As of January 1, 2023, Georgia law requires all commercial drivers who operate in interstate commerce to complete a DOT Qualified SAP Evaluation Georgia prior to driving in the state. The DQSAE must be conducted by a certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
A DQSAE is a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of the driver’s personal and work history, as well as a urine drug screen. The SAP will use this information to determine if the driver is at risk for substance abuse and whether they need to complete a treatment program.
If the SAP determines that the driver does not need treatment, they will be issued a certificate of completion. However, if the SAP believes that the driver would benefit from treatment, they will be referred to a DOT-approved treatment program.
It is important to note that the DQSAE is not a pass/fail test. Rather, it is designed to help drivers who may be struggling with substance abuse get the help they need. If you are a commercial driver in Georgia, it is important to get a DQSAE before driving in the state.
What to expect during a DOT qualifying evaluation
As you may know, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers receive a DOT qualifying evaluation before they can operate a CMV. The evaluation must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner who is on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME).
The evaluation consists of a medical history review, a physical examination, and a urine drug screen. The medical examiner will also ask you questions about your alcohol and drug use.
The medical history review will include questions about your past and present medical conditions, medications, and alcohol and drug use. The physical examination will assess your vital signs, vision, hearing, and physical abilities. The urine drug screen will test for the presence of drugs in your system.
The medical examiner will use the information from the medical history review, physical examination, and urine drug screen to determine if you are qualified to operate a CMV. If you are not qualified, the medical examiner will provide you with a DOT medical certificate that indicates the reason why you are not qualified.
If you are qualified to operate a CMV, the medical examiner will provide you with a DOT medical certificate that is valid for up to 24 months. You will need to renew your DOT medical certificate every 24 months or sooner if your medical condition changes.
The benefits of having a DOT Qualified evaluator
A person who analyzes employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and offers recommendations for education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare is referred to as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). These suggestions may be followed up with education or treatment.
The benefits of having a DOT Qualified SAP are many. The most obvious benefit is that the SAP’s recommendations are binding on the employer. This means that the employer must follow the SAP’s recommendations or face possible penalties from the DOT.
Another benefit of having a DOT Qualified SAP is that the SAP is required to be impartial and objective in his or her evaluation of the employee. The SAP cannot have any financial interest in the outcome of the evaluation.
Finally, the DOT Qualified SAP must keep all information confidential. The only people who will have access to the information in the evaluation are the employer, the employee, and the SAP.
If you are an employer who is required to have a DOT drug and alcohol policy, you should strongly consider using a DOT certified SAP. The benefits of having a DOT certified SAP are many and will help you to ensure that your DOT drug and alcohol policy is being followed.
How to find a DOT qualified evaluator in Georgia
There are a few things to consider when looking for a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Evaluator in Georgia. The first is whether or not the provider is certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The second is whether the provider is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The third is whether the provider is on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME).
The best way to find a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Evaluator in Georgia is to search the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This website will allow you to search for providers by state. There is also the option to search for service providers by zip code. Once you have found a few providers, you can then contact them to ask about their DOT certification and whether or not they are on the NRCME.
It is important to make sure that you find a provider who is certified by the DOT and is on the NRCME. This will ensure that the provider is qualified to perform DOT substance abuse evaluations. It is also important to make sure that the provider is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. These providers will have the necessary training and experience to perform DOT substance abuse evaluations.
If you have any questions about DOT substance abuse evaluations or how to find a DOT certified Substance Abuse Evaluator in Georgia, you can contact the Georgia Department of Public Health at 1-800-847-4262.
DOT SAP Evaluation FAQs
1. What is a DOT SAP Evaluation?
A DOT SAP evaluation is an assessment conducted by a licensed professional to determine whether an individual has a substance abuse problem that would make them ineligible to operate a commercial motor vehicle on Sol Delhi University(CMV).
2. Who is required to get a DOT substance abuse evaluation?
Individuals who are required to get a DOT substance abuse evaluation include:
– Drivers who are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
– Drivers who operate a CMV as part of their job
– Drivers who are required to have a DOT medical card
3. What are the consequences of not getting a DOT SAP evaluation?
If an individual is required to get a DOT SAP evaluation and they do not do so, they may be ineligible to operate a CMV. This could lead to them losing their job or being unable to get a job that requires a CMV.
4. How often is a DOT SAP evaluation required?
A DOT SAP evaluation is required every two years for drivers who are required to have a CDL. For other drivers, a DOT substance abuse evaluation may be required more or less often depending on their job and company policy.
5. What should I expect during a DOT SAP evaluation?
During a DOT SAP evaluation, a licensed professional will ask questions about your use of alcohol and drugs, as well as your medical history.
