Violation of privacy re: student medications?

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.

Just wondering what you all think.

Today, our class was told that we need to submit a piece of paper with our name on it and all medications we are currently taking.

We're 2 months from graduation, and they want this now? They won't even tell us why. If your place of employment can't even legally ask you if you're married, I don't think it's quite legal for a school to ask you about your meds.

Fortunately, I'm not on anything.

Also, I don't believe this is for a drug test. We've had 3 DT's so far, and they only ask about your meds if you fail the test. Probably because it's illegal to ask you up front...?

I'm not exactly a legal expert, but something about this just doesn't sit right with me and I wanted to vent.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Every drug test I've taken (3 so far in NS) I have been asked upfront about the meds I take-so I don't think it's illegal. Plus, somewhere in your student handbook, you've probably already consented to give this and other assorted information up. It's wierd all right-but not illegal.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I wouldn't do it - they have no business knowing this information. I would just refuse unless they could tell me (in writing) what this was for.

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.

I told a friend of mine about the situation earlier today. She just called me back and said she called the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office for Civil Rights and asked about the situation.

The rep there said that it was a "serious violation" and that no school or employer should ask for that information "in any capacity", and wanted to send her a "complaint packet" so that a complaint could be filed as soon as possible.

I'm not stupid enough to file a formal complaint with DHHS, but at least I know that I'm not totally insane in thinking it's wrong.

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I told a friend of mine about the situation earlier today. She just called me back and said she called the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office for Civil Rights and asked about the situation.

The rep there said that it was a "serious violation" and that no school or employer should ask for that information "in any capacity", and wanted to send her a "complaint packet" so that a complaint could be filed as soon as possible.

I'm not stupid enough to file a formal complaint with DHHS, but at least I know that I'm not totally insane in thinking it's wrong.

Sorry but you are making the wrong decision by not filing a complaint with DHHS. No school or employer has any right to this information and by not stepping up to the plate, you are allowing the program to continue in their wrong doing. Sometimes one needs to step up to the plate.

Grannynurse:balloons:

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Sorry but you are making the wrong decision by not filing a complaint with DHHS. No school or employer has any right to this information and by not stepping up to the plate, you are allowing the program to continue in their wrong doing. Sometimes one needs to step up to the plate.

Grannynurse:balloons:

I agree, although I would give the school a chance to explain themselves first. THEN I'd make a formal complaint if they persisted in seeking this information and/or refusing to state why they want it.

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.

It may be wrong, but I'm more interested in getting my license than getting the school investigated. Theoretically, I should be protected from getting the axe, but let's face it -- if I report them, I'm screwing myself.

I can't entertain the idea of losing my license before I even get it, in the name of doing what's right.

It sounds bad, but I'm just a realist.

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It may be wrong, but I'm more interested in getting my license than getting the school investigated. Theoretically, I should be protected from getting the axe, but let's face it -- if I report them, I'm screwing myself.

I can't entertain the idea of losing my license before I even get it, in the name of doing what's right.

It sounds bad, but I'm just a realist.

Sorry but you are attempting to rationalize your lack of action. You cannot lose something you do not have yet. You said you are two months from graduation. There is nothing to prevent you from filing a complaint the day after you are graduated. You seem willing to let your school walk all over you and your rights. Will you do the same thing when an employer demands you supply him with a list of your medications? Sorry if I seem hard and harsh but I believe in keeping my power and not giving it away because of a fear of what might happen.

Grannynurse:balloons:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiac, ICU.

What school are you at DonaldJ? I'm in Memphis too.

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it doesn't make sense that the school won't even give a reason for asking such a thing, stand up for your rights and ask WHy? WHY? WHY?

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
They won't even tell us why.

That would be the red flag for me. I certainly wouldn't share that info without a reason for it.

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It i illegal for them to ask; and if they cannot give you a valid reason, then you do not need to respond.

And just to ask you to put it on a piece of paper? For what reason?

Was this done by the instructor, or administration?

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