LET ME HELP YOU GET BACK TO WORK! CALL ME!
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
TO THE SAP EVALUATION PROCESS
If you've tested positive, been removed from your safety-sensitive job, or need a Substance Abuse Professional evaluation for any reason — this page explains exactly what happens next, in plain language, step by step.
Paul Collette, MS, LADC, DOT SAP
DOT Substance Abuse Professional
Important: You cannot return to safety-sensitive work until you complete the full SAP process — including the initial evaluation, recommended treatment, follow-up evaluation, and a negative return-to-duty test. The sooner you start, the sooner you can return to work. Call me today at 860-502-0917. Weekdays or Weekends.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO,
IN ORDER
Every step below is required by federal law (49 CFR Part 40). You cannot skip steps. I will guide you through each one!
Step 1 — You've Been Notified of a Positive Test or Violation
Your employer has informed you of a positive drug or alcohol test result, a refusal to test, or another DOT regulation violation. You have been removed from your safety-sensitive duties. This is the starting point.
- Federal law (49 CFR Part 40) requires your employer to remove you from safety-sensitive functions immediately.
- You cannot return to work in a safety-sensitive role until you complete the full SAP process.
- This applies to CDL drivers, pilots, railroad workers, transit operators, pipeline workers, and maritime employees.
- Do not panic — this is a defined process with a clear path back to work.
Step 2 — Contact Paul Collette for Your SAP Evaluation
Your employer is required by law to provide you with a list of qualified SAPs. You have the right to choose your own SAP. Call or email me directly — I will answer your call / respond the same day. Even on the weekend!
- Call 860-502-0917 or email [email protected] — same-day response guaranteed.
- In-person evaluations available in CT, MA & VT; virtual/remote evaluations also offered.
- Affordable, flat-rate pricing — ask me about fees during your first call.
- I am licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
- You may use your own health insurance for some treatment components — I can advise and help.
Step 3 — Initial SAP Evaluation (Face-to-Face Assessment. In person or Virtual).
I will conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment to evaluate the nature and extent of your substance use disorder. This is a confidential, professional evaluation — not a punishment.
- The evaluation typically takes 1–2 hours and covers your substance use history, work history, and personal background.
- I will use DOT-approved clinical assessment tools and criteria.
- Everything discussed is confidential between you and me, subject to applicable law.
- I'll determine what level of education and/or treatment is clinically appropriate for your situation.
- You will receive a written evaluation report that I will send to your employer's Medical Review Officer (MRO) or Designated Employer Representative (DER).
Step 4 — Complete the Recommended Education or Treatment
Based on your clinical assessment, I will recommend a specific level of education and/or treatment. You must complete this before you can be considered for return to duty.
- Recommendations may include substance abuse education classes, outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), or inpatient treatment.
- If treatment is needed, I'll refer you to an appropriate, DOT-compliant treatment provider.
- The length and intensity of treatment depends on your individual clinical needs.
- You are responsible for completing all recommended treatment in good faith.
- I'll remain available throughout your treatment / education to answer questions and provide guidance!
Step 5 — Follow-Up SAP Evaluation
After you have completed the recommended education or treatment, I will conduct a follow-up evaluation to assess your progress and determine whether you are ready to return to safety-sensitive duties.
- This is a separate evaluation from the initial assessment — do not skip it.
- I will review your treatment records / education class and assess your current status.
- Once you have successfully completed treatment or an education class, I will determine you are fit for duty and issue a Return-to-Duty recommendation.
- This recommendation is sent to your employer's Designated Employer Representative (DER).
- Without this follow-up evaluation, you cannot legally return to safety-sensitive work.
Step 6 — Return-to-Duty Drug/Alcohol Test
Before you can resume safety-sensitive duties, you must pass a directly observed return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test. This test is arranged by your employer. If you have been terminated from your previous employer, I can provide you with an approved C/TPA Service Provider who can handle your RTD!
- The test must be directly observed — a collector will watch the specimen collection.
- You must test negative (or below 0.02 for alcohol) to proceed.
- If you test positive again, the process restarts and you must complete a new SAP evaluation.
- Your employer's DER will coordinate the testing logistics.
- Once you pass, your employer may allow you to return to your safety-sensitive position.
Step 7 — Follow-Up Testing Program (Unannounced Tests)
After returning to duty, you will be placed in a follow-up testing program. This is mandatory under federal law and cannot be waived by your employer.
- You must complete a minimum of 6 unannounced follow-up tests in the first 12 months after returning to duty.
- Paul determines the frequency and duration of your follow-up testing program (up to 5 years).
- Tests are unannounced — you will not know in advance when you will be tested.
- Failing a follow-up test is treated the same as a new violation and requires a new SAP evaluation.
- Completing your follow-up program successfully demonstrates your commitment to sobriety and compliance.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ME
I have helped MANY individuals navigate the SAP process and return to work. Here's what you can count on.
Same-Day Response
I answer and return EVERY call and email the same day - even weekends! When your livelihood is on the line, you shouldn't have to wait.
Strict Confidentiality
Your evaluation is private. I only share what federal regulations require with your employer — nothing more.
Compassionate, Non-Judgmental
I understand that positive tests happen to good people. My goal is to help you get back to work, not to judge you.
Fast & Efficient Process
I move quickly so you can return to work as soon as clinically appropriate. No unnecessary delays.
Affordable Rates!
I offer competitive, transparent pricing. Ask about fees on your first call — no surprises.
All Industries & Non-DOT
Trucking, aviation, rail, transit, pipeline, maritime — and Non-DOT clients including DUI assessments and employer-required evaluations.
NON-DOT CLIENTS WELCOME
You do not need to work in a DOT-regulated industry to benefit from a professional substance abuse evaluation. I provide confidential, affordable assessments and counseling for individuals in all walks of life.
DUI / OUI Evaluations
Court-required substance abuse evaluations following a DUI or OUI charge. I provide a thorough clinical assessment and written report accepted by CT, MA & VT courts.
Court-Ordered Evaluations
Mandated assessments ordered by a judge or probation officer as part of a criminal matter, diversion program, or condition of sentencing.
Employer-Required Assessments
Your employer has asked you to complete a substance abuse evaluation as a condition of continued employment — even if your job is not DOT-regulated. I can help.
Personal & Voluntary Evaluations
Seeking help on your own terms? Whether you are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) or want a voluntary evaluation, I offer compassionate, confidential counseling and therapy.
Struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, I offer individual therapy and counseling services in addition to formal evaluations. You do not need a court order or employer referral to reach out — confidential help is available now. Call or email me directly and I will respond the same day.
QUESTIONS EMPLOYEES ASK
Honest answers to the questions I hear most often from employees in CT, MA, and VT going through this process.
DON'T WAIT — EVERY DAY COUNTS.
The sooner you contact me, the sooner you can begin the process and get back to work. I am available for same-day consultations and virtual evaluations.