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?

1.     After violation of drug and alcohol rules

2.     Refusing the test (for whatever reason behind)

3.     Positive alcohol and drug test

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.

.RTD process is a lengthy procedure to be managed alone, let us help you with this. Contact us at goMDnow and let the process begin with a fast, secure, and affordable RTD process service provider. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Random Testing Consortium: A need for Transportation Companies/ Truck Drivers

Image
Random Testing Consortium is the random selection of truck drivers/employees from different transportation companies and making one large group of them called a random testing pool . There are equal chances for the selection of random drug and alcohol testing for each employee present in the random testing pool. Why drug abuse is common among truck drivers?  The prolonged duty periods of truck drivers and hectic duty requiring them to be awake for several hours driving contribute to excessive usage of drugs more than any other company employee. According to the latest survey conducted by   American Addiction Centers truck drivers showed a high frequency of drug abuse. About 30 percent of truck drivers are reported as drug abusers. Among American-based truckers, the most frequently used drug is alcohol. Another study performed by the Department of Labor shows 65% percent of road accidents are related to drug abuse. Is Random Drug testing random for real?  As th...
Read more

Drug withdrawal symptoms: Take a Closer Look

Image
When you abruptly stop or significantly cut down on the consumption of substances or alcohol that you've been habitually using, your body often reacts by showing various symptoms - a condition known as drug withdrawal. Severe symptoms can pose hazards, especially for those with addiction. These symptoms include physical, psychological, and emotional reactions, some of which require timely and appropriate management. What are Drug Withdrawal Symptoms? Withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing drug use can vary depending on the type of drug used and individual factors. Some common withdrawal symptoms include: Anxiety and restlessness Nausea and vomiting Sweating and chills Muscle aches and pains Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns Irritability and mood swings Fatigue and weakness Increased heart rate Depression and feelings of hopelessness Cravings for the drug Difficulty concentrating and cognitive impairment Tremors or shaky hands Loss of appetite or increased appetite Hallucination...
Read more

Employment Drug Test: Invasion or Necessity?

Image
  The question of whether employment drug tests are an invasion or a necessity is a matter of debate. Some believe they are necessary to ensure safety and productivity, while others see them as an invasion of privacy. It's a complex issue with differing opinions. Let’s explore both sides. Employment Test: Necessity Case Supporters argue employment drug tests are necessary to ensure a safe workplace and address substance abuse that can impair performance and increase risks. Employment Drug Test: Invasion Case Opponents claim employment drug tests invade privacy and may unfairly affect job prospects, questioning their accuracy and relevance. The Common Ground Balancing workplace safety, individual privacy, and fair employment practices is a complex task. It requires a nuanced understanding of the specific context in which employment drug screening are implemented. Striving for a middle ground that addresses safety concerns while respecting individual rights is crucial. goMDnow: Ensur...
Read more