Can an employer ask you what medications you are taking?

[blah_blah_blah]

I have a friend that I went to nursing school with for our ADN and we are also both at the same school for our BSN. She was telling me how she was hired at a hospital that is a part of a large network in the area. The thing that both she and I thought was strange that they asked her to disclose all the medications she was currently taking (I don't know if this was on the application, during the interview, or after she was hired)

This seemed like a very personal question to ask and borderline inappropriate. Isn't this against the Americans with Disabilities Act? I did a little research and discovered that this Act also protects people without disabilities as well and is usually prohibited because it is considered a medical inquiry.

However, my research (admittedly my "research" is a google search) said that under certain circumstances it is permitted and it referenced jobs such as operators of heavy machinery and pilots and jobs of that nature.

I understand why someone who is hiring a nurse would want to know if an employee is prescribed and taking benzos, sedatives, opiates or drugs that can impair you as they cannot take care of patients while under the influence of those medications, but couldn't they just ask if they were taking those SPECIFIC medications or medications in those drug classes? why do they need to know ALL the medications?

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

At our facility all candidates for employment complete a medical questionnaire that includes a complete list of medications. Everyone is subject to random drug testing, and anyone who requires medication that would be expected to impair daily functions would be questioned on this. It matters if it's temporary or permanent, scheduled daily or intermittent/PRN. "Discrimination" only applies of one individual is allowed to take medications another individual is not....but if no one is allowed to be on certain medications while working, it's a fair game question.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I've never minded peeing in a cup for a UDS, although I still hold the position that what an employee does on his/her own time is none of the employer's business. But there's a big difference between that and having to disclose one's medication list and/or medical history. I've got a few skeletons rattling around in my closet that I'd just as soon not share because a) I have been discriminated against in the past; and b) there is no way you could look at my med list and NOT know I am being treated for a mental illness, which is still highly stigmatized in our culture.

I don't understand why nurses are willing to put up with this invasion of privacy. If enough of us were to protest, I think it would stop eventually. But the market is over-saturated, so we've become "sheeple" in order to land a job. It's sad.

[Nola009]

Ive been told to disclose all meds after I have been offered and accepted a position, but before the physical and lab work.

[caliotter3]

At every hospital job I've ever worked I was asked to disclose all medications and my medical history during the physical examination portion by employee health.

This. Likewise for other areas of nursing, part of the physical exam/medical history portion of the hiring process.

[squiggy241]

I worked at a hospital, and during the screening by the doctor was asked to disclose my medications. I mentioned that I was on Fluoxetine (Prozac). I have taken it for years for mild depression. She then asked me to get a note from my Primary doctor that mentions that I am safe to work around patients. I did do it, but even my doctor said that was strange. I felt very discriminated against. Was that even okay for the employer to do?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

In light of the German pilot who crashed into the mountain side, killing >100 people, I think perhaps they are being super cautious.

I think it's being overly cautious, as 1 out of 4 people experience a mental illness in any year, and nurses certainly aren't exempt from the challenges of life and altered health status.

But, you passed, right?

[squiggy241]

Oh yes, I passed, it just threw both my doctor and I for a loop that I would have to get a note for a low dose. I didn't think that was legal, but apparently it is!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Oh yes, I passed, it just threw both my doctor and I for a loop that I would have to get a note for a low dose. I didn't think that was legal, but apparently it is!

Yes, it sure is legal.

Regulations and legalities are always evolving; at this point there are even certain medications that will preclude employment in certain areas. Totally legal. A person may be disqualified for certain employments if they don't meet the physical criteria, and that includes use of certain medications.

Americans are used to having a lot of privacy and protections, but.....for some things, it just isn't guaranteed at all....and it is most definitely legal.