AACS Counseling today announced its 2026 DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program. It helps drivers and other safety-sensitive employees complete the federally required Return-to-Duty (RTD) process after a DOT drug or alcohol violation. The program offers same-day appointments and RTD clearance in 2-4 days, with secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth evaluations available nationwide.
Since the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse launched in 2020, tens of thousands of drivers have been flagged for violations each year. A violation removes a worker from safety-sensitive duties immediately, and completing the SAP process is the only way back. AACS Counseling’s program is built to make that process clear and quick, and to help workers avoid the misunderstandings about employment status, follow-up testing, and Clearinghouse records that can delay a return to work.

Who the program serves

The program supports safety-sensitive employees regulated by:
FMCSA (commercial truck drivers)
FAA (aviation employees)
FTA (transit operators)
PHMSA (pipeline workers)
USCG (maritime workers)

The Return-to-Duty process

Initial SAP Evaluation. A qualified SAP reviews the violation and the employee’s substance use history under 49 CFR Part 40.
Education or treatment. The SAP recommends an individualized plan, which the employee must complete as directed.
Follow-Up SAP Evaluation. The SAP confirms compliance and marks the employee eligible for RTD testing. AACS Counseling uploads the Follow-Up Evaluation and “Eligibility for RTD Testing” report to the Clearinghouse within 24 hours of the final appointment.
Return-to-Duty test. The employer or C/TPA schedules a directly observed DOT test once the employee is cleared in the Clearinghouse.
Follow-up testing. After returning to duty, the employee completes random, unannounced testing as directed by the SAP.

Why it matters for drivers and employers

Completing the program restores eligibility for safety-sensitive work, changes a driver’s Clearinghouse status from “Prohibited” to “Not Prohibited,” and shows employers and insurers that the process was completed correctly. The Clearinghouse never deletes violations, but a completed record is far stronger than an unresolved one. Many carriers will hire SAP-compliant drivers who have passed their RTD test, are active in follow-up testing, and are upfront about their status.
Employers are required to check the Clearinghouse before hiring CDL drivers and annually thereafter.
Nationwide access
Because the Clearinghouse is a federal system, AACS Counseling can evaluate drivers via secure telehealth regardless of which state issued their license. Its reports are valid for State Driver’s Licensing Agencies nationwide. Dedicated pages serve drivers in Georgia, Texas, Florida, California, and New York.

What to expect on cost

AACS Counseling’s resources outline typical costs in 2026:
SAP evaluations: 400-500
DOT drug tests: 30-60 per test
Follow-up testing in the first year: $700 or more
Education or treatment: varies by provider
Costs depend on each case, and who pays depends on company policy.

About AACS Counseling

AACS Counseling provides board-ready clinical evaluations, SAP programs, and court-related assessments for professionals in all 50 states via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Services include DOT SAP evaluations, DUI and substance abuse evaluations, anger management, mental health assessments, and treatment and education classes, with Spanish-language services available.

Media Contact

AACS Counseling
Phone: 800-683-7745
Email:[email protected]
Web: www.aacscounseling.com/dot-qualified-sap-program/
Office hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm