How to legally manage a prescription medication that may trigger a positive result: Managing legally prescribed drugs often involves a sensitive balancing act among commercial drivers and safety-sensitive workers when it comes to DOT drug testing and drug screening in the workplace. Legally prescribed drugs may just be the ones that lead to false positives and positive drug testing results, though they are prescribed by licensed physicians. Knowing how to handle such situations can save your career, your CDL license, and your compliance record.
- It is necessary to learn how prescription medications affect drug tests
Opioids and other benzodiazepines, amphetamines, or ADHD medications would include prescription medications that could show a positive result on a DOT drug test. Although legally used, they may pass as illicit during screening. Drivers and employees should therefore check their prescriptions with their MRO or occupational health provider if the prescribed medication has the potential to influence test results.
- Notify your employer and Medical Review Officer in advance.
Transparency is the foundation of compliance. It means if a prescription drug likely to cause a positive test result is taken, the employee or testing administrator must be notified prior to the test. The MRO would verify the prescription and might make a call to the health care provider to assess actual necessity. So be ready with all records pertaining to the prescription and its dosing information and doctors’ notes when there’s a need for referral and confirmation of legitimacy. It should keep you from wrongly conceding to positive results and proving negative when correctly verified.
- Engage a Certified Medical Provider for Documentation
When the prescribing physician is familiar with DOT and FMCSA medical requirements where the job is concerned, that physician can provide a letter outlining the necessity and safety of using the medication while performing safety-sensitive duties. Where the medication might affect the ability to drive or alertness, the prescribing doctor would offer recommendations on when to take doses or alternative medications. Collaboration among the driver, physician, and MRO assists with compliance and safety.
- Be Aware of and Have Compliance Records
Possession of copies of all medical certificates, prescriptions, and communications with MRO is adequate. Update your employer regularly about changes in medication. Ensure you stay well-informed about DOT drug testing requirements and the current scheduled controlled substances to avoid surprises in violations. With documentation and transparency, your use of prescription drugs would not be scorned, illegal, or poorly documented under federal drug testing laws.
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