Return to Duty Drug Testing

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Return to Duty Drug Testing

Return to Duty (RTD) testing is required when an employee who previously tested positive for drugs or alcohol is cleared to resume safety-sensitive duties. Before returning, the individual must complete a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation and recommended treatment. RTD testing must be directly observed to ensure integrity. It demonstrates the employer’s commitment to public safety and compliance with DOT or workplace drug policies.

Importance of Return to Duty Testing

It confirms that the employee is drug-free and ready to return to safety-sensitive tasks.

Employees must comply with SAP recommendations before being retested.

A successful test helps rebuild trust between the employee, team, and employer.

To maintain test validity, all RTD tests are directly observed per federal standards.

Ensures that only qualified, sober individuals return to critical roles.