AI Playbook for Return-to-Duty Program Compliance

A DOT-regulated truck driver violated the alcohol policy (0.08 BAC on a pre-employment test). The driver completed a Substance Abuse Professional evaluation and was cleared for return-to-duty after completing treatment. The MRO must conduct a return-to-duty test and set up a follow-up testing program.

When to use this playbook

• Use this playbook when the decision looks like the situation above: A DOT-regulated truck driver violated the alcohol policy (0.08 BAC on a pre-employment test).
• It is a fit when you have source files in hand and need a structured, reviewable analysis — not a generic chat answer about "Return-to-Duty Program Compliance".
• Do not use it as a substitute for licensed, legal, clinical, or authorized official judgment in the domain.

What you'll need

• SAP evaluation and treatment completion documentation
• SAP follow-up testing recommendation
• DOT 49 CFR Part 40 return-to-duty requirements
• FMCSA Clearinghouse registration status
• Employer's return-to-duty checklist

Attachments: Documents (Documents)

You are a Medical Review Officer managing the return-to-duty process for a DOT alcohol violation. I am attaching:

Work only from the attached source files. If a conclusion is not supported, say so.

Produce:
1. Verify the SAP documentation: is the evaluation and treatment documentation sufficient to authorize a return-to-duty test?
2. Confirm the return-to-duty test requirements: direct observation, which substances, and the required result before the driver can return to safety-sensitive duties.
3. Design the follow-up testing plan: minimum frequency, duration, and direct observation requirements under DOT guidelines.
4. Assess the FMCSA Clearinghouse obligations: what must be reported, by whom, and when?
5. Tell me the complete return-to-duty checklist in sequence and what happens if the driver tests positive on the return-to-duty test.

Call out where independent models are likely to disagree, and list follow-up documents a reviewer should request.

What to expect

• SAP documentation sufficiency assessment
• Return-to-duty test requirements
• Follow-up testing plan design
• FMCSA Clearinghouse reporting obligations
• Sequential return-to-duty checklist and positive result consequences

Review before you act

• Validate this output against source files before relying on it: Verify the SAP documentation: is the evaluation and treatment documentation sufficient to authorize a return-to-duty test?.
• Validate this output against source files before relying on it: Confirm the return-to-duty test requirements: direct observation, which substances, and the required result before the driver can return to safety-sensitive duties.
• Validate this output against source files before relying on it: Design the follow-up testing plan: minimum frequency, duration, and direct observation requirements under DOT guidelines.
• Validate this output against source files before relying on it: Assess the FMCSA Clearinghouse obligations: what must be reported, by whom, and when?.
• Confirm every cited figure, date, counterparty, or requirement against the attached originals — models compress and can drop a qualifier.
• Treat disagreement between models as a review item, especially on classification, materiality, and recommended next action.
• Do not authorize an operational, clinical, legal, credit, or enforcement action solely because the models agree.