Frequently Asked Questions
EAP – DOT SAP Qualifications
Magellan has developed a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) network of providers eligible to provide services to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) customers regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
If you are interested in applying to join this Magellan SAP network, are a Magellan provider (or are eligible to become a Magellan provider), and meet the required qualifications below, please contact Provider Relations at the following email: [email protected].
What is a SAP who is eligible to treat DOT members through their EAP?The DOT regulations - 49 CFR Part 40 - define a SAP as a person who evaluates members who are subject to DOT regulations and have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. A SAP makes recommendations concerning the DOT employee’s education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. |
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What credentials do I need to be a SAP who is eligible to treat DOT members through their EAP?
To meet DOT criteria, a practitioner must be one of the following:
- A licensed physician (MD or DO)
- A licensed or certified psychologist
- A licensed or certified social worker
- A licensed or certified marriage and family therapist
- A certified employee assistance professional (CEAP)
- An alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Certification Commission (NCC AP)
- An alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse (ICRC)
- An alcohol and drug abuse counselor with MAC certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Please note that a practitioner who meets only state certification requirements may not meet DOT’s criteria.
What knowledge must I have to become a SAP who is eligible to treat DOT members through their EAP?
To be a SAP who is eligible to treat DOT members through their EAP, you must be knowledgeable about:
- The diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance related abuse disorders
- Clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance related abuse disorders
- The SAP area function as it relates to employer interests in DOT safety-sensitive functions
- 49 CFR Part 40, the DOT agency regulations applicable to DOT-regulated employers for whom you evaluate employees, and the DOT SAP Guidelines. You also must keep current on any changes to these materials.
What training must I have to be a SAP who is eligible to treat DOT members through their EAP?
You must complete the mandatory qualification training to be a SAP who is eligible to treat DOT members through their EAP. The qualification training includes the nine required components set forth in Section 281 c of 49 CFR Part 40. You must complete the training prior to providing services to a DOT member through their EAP.
Is an examination required after the mandatory qualification training?
Yes. Following completion of the Basic Knowledge and Qualification Training requirements, qualified SAPs also must satisfactorily complete an exam administered by a nationally recognized professional or training organization. The exam must include all the elements required for the qualification training.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. During each three-year period, from the date of satisfactorily completing the required exam, qualified SAPs must complete continuing education consisting of at least 12 professional development hours relevant to SAP functions.
Where can I find more information about the DOT guidelines for SAPs?
The Department of Transportation SAP guidelines are available online.
Where is the qualification training and examination offered?
Organizations offering qualification training and examination options are as follows:
The Institute for Better Health ([IBH], formerly The Institute for the Advancement of Human Behavior)
IBH produces clinical training for healthcare professionals and is a fully accredited sponsor of continuing education and continuing medical education for mental health, chemical dependency, and substance abuse treatment providers.
www.ibh.com
1-800-258-8411
The Association for Addiction Professionals (formerly National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors [NAADAC])
The only professional membership organization that serves counselors who specialize in addiction treatment. One of the nation’s largest networks of alcoholism and drug abuse treatment professionals.
www.naadac.org
703-741-7686
Home study text and exam
Employee Assistance Professional Associations (EAPA)
One of the largest membership organizations for employee assistance professionals.
www.eapassn.org
703-387-1000
Training and exam
Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association
Specializes in information and education from certification exams, drug and alcohol testing, strategic planning, DOT developments, legal and ethical issues.
www.sapaa.com
1-800-672-7229
Training and exam
Program Services Continuing Education
State of the art continuing education programs for psychology, mental health, marriage & family,social work, employee assistance, addiction, behavioral health, nursing, US DOT substance abuse professionals and US NRC substance abuse experts.
www.programservices.org
305-401-4361
Training and exam
Professional Training Center
Facilitates seminars, workshops and on-site training for behavioral health, business and a variety of other professional organizations.
www.professionaltrainingcenter.com
216-299-9506
Training only
American Substance Abuse Professionals Inc
Offer professional development courses, and qualification courses to DOT substance abuse professionals and NRC substance abuse experts.
www.go2asap.com
888-792-2727
Training only
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC)
Not-for-profit voluntary membership organization comprised of certifying agencies involved in credentialing alcohol and drug abuse counselors, clinical supervisors and prevention specialists.
www.internationalcredentialing.org/sap
703-294-5827
Exam only
SAPlist U
Online Continuing Education hours for SAP’s
www.saplist.com
612-827-4147
Continuing Education hours only
US Department of Transportation SAP Training and Exam Resources
An alphebetized list of organizations that provide training and/or exam resources that meet the US DOT requirements for substance abuse professionals.
www.transportation.gov/odapc/SAP_Training_Exam_Resources
202-366-3784
Training and exam resources