Ralph Melancon SAP

FMCSA Clearinghouse

ATTENTION CDL Drivers: The FMCSA now has a driver database called the FMSCA Clearinghouse Database. You should have been informed about it as it went into effect on January 5, 2020. If you are not registered yet with the database and you have a violation you MUST register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse. The SAP Return to Duty process is now verified in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. CDL drivers can register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse here: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/About

According to the FMCSA: "The Clearinghouse contains information about drivers with commercial drivers licenses (CDL drivers) who are covered by FMCSA's drug and alcohol program. This also includes drivers with commercial learners permits (CLPs)."

FMCSA Clearinghouse Instructions & Links for Drivers and Employers

(Clicking the name of the document will open the FMCSA related document)

Driver Registration Instructions: FMCSA Clearinghouse PDF document outlining the Driver Registration instructions.

How to designate a SAP: FMCSA Clearinghouse PDF document instructions outlining how the driver designates a SAP.

The Return to Duty Infographic: FMCSA Clearinghouse Information Brochure PDF document outlining the 6 specific steps of the Return to Duty Process.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse Steps of the RTD Process are listed as follows:
RED = PROHIBITED FROM DRIVING
GREEN = DRIVING PRIVLEGES RE-INSTATED

Step 1 - SAP Request Sent (Completed by the Driver)

Step 2 - SAP Designated (Completed by the SAP)

Step 3 - Initial SAP Assessment Completed (Completed by the SAP)

Step 4 - Driver Determined eligible for a RTD Test (Completed by the SAP)

Step 5 - RTD Test with Negative Result (Completed by an EMPLOYER or C/TPA)

Step 6 - Follow-up Testing Plan Completed (Completed by an EMPLOYER)

The Requirements and Instructions for Employer Reporting: The FMCSA Clearinghouse PDF document outlining the Employer Requirements for reporting during the Return to Duty process.
*IMPORTANT* - Once the SAP places the "Eligible for a RTD Test Date" into the Clearinghouse (Step 4), EMPLOYERS who are willing to work with employees in the RTD process (The employer is not obligated to take the employee back) are required by the FMCSA to order the RTD test and enter into the Clearinghouse that it had a negative result (Step 5). This moves the driver's status from "Prohibited From Driving" to being able to drive and perform safety sensitive functions. The FMCSA also requires the EMPLOYER to enter the date that the Follow Up Testing Plan has been completed (Step 6) into the Clearinghouse once the final drug test of the Follow Up Testing Plan is completed.

If the driver is an owner / operator who contracts driving services then the DOT regulations advise the employee to consult with a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) to conduct an Return-to-Duty (RTD) test. A C/TPA can ONLY perform a RTD test. A C/TPA CANNOT manage or manage the Follow Up Drug Testing Plan as the regulations are specific to assigning the Follow Up Testing Plan to an EMPLOYER ONLY. That means in order to successfully complete the RTD process a driver must find an employer to conduct the Follow Up Testing Plan (Step 6 of the FMCSA Clearinghouse RTD Process). See the FMCSA's page on C/TPA's here: What Are Consortium/Third-Party Administrators?

FMCSA Clearinghouse Fact Sheet: The FMCSA Clearinghouse Fact Sheet PDF document.

FMCSA Instructional Powerpoint: The FMCSA PowerPoint PDF document For CDL Drivers, Employers and C\TPA's

FMCSA Clearinghouse Registration: FMCSA Clearinghouse Website Registration Link for Drivers and Employers

FMCSA Clearinghouse FAQ: FMCSA Clearinghouse Website Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page

FMCSA Clearinghouse Login: FMCSA Clearinghouse Website Login Page - (click "Login" once you have registered)

CDL drivers who do not work for a company and are "owner / operator" contractors:

1) Contact a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) in order to request an arrangement for them to conduct a certified Return-to-Duty (RTD) drug test. They will have to place a completion date of Ste 5 into the Clearinghouse in order to have your driving privileges and CDL re-enstated. Only an EMPLOYER can conduct the Follow-up Testing Plan (Step 6).

A C/TPA can ONLY perform a RTD test. A C/TPA CANNOT manage or manage the Follow Up Drug Testing Plan as the regulations are specific to assigning the Follow Up Testing Plan to an EMPLOYER ONLY. That means in order to successfully complete the RTD process a driver must find an employer to conduct the Follow Up Testing Plan (Step 6 of the FMCSA Clearinghouse RTD Process).