SAP Evaluations in Furman, Starr, and Neeses-South Carolina

SAP Evaluation(s) South Carolina

Failing or rejecting a required SAP Evaluations Department Of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol test can be difficult not only for employees but also for employers. Employees will have to be suspended from safety-related work which could lead to employers being understaffed. After a failed test, there is a process set up by the Department of Transportation that employees must go through before returning to safety-related duties.

All employers entrusted by the DOT are obligated to comply with federal law. Entry into the reinstatement process begins with an SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) Evaluation. This first step puts employees on the right path back to work. An SAP Evaluation is harmless and very easy to complete in a timely manner. The substance abuse professional conducts the assessment and creates a plan that may include education and treatment.

After the assessment is complete a report will be made containing any information obtained during the assessment and recommendations for the patient. The employer will also receive recommendations on how to monitor your progress as you complete the plan. Finally, at the end of the treatment, you will meet with your evaluator in person for a follow-up assessment. This allows the substance abuse professional to determine if you are truly eligible for return to duty status. At this point, the employer must carry out their own drug tests as part of the recovery process. If the test result is negative, the employer can return the employee to a safety-related job.

Workers returning to work after drug and/or alcohol testing are required to undergo follow-up testing during the next twelve-month employment period. Regulations require substance abuse professionals to perform at least 6 spot checks in a 12-month period; however, they can choose to request any number of unannounced tests over a 60-month period if there is any suspicion that potential violations have occurred repeatedly.

Information Source:

SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

About the Author

Jacques Khorozian,

Ph.D., LPC, NBCC, MAC, SAP, CCS

Jacques Khorozian, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, SAP, CCS, is an experienced behavioral health professional with over 30 years of work in the criminal justice system, specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Alternative Court Services (AACS) in Atlanta, where he conducts diagnostic and biopsychosocial assessments and develops treatment and diversion programs.

He collaborates with justice system stakeholders to improve access to behavioral health services and alternative sentencing solutions. Dr. Khorozian previously worked as a Behavioral Health Social Worker with the Fulton County Public Defender's Office, where he assessed client needs and coordinated services.

He also held a leadership role as Division Chief with the San Francisco Superior Court, managing operations and contributing to strategic initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology, a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

His professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Positive Psychology Association (AMPPA), the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA).

Dr. Khorozian has advanced certifications as a Certified Clinical Supervisor, Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Family Violence Intervention Specialist, and DUI Evaluator. He is recognized for his expertise in counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and culturally responsive care. His work focuses on improving population health outcomes through evidence-based behavioral health programs.