---------------------------------------Her board certified oncologist would prescribe Marinol, which is a FDA approved treatment for chemotherapy induced nausea.
Private employers can set their own drug testing policy. Marijuana is still an Class 1 controlled substance in Federal law.
A verified and current prescription for a controlled drug will usually make the drug test negative. That is what a Medical Review Officer’s (MRO) job is to determine.
Her doctor gave her bad advice.
From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+john.mickelson2=va.gov@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Dr Joe Fanucchi
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 11:46 AM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [MCOH-EH] Pre-placement Marijuana Testing
Good afternoon colleagues,
I've asked this question before but have never received a response from any of the "we don't employ anyone who tests positive for THC" hospitals:
A 60-year-old attendant in the hospital's gift shop undergoes chemotherapy for breast cancer. During the first round of chemo, she is constantly nauseated. She feels miserable. She vomits frequently. She loses 30 pounds.
During her second round of chemo, her oncologist (board-certified) recommends that she try medical marijuana, which her state legislature has legalized. She is not constantly nauseated, she vomits much less frequently, and she loses no weight.
Six weeks later (six weeks after her chemo and six weeks since she last used marijuana), she prepares to return to work. Unfortunately, her RTW drug screen is positive for THC and her employment (and health care benefits) are immediately terminated.
There are no "safety-sensitive" duties in her job description, she is not employed in a federal facility, and she has followed professional medical advice from a licensed physician. Six weeks after her last use of marijuana, she clearly is not impaired by it in any way.
I would invite comments from any Employee Health practitioner in a "we don't employ anyone who tests positive for THC" hospital regarding the justification for depriving this woman of her livelihood.
NOTE: Please respond to me personally rather than to the list as a whole, since I'm not trying to start an on-line quarrel: I would simply like to hear a logical argument either from a hospital attorney or from any Employee Health professional who is involved in the RTW process as to how this can be considered legally, morally or ethically justified.
Respecfully,
Joe Fanucchi
--Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM
President and Medical Director
MediTrax / OHS, Inc.
o:925-820-7758
c:925-368-3367
drjoe@meditrax.com
On 1/23/2019 9:19 AM, PRATER, DEANNA wrote:
Since we receive federal funds for Medicare, we have to follow federal laws. We test for THC with our new hires. All positives are excluded from employment.
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Palfrey, John
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 08:24
To: 'mcoh-eh@mylist.net' <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Pre-placement Marijuana Testing
List,
This was previously posted in April of 2018. Of those responding, most excluded candidates with THC positive screens from employment. Am reposting to see if there has been any change:
With the changes in some state laws regarding recreational marijuana, I would be interested in hearing how other healthcare organizations are handling pre-placement drug screening for THC. Are THC positive drug screens excluded from employment? Has anyone stopped testing for THC in pre-placement screening? Do you handle medical marijuana differently than recreational?
Thank you,
John C. Palfrey, PA-C
Director, Occupational Health Services
774-552-6108
--
Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM
President and Medical Director
MediTrax / OHS, Inc.
o:925-820-7758
c:925-368-3367
drjoe@meditrax.com
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