FRA return-to-duty
FRA SAP evaluations and return-to-duty for railroad employees.
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout New York State, plus New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts. Appointments are often available within 24–48 hours after intake and payment.
Who the FRA covers
FRA drug and alcohol rules cover railroad safety-sensitive work.
FRA testing rules (49 CFR Part 219) apply to railroad employees and contractors who perform:
- Train and engine service, including locomotive engineers and conductors
- Train dispatching
- Signal installation and maintenance
- Maintenance-of-way (roadway) work
Step by step
The FRA return-to-duty process.
1. Removal from duty
You are removed from covered service and given a list of qualified SAPs.
2. Initial SAP evaluation
A face-to-face clinical assessment by secure video, with recommendations for education, treatment or both.
3. Education or treatment
You complete every recommendation. Your SAP confirms your participation with the program.
4. Follow-up evaluation
The same SAP confirms you complied and reports to your railroad.
Return-to-duty test
Your employer directs a return-to-duty test. Drug results must be negative and alcohol below 0.02.
Follow-up testing
FRA requires at least six drug tests and six alcohol tests in your first 12 months back, for up to five years.
Engineers and conductors
A violation can also affect your certification.
Locomotive engineers and conductors hold FRA-required certifications. A drug or alcohol violation can lead to suspension or revocation of that certification, separate from the SAP process.
Your railroad’s certification program and any labor agreement also apply. Your SAP can explain how the return-to-duty steps fit with them.
$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. Amtrak and other railroad employees: if your 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.
Other DOT agencies
Return-to-duty guidance for every DOT agency.
All DOT SAP services
Pricing, scheduling and the full return-to-duty process for every DOT agency.
FMCSA: commercial drivers
CDL truck and bus drivers, school bus and passenger carriers.
FAA: aviation
Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and air traffic controllers.
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.
Railroad questions
FRA return-to-duty answers.
Will a violation affect my engineer or conductor certification?
It can. FRA certification rules treat drug and alcohol violations seriously, and your certification may be suspended or revoked. That process is separate from your SAP evaluation.
How many follow-up tests will I have?
FRA requires at least six drug tests and six alcohol tests in your first 12 months back on covered service. Your SAP may require more, for up to five years.
What is a follow-up SAP evaluation?
After you finish the recommended education or treatment, you meet with the same SAP again. The SAP decides whether you successfully complied.
What happens if I fail another DOT test?
A new violation removes you from covered service again and starts a new SAP process. It may also bring additional employment or certification consequences.
Can I change SAPs after I start?
Generally, no. DOT rules prohibit seeking a second SAP’s evaluation to get a different recommendation.
Does FRA cover maintenance-of-way workers?
Yes. Roadway maintenance-of-way employees are covered by FRA drug and alcohol testing, including return-to-duty and follow-up testing.
Get back to covered service the right way.
Your first inquiry is free. Appointments may be available within 24–48 hours after intake review and payment.