DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
Failed a DOT drug or alcohol test? Speak with a DOT-qualified SAP.
Start your return-to-duty process with Proactive Wellness. Virtual SAP evaluations by secure, live video for safety-sensitive employees in New York, New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts.
- DOT-qualified SAP: Nikita Banks, LCSW MSW SAP NY/NJ/MA/GA
- $500 professional SAP fee
- Initial appointments often available within 24–48 hours after intake and payment are complete
- Employed or unemployed: you can start without an employer
Can’t talk right now? Leave a voicemail at 347-566-5629, or start your intake online.
DOT SAP evaluations at a glance
A DOT SAP evaluation is required before you can return to safety-sensitive duty after a DOT drug or alcohol violation. Proactive Wellness provides SAP evaluations by secure, live video for employees in New York, New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts, with fast scheduling. One $500 fee covers the initial evaluation and report and the follow-up evaluation and report. Any education or treatment, and DOT testing, are separate.
Your phone call or intake form is not the evaluation. The SAP evaluation is a scheduled live video appointment with Nikita Banks after intake and payment are complete.
Important for CDL and CLP holders
Commercial drivers: don’t ignore a prohibited Clearinghouse status.
Under FMCSA’s Clearinghouse II rule, your state must downgrade your CDL or CLP within 60 days of being notified that your status is prohibited. This is not a grace period, and starting an evaluation alone does not stop a downgrade.
Who needs a SAP
Who needs a DOT SAP evaluation?
A SAP evaluation is required when an employee covered by federal transportation drug and alcohol testing rules commits a DOT violation. Under 49 CFR Part 40 and your agency’s rules, you must complete the SAP process before you can be eligible to return to safety-sensitive duties.
What counts as a violation?
- A verified positive DOT drug test
- A DOT alcohol test result of 0.04 or higher
- Refusing a required DOT test, including certain failures to cooperate
- Other violations defined in your agency’s regulations
Every week you wait is another week off the job.
A violation removes you from safety-sensitive work immediately, and each return-to-duty step must happen in order. Starting now shortens your time away from covered work. It cannot guarantee that employment or licensing consequences will be avoided.
The complete process
What happens after a DOT drug or alcohol violation?
1. Removal from duty
Your employer removes you from safety-sensitive duties and gives you a list of qualified SAPs at no cost.
2. Initial SAP evaluation
A face-to-face clinical assessment, in person or by secure video. Your SAP recommends education, treatment or both.
3. Education or treatment
You complete every recommendation. Your SAP stays in contact with the program to confirm your participation.
4. Follow-up evaluation
Your SAP meets with you again to determine whether you successfully complied, then reports to your employer.
5. Return-to-duty test
If your employer chooses to bring you back, it directs a return-to-duty test. Drug results must be negative and alcohol below 0.02.
6. Follow-up testing
At least six unannounced tests in your first 12 months back on duty, and up to five years, as your SAP directs.
Not sure where you are in the process? Click to call 347-566-5629 or start your SAP intake.
SAP video guide
Watch the process explained step by step.
$500 for all professional SAP services.
The fee includes the initial evaluation, individualized recommendation, required initial report, follow-up evaluation, compliance report and follow-up testing plan. Outside education or treatment, laboratory or return-to-duty testing, and third-party fees are not included.
Several payment options are available. If your employer’s employee assistance program is through Revive (formerly BHS), you might be eligible to have your SAP services covered. Proactive Wellness is a contracted Revive provider: call Revive at 800-327-2251 and ask for Nikita Banks, LCSW, SAP by name, or ask us to help you check.
Ready to schedule your initial evaluation?
Qualification checklist
Verify a SAP before you pay.
A professional license alone does not make someone a DOT-qualified SAP. Ask the provider to confirm each requirement:
- An eligible professional credential under 49 CFR §40.281
- Clinical experience with alcohol- and controlled-substance-related disorders
- DOT-specific qualification training
- Successful completion of the required qualification examination
- At least 12 hours of relevant continuing education every three years
- Current documentation that can be provided to DOT representatives, employers or C/TPAs on request
Statewide virtual access
Choose the state where you will be located for the appointment.
New York SAP evaluations
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout New York.
New York →New Jersey SAP evaluations
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey →Georgia SAP evaluations
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout Georgia.
Georgia →Massachusetts SAP evaluations
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts →Not just CDL drivers
DOT SAP evaluations for all six transportation sectors.
FMCSA: commercial drivers
CDL truck and bus drivers, school bus and passenger carriers.
FAA: aviation
Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and air traffic controllers.
FRA: railroads
Engineers, conductors, dispatchers, signal and maintenance-of-way workers.
FTA: public transit
Bus, subway and light-rail operators, dispatch, maintenance and armed security.
PHMSA: pipelines
Covered pipeline and LNG operations, maintenance and emergency response.
USCG: maritime
Credentialed mariners and crew in safety-sensitive vessel positions.
Coverage depends on your specific duties and your agency’s rules, not your job title alone.
Still have questions? Click to call 347-566-5629 or start your SAP intake.
Common questions
Answers before you begin.
How much does a DOT SAP evaluation cost?
Our professional SAP fee is $500. It covers your initial SAP evaluation and report and your follow-up (return-to-duty) evaluation and report. Your first inquiry is free. Recommended education or treatment and DOT drug or alcohol testing are provided and billed separately.
How quickly can I schedule my SAP evaluation?
Appointments may be available within 24–48 hours after your intake paperwork is completed and reviewed and payment is received. All appointment times are confirmed by our office.
Who needs a DOT SAP evaluation?
Any employee who performs DOT-covered safety-sensitive work under FMCSA, FRA, FAA, FTA, PHMSA or the U.S. Coast Guard and commits a DOT drug or alcohol violation. Coverage depends on your specific duties, not just your job title.
Why should I start as soon as possible?
You are removed from safety-sensitive work right away, and every return-to-duty step must happen in order. Waiting only adds time away from covered work. Starting early cannot guarantee that licensing or employment consequences will be avoided.
Can I complete my DOT SAP evaluation online?
Yes. DOT rules allow initial and follow-up SAP evaluations by real-time video when the SAP’s license permits it. A phone call or written questionnaire cannot replace the face-to-face evaluation. Our evaluations use a secure, confidential video platform.
What if I was fired or am unemployed?
You can usually begin the SAP process even if your job has ended. If you have no current employer, your SAP gives you copies of your reports with the follow-up testing plan removed; the full follow-up report goes to your next employer. CDL drivers can also take the return-to-duty test without an employer by registering in the FMCSA Clearinghouse as an owner-operator and designating a C/TPA, who directs the test and reports the result.
Can my EAP pay for my SAP evaluation?
It might. If your employer’s employee assistance program is through Revive (formerly BHS), you might be eligible to have your SAP services covered. Proactive Wellness is a contracted Revive provider. Call Revive at 800-327-2251 and ask for Nikita Banks, LCSW, SAP by name, or ask us to help you check.
Does completing the SAP process guarantee I get my job back?
No. Completing the SAP process restores your eligibility to pursue safety-sensitive work once every return-to-duty requirement is met. Employment decisions belong to employers.
Is my SAP evaluation confidential?
Your evaluation is conducted with professional privacy protections. DOT rules do require your SAP to send certain reports to your employer and other authorized parties. Your SAP will explain exactly what is shared.
Where can I find a DOT-qualified SAP in New York?
Proactive Wellness provides DOT SAP evaluations by secure, live video anywhere in New York State, from Brooklyn and New York City to Buffalo. Your evaluation is with Nikita Banks, LCSW, a DOT-qualified SAP. Call 347-566-5629 to start.
What happens to my CDL after a DOT drug test violation?
Under FMCSA’s Clearinghouse II rule, in effect since November 18, 2024, your state removes your CDL or CLP privilege while your Clearinghouse status is “prohibited.” The privilege can be restored after you complete the return-to-duty process and a negative return-to-duty test is reported. Read the full CDL downgrade guide.
How do I designate a SAP in the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
Log in to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, choose to designate a SAP, and search for your SAP by name. Your SAP then accepts the designation. Step-by-step designation guide.
Who arranges the return-to-duty test?
The employer arranges the return-to-duty test after the SAP’s follow-up evaluation. It is directly observed, and SAPs do not administer tests. If you don’t have an employer yet, a future employer arranges it. Return-to-duty process explained.
Take the first step today.
Your first inquiry is free, and appointments may be available within 24–48 hours after intake review and payment.