Please see comments below in the text.
Barb Maxwell RN, MHA, COHN-S, CCM, CWCP, QRP, FAAOHN
Division Director Company Care
Occupational Health Services
HCA - West Florida Division
Phone: (727) 528-5932
Fax: (727) 528-5933
Cell: (727) 560-7252
“Our greatest asset is the customer! Treat each customer as if they are the only one!"
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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of Kevin Matson
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2016 2:41 PM
To: 'mcoh-eh@mylist.net' <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [MCOH-EH] Use of prescription drugs - instant drug screens
I have been asked to consider a new process for new hire drug screens. Currently when a candidate has a positive instant drug screen, we then send the specimen for confirmation testing and ultimately to the MRO.
Meanwhile, the new employee is on medical hold and may not start work.
For the proposed change, I am being asked to have the candidate present their prescription bottles, and then have an occupational health nurse determine if the employee has a valid prescription.
[Barb Maxwell] That is not an option. You need to have a Medical Review Officer review the results. The Occ Health RN is not a MRO and could be practicing out
of their scope and could be exposed to legal ramifications if challenged.
If the employee presents a valid prescription, we would then let the candidate start pending the final review from MRO. If the candidate could not present a valid prescription, they would be on a medical hold until
final MRO result was obtained.
I have a strong opinion about this, but I don’t want to bias the group with my opinion. Is anyone doing this and can you share your experience? Or, has anyone tried this and discontinued the practice?
[Barb Maxwell] It only takes one challenge against a non-MRO in a court of law to let others see this is not a practice that we should be involved in.
Thanks,
Kevin Matson, Director
Occupational Medicine Service Line
Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc.
770-219-3957
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