Paul Collette, MS, LADC
DOT Substance Abuse Professional
Compass Recovery & Counseling, LLC
YOUR EMPLOYEE TESTED POSITIVE.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Federal law requires a qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before any safety-sensitive employee can return to duty. Paul Collette, MS, LADC, DOT SAP, serves all DOT-regulated industries — trucking, aviation, rail, transit, pipeline & maritime — with same-day response to every call.
For those individuals looking for a SAP: Failed a drug or alcohol test? Do you have a pending DUI or other criminal matter which requires an assessment and/or treatment? Your employer requiring an evaluation? Are you looking for a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) so you can return to work? Your livelihood is at stake and you need a SAP quickly.
Affordable, timely, professional return-to-duty program for all DOT and Non-DOT clients. I am prompt in answering and returning your call so we can begin the process immediately. Remote and virtual evaluations are also offered. If you have been removed by your employer from performing safety-sensitive functions because of a DOT regulation violation, a SAP evaluation will be necessary — and I can assist you through the entire process.
Paul Collette, MS, LADC, DOT SAP
DOT Substance Abuse Professional
Compass Recovery & Counseling, LLC
Urgent? Federal law prohibits any DOT-regulated employee — truck driver, pilot, rail worker, pipeline operator, or mariner — from returning to safety-sensitive duties until SAP evaluation is complete.
COMPLETE DOT SAP SERVICES
Everything you or your company needs to maintain DOT compliance after a positive drug or alcohol test or refusal — handled by a licensed professional with decades of experience.
Initial SAP Evaluation
Face-to-face clinical assessment (in-person / virtual) of the employee following a DOT-mandated positive test result. Fully compliant with 49 CFR Part 40.
Required by federal lawEducation & Treatment Referral
Personalized referral to education programs or treatment providers based on the clinical evaluation findings.
Individualized care planFollow-Up Evaluation
After the employee completes the recommended program, Paul conducts the required follow-up evaluation to determine return-to-duty eligibility.
Return-to-duty clearanceReturn-to-Duty Letter
Official DOT-compliant documentation provided to the employer confirming the employee's eligibility to resume safety-sensitive functions.
Legally required documentationFollow-Up Testing Plan
Mandatory follow-up testing schedule (minimum 6 tests in 12 months) coordinated with your company's testing consortium.
12-month monitoring planEmployer Consultation
Guidance for Safety Directors and HR Managers on DOT compliance obligations, timelines, and best practices when an employee tests positive.
Free initial consultationTHE SAP PROCESS,
STEP BY STEP
Federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 40 define a clear process. Paul guides both the employer and employee through every required step!
Positive Test Result
Employee tests positive or refuses a DOT drug/alcohol test. Employer immediately removes them from safety-sensitive duties.
SAP Referral
Employer refers the employee to a qualified SAP. Paul is contacted — same-day response guaranteed.
Initial Evaluation
I conduct a face-to-face clinical interview and assessment, then prescribes education or treatment.
Treatment & Education
Employee completes the recommended program. Paul monitors progress and compliance.
Return to Duty
Paul conducts the follow-up evaluation, issues the return-to-duty letter, and establishes the follow-up testing plan.
"A driver can't return to safety-sensitive duties without SAP clearance."
— 49 CFR Part 40, Subpart O
Paul Collette, MS, LADC, DOT SAP
DOT Substance Abuse Professional
FMCSA Qualified SAP
49 CFR Part 40
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN
TRUST. RESULTS YOU
CAN COUNT ON.
Paul Collette brings over two decades of clinical expertise in substance abuse counseling and addiction treatment to every SAP evaluation. As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with a Master of Science degree, he understands both the clinical and regulatory dimensions of DOT compliance — protecting your company while supporting your employees.
Same-Day Response
Every call and email answered the same business day — no waiting, no voicemail limbo.
Fully DOT Compliant
All evaluations, reports, and follow-up plans meet 49 CFR Part 40 requirements exactly.
Dual-State Licensed
Licensed in both Connecticut and Massachusetts — serving the entire New England trucking corridor.
Employer-Friendly Process
Clear communication with Safety Directors throughout — you'll always know where things stand.
WHAT YOUR COMPANY
IS REQUIRED TO DO
Immediately Remove the Employee
Upon receiving a verified positive test result or refusal, the employee must be immediately removed from all safety-sensitive functions. This is non-negotiable under federal law.
Refer to a Qualified SAP
You must provide the employee with a list of qualified SAPs. The employee selects one and schedules an evaluation at their own expense.
Wait for SAP Clearance
The driver cannot return to safety-sensitive duties until the SAP issues a return-to-duty letter. There are no exceptions and no shortcuts.
Conduct Follow-Up Testing
After return to duty, a minimum of 6 unannounced follow-up tests must be conducted in the first 12 months — as directed by the SAP.
NEED A SAP RIGHT NOW?
I respond to every inquiry the same day. Don't let your employee sit idle longer than necessary — call or email now to start the process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
SERVING EVERY
DOT-REGULATED INDUSTRY
49 CFR Part 40 applies to all safety-sensitive transportation industries regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Paul is qualified to conduct SAP evaluations for employees across every mode.
Commercial Trucking
49 CFR Part 382 · CDL Drivers, CMV Operators
Commercial motor vehicle operators holding a CDL are subject to mandatory pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
Examples
Aviation
14 CFR Part 120 · Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, Mechanics
FAA-regulated aviation employees in safety-sensitive roles — including flight crew, aircraft dispatchers, and maintenance personnel — are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing.
Examples
Railroad
49 CFR Part 219 · Engineers, Conductors, Signal Workers
Federal Railroad Administration regulations require drug and alcohol testing for covered service employees including locomotive engineers, conductors, and train dispatchers.
Examples
Mass Transit
49 CFR Part 655 · Bus Operators, Dispatchers, Mechanics
Federal Transit Administration rules apply to all safety-sensitive transit employees at FTA-funded agencies, including bus and rail operators, dispatchers, and vehicle maintenance workers.
Examples
Pipeline & Oil/Gas
49 CFR Part 199 · Pipeline Controllers, Field Operators
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations require testing for operators of gas, hazardous liquid, and LNG pipelines, including control room operators and field personnel.
Examples
Maritime
46 CFR Part 16 · Merchant Mariners, Vessel Operators
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require drug testing for all crewmembers holding a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and those performing safety-sensitive duties aboard commercial vessels.
Examples
ONE SAP FOR ALL YOUR DOT-REGULATED EMPLOYEES
Whether your positive test involves a truck driver, aerospace worker, a pipeline controller, or a transit bus operator, Paul Collette is qualified to conduct the evaluation and guide you through the full return-to-duty process.
READY TO GET
STARTED?
I respond to every call and email the same business day. Fill out the form below or call me directly — the sooner you reach out, the sooner you or your employee can begin the return-to-duty process.
Call Paul Directly
860-502-0917
Same-day response guaranteed
Email Paul
[email protected]
Responded same business day
Office Location
Compass Recovery & Counseling, LLC
Newington, CT 06111
Licensed & serving CT and MA
PAUL COLLETTE, MS, LADC
SEND PAUL A MESSAGE
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