Department of Transportation – Professional services DOT-SAP in Bethlehem, PA (Lehigh Valley)

Services within 24-48 hours

  • Initial evaluation and assessment with qualified DOT-SAP
  • Evaluation letter sent to Designated Employee Representative often the same day
  • Understanding of treatment necessary usually in the initial appointment
  • Length of treatment and enrollment provided within 24-48 hours
  • Upon satisfactory treatment completion an assessment, evaluation and back to work letter will be issued usually within 24-48 hours.

At Lehigh Valley Counselors we understand that it is important to complete the DOT-SAP process. We offer appointments within 24 hours in most cases. We are able to fulfill all documentation and provide updates to all stakeholders in the process as well. This means swift resolution and certainty around what happens to the person in the DOT environment. If you need a timely DOT-SAP assessment, please call us at 610-596-4222

The United States Department of Transportation states:
The 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
  • aftercare

An SAP represents the major decision point (and in some cases the only decision point) an employer may have in choosing whether or not to place an employee behind the steering wheel of a

  • school bus,
  • in the cockpit of a plane,
  • at the helm of an oil tanker,
  • at the throttle of a train,
  • in the engineer compartment of a subway car,
  • or at the emergency control valves of a natural gas pipeline.

This responsibility as an SAP is not taken lightly.

It is important to understand an SAP is an advocate for neither the employer nor the employee. An SAP’s major responsibility is to protect the public interest in safety. Professionally evaluating the employee and recommending appropriate education and/or treatment, follow-up tests, and aftercare. An SAP faces rigorous training and education requirements as well as examinations in order to protect the public. These regulations may be viewed at: https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/sap

If you have tested positive at any time in the DOT regulated environment and have been referred to an SAP there will be aftercare. The fact of a positive test, as defined by the DOT mandates some form of treatment.

The SAP fundamental responsibility is to provide a comprehensive face-to-face assessment and clinical evaluation to determine what level of assistance the employee needs in resolving problems associated with alcohol use or prohibited drug use. An SAP then must recommend a course of education and/or treatment with which the employee must demonstrate successful compliance prior to returning to DOT safety-sensitive duty. Treatment recommendations can include, but are not limited to:

  • In-patient treatment
  • partial in-patient treatment
  • out-patient treatment
  • education programs
  • aftercare programs
  • random drug and alcohol testing

Education recommendations can include but are not limited to bonafide drug and alcohol education courses, self-help groups, and community lectures. It is the responsibility of the SAP to provide referrals to reputable programs that will provide these aftercare services. An SAP as defined by regulation is unable to also provide treatment services. The SAP manages and oversees the process and defines the treatment required and the final release from treatment upon completion of the programs.

We are able to provide timely support usually within a 24 hour window. Call us at Lehigh Valley Counselors with your needs at 610-596-4222

Schedule your first appointment with a Lehigh Valley Counselor

Scheduling couldn’t be easier.

610-596-4222    |   Request a Call Back