California Intervention program question

Sanfranjflo · Jan 20

Nope. You can not take them at all. If you take any type of controlled substance, you are not allowed to work. They will suspend your drug testing until you are off of the meds. After two negative drug screens then you can return to work. They have a whole list of substances that you can't take on the Maximus website.

Yellowbird68 · Jan 21

Hey there, I'm not sure about CA but here in FL. They can make exceptions if you are stable on a controlled medication and it's not your drug of choice. It's a whole process with your prescribing doctor but it can be done.

people in my group take narcotics and there is someone on adderall too.

allnurses Guide · Jan 22

Yellowbird68 said:

Hey there, I'm not sure about CA but here in FL. They can make exceptions if you are stable on a controlled medication and it's not your drug of choice. It's a whole process with your prescribing doctor but it can be done.

people in my group take narcotics and there is someone on adderall too.

Yes there are provisions to take medications for ADD/ADHD which are medical problems that require treatment. You just have to get permission from your DEC (Diversion Enforcement Committee) and send them a copy of your prescription and a letter from your treating physician.

Hppy

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Jan 22

As others have indicated, it is OK for you to take ADHD meds properly prescribed by a healthcare provider. Just make sure you have required documentation. As your employer about this.

In CA, cannabis is legal. RNs can use cannabis. However, they can't report to work "high." The exception is cannabis is still prohibited by federal law. So if the facility is a federal facility in CA, then no employees can use cannabis. Basically, check with your CA employer whether or not they care if you use cannabis. Most employers in CA don't care as long as you report to work sober.

Good luck.

C Rizzle · Mar 8

Good evening,

The answer is yes. However, it is a difficult and arduous process. I am currently taking ADHD medications. First, my doctor wrote a letter stating his treatment plan included a banned ADHD medication because it was appropriately indicated. Maximus/BRN stated that I would not be able to work while taking a banned but properly prescribed medication. I continued pursuing permission to take my appropriately prescribed medication and being allowed to work. I was asked through Maximus to try Strattera first to prove that this SNRI 4th line treatment for ADHD does not work. While inappropriate, my psychiatrist was very patient and understanding and prescribed Strattera. Then, when it failed (it was a horrible experience for me), I was asked to have my psychiatrist write a second letter indicating Strattera failed. At first, Maximus/BRN stated that I needed to seek a second opinion from a separate psychiatrist. Then, I was told I can take the medication but would still be denied the ability to work and take the appropriate 1st line ADHD medication. I persisted and continued pursuing approval. Finally, Maximus/BRN stated I would need to submit a neuropsychology report from a PHD psychologist that proves that I am neurocognitively intact while taking said 1st line medication. This exam costs $4000-$5000. I submitted my report and was eventually approved to take the medication prescribed by my psychiatrist AND be allowed the opportunity to work while taking the medication. The entire process was approximately 5 months with many calls to Maximus (they indicated they were contacting the board several times) and then finding a psychologist (who needed to be approved by Maximus) in time to submit the report to the board before my scheduled meeting with the BRN. I hope this helps.

Quickstepper, MSN, RN · Mar 8

Thank you for this feedback! I went through a total of 2 neuropsych evaluations/testing, each 6 hrs long. The results showed that I clearly had ADD and that, in fact, I needed to be on medication in order to be safe. Of course I knew this already because I was diagnosed in college and have been taking stimulants for 15 years.