What administrative role does a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) play in the drug testing process?

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) plays a crucial role in the drug testing process, particularly in relation to employees who have tested positive for drug use. The primary responsibility of the SAP involves evaluating these employees to assess their substance abuse issues and recommending appropriate treatment or corrective actions. This evaluation process typically includes a comprehensive assessment of the individual's substance use history, work-related issues, and the impact of any substance use on their job performance. Furthermore, the SAP provides follow-up evaluations to ensure that employees comply with treatment recommendations and have effectively addressed their substance use problems before returning to safety-sensitive positions.

In contrast, the roles of determining whether an employee needs testing, collecting specimens, and overseeing the administration of tests fall under different responsibilities within the drug testing framework. These tasks are usually handled by employers, collection sites, or designated personnel rather than the SAP, emphasizing the specific focus of the SAP on evaluating and managing individuals after a positive test result.