommendations.
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program They give an employee who works in a DOT covered safety-sensitive position the opportunity to return to that safety-sensitive position once compliance to an SAP s recommendations has been documented. This gives the recovery community additional validation that individuals can be in recovery from substance use disorders and re-enter the workplace as productive, vital employees.
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program The Guidelines contain procedures for: collecting urine specimens analyzing the specimens establishing classes of drugs of abuse implementing a physician review of the drug test results, called medical review officers (MROs) evaluation, referral and return-to-duty services by the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program The regulations cover all 6 operating administrations under the DOT: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program Then each operating administration defined: the safety-sensitive positions within their respective administrations acceptable reasons for testing the circumstances that mandate testing following an accident or incident who is authorized to require the testing of an employee how the test must be conducted
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program 6 reasons for conducting a drug and/or alcohol test under the DOT regulations: Applicant/Pre-Employment Testing Post-Accident/Incident Testing Random Testing Reasonable Cause/Suspicion Testing Return-to-Duty Testing Follow-Up Testing
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program 6 substances tested for under the DOT regulations: amphetamines cocaine marijuana opiates phencyclidine (PCP) alcohol
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program The primary safety objective of the DOT regulations is to prevent, through deterrence and detection, alcohol and controlled substance users from performing transportation industry safety-sensitive functions. The regulations were not expected to be able to abolish drug use in the workplace due to the limitations of a drug test. The goal of the testing process is to convince employees not to use drugs due to risk of possible job loss.
Overview of the DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Program Current DOT regulations are accessible through the Department of Transportation s website, www.dot.gov/ost/dapc (click on Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations) or requested by phone at 800.225.3784.
What is an SAP?
What is an SAP? A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a trained professional that evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations to an employer concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing and continuing care.
What is an SAP? As an SAP, you elect to have a special relationship and bond with everyone the employee will encounter if that employee returns to the performance of safety-sensitive duties. Traveling Public = kids, moms, dads, boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, husbands, partners, close friends, acquaintances, strangers, co-workers, neighbors and many others.
What is an SAP? SAP function = protect the public interest in safety by professionally evaluating the employee and recommending appropriate education and/or treatment, follow-up tests, and continuing education. An SAP operates as a gatekeeper of the return-to-duty process and provides an important service to the employee, the employer and to the traveling public. In your counseling work, you view the person walking through your door as your client. As an SAP, the public is now your client, too.
What is an SAP? SAPs represent the major decision point (and in some cases the only decision point) an employer may have in choosing whether or not to place an employee: behind the steering wheel of a school bus in the cockpit of a plane at the helm of an oil tanker at the throttle of a train in the engineer compartment of a subway car at the emergency control valves of a natural gas pipeline Your responsibility to the public is enormous!
What is an SAP? SAPs are responsible for several duties important to the evaluation, referral and treatment of employees identified through breath and urinalysis testing as being: positive for alcohol and/or controlled substance use, who refuse to be tested or who have violated other provisions of the DOT rules.
What Does an SAP Do? 1) Fundamental responsibility = to provide a comprehensive face-toface assessment and clinical evaluation to determine what level of assistance the employee needs in resolving problems associated with alcohol use or prohibited drug use. 2) After this assessment, the SAP must recommend a course of education and/or treatment with which the employee must comply prior to returning to DOT safety-sensitive duty.
What Does an SAP Do? Treatment recommendations can include, but are not limited to: in-patient treatment partial in-patient treatment intensive out-patient treatment out-patient treatment education programs continuing care Education recommendations can include, but are not limited to: bona fide drug and alcohol education courses self-help groups community lectures
What Does an SAP Do? Upon the determination of the best recommendation for assistance, you will serve as a referral source to assist the employee's entry into an acceptable program. Prior to the employee's return to safety-sensitive duties, you are required to provide a face-to-face follow-up evaluation with the employee to determine if the individual has demonstrated successful compliance with recommendations of the initial evaluation and has made appropriate clinical progress sufficient to return to duty.
What Does an SAP Do? SAPs also develop and direct a follow-up testing plan for the employee returning to work following successful compliance. SAPs specify the number and frequency of the follow-up tests. The employer is then responsible for ensuring that the individual is tested according to the plan.
What Does an SAP Do? There are times when an employee will need continuing assistance with an alcohol or drug problem even if the employee is ready to return to work. At these times, you will provide the employee and employer with your recommendations for continuing care.
Other Important SAP Information Note: Employers are not required to provide an SAP evaluation or any subsequent recommended education or treatment for an employee. However, if the employer offers the employee an opportunity to return to DOT safety-sensitive duty, the employer must ensure that the employee goes through the entire return-to-duty process that includes successful compliance with the SAP s recommendations. Payment is left for employers and employees to decide and may be determined by existing management-labor agreements, employer policies or health care benefits.
What are the benefits of becoming an SAP?
Making Your Qualification Work for You Working as an SAP can generate a great deal of additional income for the time: $400-800 = average charge for SAP services assessment referral case management follow-up testing plan continuing care Helps build your retirement fund, pay down debt, replenish your savings
Making Your Qualification Work for You Expand your private practice Advertise as an SAP (assessment or recommended treatment services) Partner with treatment agencies to provide referrals (assessment or recommended treatment services) Get employed by an agency that has an SAP staff position
Making Your Qualification Work for You Reduce your workload Transition into retirement, while maintaining private practice Not responsible for therapeutic interventions, if desired Use your current skill set in a new way Engage with a new population of clients A new role to establish with clients
Benefits to Being an SAP Exclusivity Many areas have a low concentration of SAPs Lucrative market The new Secretary of the Dept of Transportation is publicminded and is dedicated to ensuring safety. This field is growing - get qualified now!
What are the requirements to be an SAP?
SAP Eligibility Requirements In order to be an SAP, you need to: 1) have certain credentials 2) possess specific knowledge 3) receive training 4) achieve a passing score on an examination 5) complete a continuing education requirement
Qualification Requirements In order to qualify to be an SAP, a counselor must have one of the following credentials: Alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified by NAADAC/NCC (National Certification Commission) or the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy) Licensed or certified social worker Licensed or certified psychologist Licensed or certified employee assistance professional National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Qualification Requirements Eligible SAPs must also possess the following knowledge requirements: Be knowledgeable about and have clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance use disorders. The DOT does not specify what constitutes adequate clinical experience or knowledge, so it is recommended that SAPs have documented work experience and/or training in the addiction profession. SAPs must be able to defend their educational qualifications and work experience if challenged by an employer, employee, C/TPA or DOT agency representative.
Qualification Requirements Be knowledgeable about the SAP function as it relates to the employer and other service agents in the return-to-duty process. Specifically, understand from the employer s perspective the employer s responsibility to the public in maintaining safety in public transportation. Understand the rules and regulations governing drug and alcohol testing outlined in 49 C.F.R. 40 and the rules governing the particular the operating administration of the employer for whom the employee works or worked.
Qualification Requirements Finally, eligible SAPs must also receive SAP qualification training and pass a validated examination administered by a nationally recognized professional or training organization. The DOT has specified that the following components must be covered in any acceptable training program: 1) background, rationale and coverage of the DOT s drug and alcohol testing program 2) 49 C.F.R. 40 and DOT agency drug and alcohol testing rules
Qualification Requirements 3) key DOT drug testing requirements, including collections, laboratory testing, MRO review and problems in drug testing; 4) key DOT alcohol testing requirements, including the testing process, the roles of BATs and STTs and problems in alcohol testing 5) SAP qualifications and prohibitions
Qualification Requirements 6) the role of the SAP in the return-to-duty process, including the initial employee evaluation, referrals for education and/or treatment, the follow-up evaluation, continuing treatment recommendations and the follow-up testing plan 7) SAP consultation and communication with employers, MROs and treatment providers 8) reporting and record keeping requirements 9) issues that SAPs confront in carrying out their duties under the program
Qualification Requirements SAP must complete 12 hours of professional development relevant to performing SAP functions during each subsequent three-year renewal period. This continuing education must include material concerning new technologies, interpretations, recent DOT guidance, rules changes and other developments in SAP practice pertaining to the DOT program. The training program must include some form of documentation that demonstrates that the material was learned, such as a test or assessment tool that rates the participant s understanding of the material presented. An SAP must provide proof upon request in the event of an audit by an employee, employer, C/TPA or DOT agency representative that all the qualification and training requirements have been met.
How can I meet the requirements?
Credentialing Requirements Being certified through NAADAC/NCC satisfies the credentialing requirements to be an SAP: National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Credentialing Requirements Each of these credentials has specific education, training and experience requirements that determine eligibility. Visit www.naadac.org for more information. Discounts are offered to NAADAC members.
Training Requirements NAADAC offers a home-study course for your convenience: Bound manual teaches the required domains and regulations easy to read and organized format future desk reference example forms and reports Validated, written examination
Training Requirements 90 days from date of purchase to return the exam Must answer 75% of questions correctly Upon successfully passing the examination, purchasers are awarded: Qualification Certificate to display in your office Certificate of Completion for 12 CEs 3 years of maintenance-free eligibility to practice as an SAP A free listing on our website
Training Resources Pricing: Members: $307 Non-members: $407 To order: Call: 800.548.0497 Email: naadac@naadac.org
How can I re-qualify?
Re-qualification Requirements SAPs must re-qualify every 3 years Must complete at least 12 CEs relevant to performing SAP duties NAADAC provides a re-qualification training package, as well: The Substance Abuse Professional s U.S. DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Regulation Re- Qualification Course
Re-qualification Requirements Includes: bound manual and shorter examination Revised every 3 years to stay current 90 days from date of purchase to return the exam Must answer 75% of questions correctly Upon successfully passing the examination, purchasers are awarded: Qualification Certificate to display in your office Certificate of Completion for 12 CEs 3 years of maintenance-free eligibility to practice as an SAP A free listing on our website
Re-qualification Resources Pricing: Members: $307 Non-members: $407 To order: Call: 800.548.0497 Email: naadac@naadac.org
Providing solutions to improve the quality of life for communities by helping addictions professionals excel in their field through the use of information technology. Clinical Administrative Outcome Reporting Billing Visit us today! Call: (800) 324-7966 Click: www.myaccucare.com
Upcoming Webinars 2011 March 17: March to Membership: Professional Identity & Students and New Professionals April 14: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) May 19: Education Providers - the New Standard of Success June 16: Get the Most out of Your National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD 11) Experience July 14: Co-Occurring Disorders August 18: Strategies for Successful Test Taking September 15: Your Voice Counts: Advocacy and the NAADAC Political Action October 13: Conflict Resolution for Clients and Professionals November 17: What s Next in Your Career? Recap and Highlights from the NAADAC Workforce Conference December 15: Clinical Supervision: Keys to Success www.naadac.org/education
Additional Resources: www.naadac.org/education The Basics of Addiction Counseling: Desk Reference and Study Guide New Innovations with Opioid Treatment: Buprenorphine Conflict Resolution in Recovery Kit New Horizons: Integrating Motivational Styles, Strategies and Skills with Pharmacotherapy Integrating Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders: What Every Addiction Counselor Needs to Know www.naadac.org/education
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