Hello,

When new hires complete our health assessment form, they include what medications they are taking which could include opiates and/or other drugs that could affect their ability to perform their job duties. At the time of the visit, the RN counsels the new hire on the side effects of those medications and explain the fitness for duty policy, which requires employees to present to work unimpaired and fit to perform their job.

Their urine drug screen tests positive and goes to the medical review officer (MRO) who verifies the new hire’s prescriptions. If the new hire is on multiple medications that could impair them, the urine drug screen result will also include a statement, “A safety risk may exist- recommend further evaluation”.

We were curious to know what other organizations do in these situations? Do you require these individuals to provide a note from the prescribing provider or PCP stating they are safe to perform their job duties with their prescribed medications? What happens if this comment is not included on the result from the MRO, but the employee disclosed that they take medications that could cause impairment like opioids or benzodiazepines? Do you require anything additional from these individuals to clear them to start work?

Thanks,

Jamie

Jamie Hayden RN, BSN

she/her/hers – What are personal pronouns?

Lead RN, Employee Health Services

UWHealth, UW Hospital and Clinics
700 University Bay Drive Suite 101
Madison, WI 53705

Phone: 608-263-7535
jhayden@uwhealth.org

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