DOT SAP
EVALUATION
CONNECTICUT
Failed a DOT drug or alcohol test in Connecticut? I'm Paul Collette, MS, LADC — a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional based in Newington, CT. Same-day evaluations for CDL drivers and all DOT-regulated employees statewide.
Paul Collette, MS, LADC, DOT SAP
DOT Substance Abuse Professional — Newington, CT
Licensed CT · MA · VT
49 CFR Part 40
Years DOT SAP Experience
DOT Modes Covered
CT · MA · VT Licensed
Response Guarantee
FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES A
QUALIFIED SAP
BEFORE RETURN TO DUTY
Under federal law (49 CFR Part 40), any employee in a DOT-regulated safety-sensitive position who fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test must be evaluated by a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional before they can return to work. This applies to CDL truck drivers, aviation workers, railroad employees, transit workers, pipeline workers, and maritime employees — all of whom operate in Connecticut.
The SAP evaluation is not a punishment. It's a clinical assessment designed to determine what education or treatment, if any, is appropriate — and to establish a path back to safety-sensitive work. The SAP is the only person who can authorize a return-to-duty test.
I'm Paul Collette, MS, LADC. I'm based in Newington, Connecticut and offer both in-person and virtual evaluations. Same-day and next-day scheduling is available.
Employers: removal from duty is immediate upon a positive test result.
ALL 6 DOT-REGULATED INDUSTRIES
OPERATING IN CONNECTICUT
FMCSA — Trucking & CDL
CDL drivers, freight carriers, owner-operators, school bus operators. Connecticut has thousands of FMCSA-regulated carriers on I-95, I-91, and I-84.
FAA — Aviation
Pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, and other safety-sensitive aviation workers at BDL (Bradley International) and HVN (Tweed New Haven).
FRA — Railroad
Railroad workers on Connecticut's freight and passenger rail lines, including Metro-North and Amtrak employees serving New Haven, Hartford, and beyond.
FTA — Transit
CTtransit operators, paratransit drivers, and other mass transit employees throughout the state's urban and suburban corridors.
PHMSA — Pipeline
Natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline workers operating in Connecticut under PHMSA jurisdiction — including Eversource and Avangrid employees.
USCG — Maritime
Commercial maritime workers on Connecticut's waterways, including Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, and New London's active port.
THE CONNECTICUT DOT SAP
PROCESS — STEP BY STEP
Initial SAP Evaluation
We meet for a clinical assessment — in person at my Newington, CT office or virtually over a secure video call. I review your history, the circumstances of the test, and any substance use concerns. This typically takes 1–2 hours.
Education or Treatment Recommendation
Based on my evaluation, I recommend either an education program or a formal treatment program. This is a clinical decision — I recommend what's appropriate for your situation, not the most expensive option.
Complete the Recommended Program
You complete the education or treatment program I've recommended. Connecticut has strong substance use treatment resources, and I can refer you to DOT-compliant providers throughout the state.
Follow-Up SAP Evaluation
Once you've completed the program, we meet again. I review your records, assess your current status, and determine whether you're ready to return to safety-sensitive duties.
Return-to-Duty Test
You pass a directly observed drug and/or alcohol test arranged by your employer or C/TPA. Once you pass, you can return to your safety-sensitive position.
Follow-Up Testing Plan
After returning to work, you'll be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for up to five years. I determine the number and frequency of tests as your SAP.
CONNECTICUT'S TRUSTED
DOT SAP PROFESSIONAL
Paul Collette brings over two decades of clinical expertise — including 24 years in federal probation, 6 years in drug court, and 7+ years in private practice. He understands both the clinical and regulatory dimensions of DOT compliance.
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.
Connecticut-Based
Based in Newington, CT — I know Connecticut's transportation industry and treatment landscape.
Employer-Friendly
Clear communication with Safety Directors throughout — you'll always know where things stand.
Clean Documentation
Reports are thorough, well-organized, and accepted by all DOT-regulated employers and MROs.
Licensed CT · MA · VT
If your employee works across state lines, I'm licensed in all three states. One SAP, no complications.
"Same-day response. Documentation was perfect. Highly recommend."
Safety Director, CT Fleet
SERVING ALL OF CONNECTICUT
Based in Newington, CT — virtual evaluations available statewide. In-person evaluations at my office.
And all other Connecticut cities and towns. Virtual evaluations available statewide — no travel required.
CONNECTICUT DOT SAP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Related Resources
Failed a DOT Drug Test in CT?
What happens next — step by step
CT Employer DOT SAP Compliance Guide
Obligations, Clearinghouse, and common mistakes
What Safety Directors Need to Know
Employer-side SAP process explained
The Full SAP Return-to-Duty Process
Complete guide for employees
DOT SAP in Massachusetts
Also licensed in MA statewide
SCHEDULE YOUR CONNECTICUT
DOT SAP EVALUATION
Same-day response. Virtual evaluations available statewide.