Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-2020 Online Tab 5

2020 Online Tab 5 - MRO Syllabus
Pdf Summary
The Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) syllabus covers the role and responsibilities of SAPs and EAPs in evaluating employees who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations and providing recommendations for education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. SAPs can be licensed physicians, social workers, psychologists, employee assistance professionals, or certified drug and alcohol counselors. They must have basic knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating substance abuse disorders and understanding DOT agency regulations. <br /><br />SAPs are required to complete a training course and pass an examination given by a nationally-recognized organization. They must also maintain continuing education credits and stay updated on new technologies, interpretations, and developments in SAP practice. SAPs are responsible for conducting face-to-face clinical assessments, making referrals to appropriate programs, providing recommendations for education and treatment, and designing follow-up testing plans. They must report directly to the employer and must recommend assistance or treatment in every case. SAPs are prohibited from considering claims of inappropriate selection, hemp oil or medical marijuana, poppy seed use, or job stress excuses. They may consult with Medical Review Officers (MROs) and request quantitative levels on test results.<br /><br />The initial evaluation by a SAP includes assessing the employee's education and treatment needs and making appropriate referrals. The SAP's report must contain specific information such as the employee's name, employer's name, reason for the assessment, and SAP's recommendations. SAPs are prohibited from referring employees to their own private practice, an organization in which they have a financial interest, or an organization paying them, unless certain exceptions apply. <br /><br />During follow-up evaluations, SAPs determine whether the employee has successfully complied with the recommended education and/or treatment. SAPs can conduct additional follow-up evaluations if authorized by the employer. The SAP's report on a compliant employee includes information on the employee's program participation, follow-up testing plan, and continuing care needs. For a non-compliant employee, the SAP's report must include reasons for determining non-compliance and specify the number and frequency of follow-up tests required. The SAP's reports must be sent directly to the employer.<br /><br />Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are organizations that provide support and assistance to employees facing personal problems affecting work performance, including substance abuse. EAPs can be internal or external and may offer evaluations, short term or longer term treatment, and supervisor training. EAPs are mentioned in DOT rules in the context of providing training and drug/alcohol awareness information to supervisors and employees. They can serve as referral agents to SAPs for DOT-covered employees, but cannot return DOT-covered employees to work without following the SAP return to duty process.
Keywords
Substance Abuse Professionals
Employee Assistance Programs
SAPs
EAPs
DOT drug and alcohol regulations
education
treatment
follow-up testing
aftercare
clinical assessments