Legality of working under license while on prescription narcotics in OH?

[mar0461]

I would like any pertinent information you have regarding taking prescription narcotics after surgery while on the job under my nursing license in Ohio. I have foot surgery coming up and my employer is saying I will only be able to take 2 weeks Leave of Absence because I am not in a fast paced hospital setting. Is it legal for me to be taking prescription pain medication while practicing under my Ohio nursing license, whether it be telephonically vs “floor nursing”?

[MunoRN, RN]

There's no reason to be taking opiates for pain more than 2 weeks out from foot surgery, so it shouldn't be an issue, but Ohio appears to define inappropriate use of prescription medications while practicing as just being when clear impairment is present. Keep in mind though that impairment also impairs you ability to self-evaluate if you're impaired, and any errors you might make, even if they might have occurred without taking the medication, could potentially be attributed to the medication by your employer and reported to the BON.