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. 

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