Return-to-Duty & Follow-Up Testing
After a drug or alcohol violation, a driver can't return to safety-sensitive duty until they pass a directly observed return-to-duty test — then complete a SAP-prescribed follow-up plan of unannounced, observed tests (at least 6 in the first year). We run every test and keep the plan on track.
Return-to-duty (RTD) and follow-up testing is the SAP-directed process after a violation — a directly observed RTD test plus a minimum of six unannounced follow-ups in 12 months. We manage it end to end.
A positive test, a refusal, or another DOT violation doesn't have to end a driver's career — but it does start a strict, federally defined path back. Skip a step, or let a follow-up test slip, and the driver is right back out of compliance. We manage that path so the return is done correctly.
Return-to-duty testing
Before a driver can resume any safety-sensitive function, a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) must determine they've complied with the recommended education or treatment — and the driver must pass a directly observed return-to-duty test. We collect that RTD test under Part 40, directly observed, with MRO verification.
The follow-up testing program
Returning to duty isn't the finish line. The SAP prescribes a plan of unannounced, directly observed follow-up tests — at least 6 in the first 12 months, and potentially continuing for up to 5 years. We manage that plan: scheduling the tests so they stay genuinely unannounced and spread across the period, collecting each one, and keeping the records straight.
One less thing to drop
Follow-up plans are easy to lose track of, and a missed test is a violation. As your C/TPA, we hold the schedule so you don't have to — and coordinate with the SAP throughout. (For the SAP evaluation and case itself, see SAP Coordination.)
Key Features
DOT & Non-DOT RTD Testing
The return-to-duty test required before a driver resumes duty — directly observed for DOT (49 CFR 40.67).
SAP-Prescribed Follow-Up Plan
The full plan of unannounced, observed follow-up tests — at least 6 in the first year, up to 60 months.
Unannounced & On Schedule
We schedule follow-ups with no discernible pattern and make sure none slip.
We Hold the Schedule
A missed follow-up is a violation — we track and complete every test on time.
Mobile or Clinic
Collected on-site across Nebraska and Kansas, or at any of our clinics.
Part 40 + MRO Verified
Chain-of-custody collection and Medical Review Officer verification.
Compliance Requirements
Compliance Requirement
Return-to-duty test — 49 CFR 40.305 / 382.309
Before resuming safety-sensitive functions after a violation, a driver must be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional, complete the SAP's recommendations, and pass a return-to-duty test. The return-to-duty test is directly observed and must be negative.
Follow-up testing — 49 CFR 40.307 / 40.309
The SAP prescribes the follow-up testing plan — a minimum of 6 directly observed tests in the first 12 months following return to duty, which the SAP may extend for up to 60 months. Follow-up tests must be unannounced, with no discernible pattern.
Direct observation — 49 CFR 40.67
Under DOT rules, both return-to-duty and follow-up tests are conducted under direct observation. Non-DOT return-to-duty and follow-up testing follows your own policy, which may or may not require observation.
Frequently Asked Questions
After being evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional, completing the SAP's recommendations, and passing a directly observed return-to-duty test. Only then may the driver resume safety-sensitive functions.
A SAP-prescribed plan of unannounced, directly observed tests after return to duty — a minimum of 6 in the first 12 months, which the SAP can extend for up to 60 months.
Under DOT rules, yes — both return-to-duty and follow-up tests are directly observed (49 CFR 40.67). Non-DOT return-to-duty and follow-up testing follows your policy and may not require observation.
The SAP prescribes the number of tests and the duration. We schedule the individual tests so they remain unannounced and follow no discernible pattern, and we collect each one.
A missed follow-up test is itself a violation — which is exactly why we hold the schedule for you and keep every test on track.
$75 in-clinic or $95 mobile. DOT return-to-duty and follow-up tests are directly observed (49 CFR 40.67), which adds a $25 observed-collection fee ($100 / $120). Non-DOT testing follows your policy. Consortium members receive discounted rates.
The SAP evaluation and case management is a separate service — SAP Coordination — and we coordinate the testing side with the SAP throughout.
Related Services
C/TPA & Consortium Program
Diversified Drug Testing is your Consortium/Third-Party Administrator — we run your entire DOT drug and alcohol program. Random pool management, every test type collected by our mobile team across Nebraska and Kansas or in-clinic, plus MRO, SAP, and DER support. $129/year per company.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
A driver can't perform safety-sensitive functions until you have a verified negative pre-employment drug test (49 CFR 382.301). Test at our clinics, on-site with our mobile collectors across Nebraska and Kansas, or at a partner site nationwide. MRO-verified. $75 clinic / $95 mobile.
Post-Accident Testing
When an accident happens, the clock starts: DOT requires alcohol testing within 8 hours and drug testing within 32 (49 CFR 382.303). Our 24/7 dispatch and our own collectors across Nebraska and Kansas get a driver tested — and every attempt documented — so you meet the window and stay defensible.
Bring a driver back the right way — we run the directly observed return-to-duty test and manage the full follow-up plan so nothing slips.
Contact our testing specialists to learn how we can support your drug and alcohol testing program.
- C/TPA Program Administration
- 24/7 Post-Accident Response
- 3,000+ Testing Sites Nationwide