Fennemore bolsters construction law depth with Denver deal
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Business Journals
5 days ago
- Business Journals
Rezoning paves way for housing development at former truck driving school
2026 40 under 40 Awards Program (Nominations close Thursday, October 13, 2025) Do you know a young professional making big moves? If you or someone you know is under 40 years of age, a recognized business leader and an active participant in the community, nominate them for Denver's most prestigious recognition of up-and-comers.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Time Business News
What is the DOT SAP Program?
If you are a commercial driver regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and have failed or refused a DOT drug or alcohol test, you are likely to hear about the DOT SAP Program. But what exactly is it? Why is it important? And most importantly—how can you get through it smoothly and legally? The DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program is a federally mandated process managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is designed for employees in safety-sensitive positions—such as truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial motor vehicle operators—who have: Failed a DOT drug or alcohol test Refused to take a test Violated drug and alcohol program regulations In such cases, drivers are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties and cannot resume work until they successfully complete the SAP return-to-duty (RTD) process. Here are the main steps of the DOT SAP Program: Initial Evaluation: You'll meet with a qualified SAP professional who will assess your condition and determine the appropriate treatment or education plan. Treatment and/or Education: Based on the evaluation, you'll be required to complete a specific program (counseling, classes, etc.). Follow-Up Evaluation: After completing the program, you'll meet with the SAP again for re-evaluation. If they determine you're compliant, they will provide a report to your employer or prospective employer. Return-to-Duty Test: You must pass a directly observed drug and/or alcohol test to return to work. Follow-Up Testing Plan: You will be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for up to 5 years. This process is not just a formality—it's a legal requirement. Failing to complete it means: You cannot work in a safety-sensitive role Your Clearinghouse record will reflect non-compliance You'll face long-term career limitations in the transportation industry Navigating the SAP process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when your career and income are on the line. That's where AACS Counseling comes in. ✅ DOT-Qualified SAP Professionals AACS Counseling has DOT-qualified SAPs who are experienced, certified, and understand the complexities of federal regulations. ✅ Quick Appointments & Nationwide Access Whether you need help urgently or are in a remote area, AACS offers telehealth appointments and nationwide availability, making the process fast and convenient. ✅ Personalized Return-to-Duty Plans No two situations are alike. AACS provides customized treatment and education recommendations based on your specific case and lifestyle. ✅ Full Compliance Assistance From Clearinghouse reporting to follow-up schedules, AACS ensures 100% compliance with FMCSA regulations, protecting both your license and your livelihood. ✅ Employer Communication Support If needed, AACS Counseling can communicate directly with employers or prospective companies to ensure a smooth transition back to work. Take the First Step with Confidence Failing or refusing a DOT drug or alcohol test doesn't have to be the end of your career. With the right support, you can return to duty legally, safely, and confidently. Let AACS Counseling guide you through every step of the DOT SAP Program—from the first evaluation to your successful return to work. Visit or call their support line to book your SAP evaluation today. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
North Texas military veterans face sharp cuts to VA-funded in-home care
Veterans in North Texas who depend on federal funding for in-home care are seeing major cutbacks, forcing some to give up the independence of living in their homes. The CBS News Texas I-Team first reported in April that many veterans were receiving fewer approved hours through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Homemaker Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Program. The program is designed to help veterans live independently by sending aides to assist with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and housekeeping. While the number of North Texas veterans enrolled in the H/HHA program has increased in recent years, the percentage of veterans who receive more than 20 hours per week of in-home care has steadily gone down in the past year, according to an analysis of data provided by the VA. Veterans enrolled in the program who receive more than 20 hours a week of in-home care has dropped from 37% in June of 2024 to 11% in June 2025. A VA spokesperson told the I-Team there had been some confusion about the scope of the program. To fix that, the VA North Texas Health Care System recently rolled out a new system to make sure hours are being approved consistently and correctly. One of the veterans affected is an 80-year-old Marine veteran from Denton who is suffering from cancer linked to exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation. The VA determined his disability rating was 100%, which represents how the disability impacts overall health and ability to function. The rating also determines what level of benefits veterans are eligible for. The Marine veteran had been receiving 37 hours of in-home care each week. The support allowed him and his wife, who has Alzheimer's disease, to remain in their home. But last summer, without warning, the VA cut his in-home care to 13 hours per week. With less help, the veteran said he had no choice but to move into assisted living. "I can't take care of my wife because I can't get help for me," he said, holding back tears. "That's what's hurtful about it." Nagraj Venkataraman, owner of BrightStar Care of Denton, a home health care agency, said all his veteran clients in the program — more than a dozen — have seen similar cuts. "If there is one segment of the population that needs help, it's our veterans," he said. "It's our duty to give back to them. That shouldn't be a cliché. It should be real." Marine veteran James Carey of Heath, Texas, also knows firsthand how devastating the cuts can be. Fifteen years ago, a training accident at Camp Pendleton left him with a traumatic brain injury. Now 38, Carey is blind, unable to move his body and suffers from dementia. Until this year, Carey had been receiving care from the VA around the clock. But in January, the VA reduced it to 16 hours per week. After multiple appeals, his hours were raised to 50 — still far less than what he had been receiving. His mother, Kim Carey, has been his primary caregiver. But she said she can't do it alone. "Why do we have to keep paying that price every day?" she said. "Why do we have to beg the VA to give him the benefits he earned?" The VA insists that no national policy has changed. In a statement, the VA told the I-Team there was some confusion about what the program was supposed to cover, stating the H/HHA is "not meant for housekeeping or 24/7 care." But the VA's own website lists housekeeping in a video as one of the services the program can provide — and does not mention any limits on hours. The VA North Texas Health Care System provided H/HHA services to 7,939 veterans in 2024 and 8,196 so far in 2025. The VA also pointed to other services available to veterans, including the Caregiver Support Program, medical foster homes and nursing homes.
