Can a DOT SAP Evaluation Be Done Remotely?

Yes, at the SAP's discretion. Under 49 CFR 40.291(a)(1), the SAP's assessment or evaluation "may be performed face-to-face in-person or remotely." Under 40.291(a)(3), the follow-up evaluation may also be performed in person or remotely.

When a SAP is not prohibited from using technology within the parameters of the SAP's state-issued license or other credential, a remote evaluation must meet two criteria in 40.291(a)(1). The technology must permit real-time audio and visual interaction between the SAP and the employee. Its quality, such as the speed of the internet connection and the clarity of the video display, must be sufficient for the SAP to gather all the visual and audible information the SAP would gather in person, while protecting the confidentiality of the communications at the level expected by industry standards for remote substance abuse evaluations.

Under 49 CFR 40.281(f), a SAP must abide by the geographic limitations of the SAP's credential when performing remote evaluations. Under 49 CFR 40.297(c), a SAP must not perform evaluations outside the geographic jurisdiction of the SAP's credentials, but if that happens, the employee will not be required to seek the evaluation of a second SAP. Section 40.305(d) states the same point for remote evaluations. In its March 4, 2026 notification (91 FR 10518), DOT stated that it defers to a state licensing authority or DOT-recognized credentialing organization that decides practice across state lines is appropriate.

Under 49 CFR 40.311, the SAP's written reports state the dates and format, face-to-face or remote, of the assessment. The same DOT notification listed remote evaluations outside a credential's geographical limit, and remote evaluations without real time two-way audio and visual communication with the employee, among SAP issues DOT had become aware of.

SAP credentials are covered in What Qualifications Must a DOT SAP Have?.

The MyDrugTesting.com directory can be searched by provider name, city or ZIP code to find SAP listings in a given area.