Substance Abuse Professional Services

​​What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)?

The Substance Abuse 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, and aftercare. The evaluation is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine the nature and extent of the person’s alcohol and/or substance use and to assist them in obtaining treatment, if necessary. All education and treatment recommendations need to be completed before an employee can return to a safety sensitive job after testing positive for drugs and/or alcohol. 

Sara advocates for neither the employer nor the employee. Her function is to protect the public interest in safety by professionally evaluating the employee and recommending appropriate education and/or treatment, follow-up tests, and aftercare. She is a Qualified Substance Abuse Professional and the evaluation provided, fully comply with CFR-46 of the Department of Transportation regulations.

What is the fee for Substance Abuse Professional Services?

Correctly carrying out the SAP process requires quite a bit of professional time and expertise on the part of the SAP.  A SAP has considerable liability, since DOT considers the SAP to be ultimately responsible to the traveling public. Kabba Recovery Services charges $500 for the SAP services provided, payable at the first visit.  This fee includes the Initial Evaluation by a qualified SAP, referral services to appropriate providers, continuous monitoring of your progress, reporting to your employer or DER (Designated Employer Representative), communicating with the MRO (Medical Review Officer) as needed, and the Follow-Up Evaluation. As part of the SAP process you will be referred to an education or treatment program. The fees for that provider’s services are not covered in the $500 fee paid to Kabba Recovery Services.

What are DOT-Regulated & SAP Required Agencies?

  • ​Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
  • Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
  • United States Coast Guard (USCG)​
More information about DOT regulations: