Privacy: Disclosing Meds on Drug Screen

[belleoftheblvd]

I have a pre-employment drug screen coming up, and I have some concerns about disclosing prescription medications I am taking. I completely understand WHY they ask this information, and--if it were a third-party testing facility--it wouldn't be an issue at all.

1.) I know that an employer can't discriminate based on a medical condition; however, they could argue that a benzo might impair my judgement or that my anxiety would make me a liability in high-stress situations. (It's never stopped me from doing my job before. I also can't remember ever taking my PRN immediately before/at work--not that it matters.)

2.) Testing is done in-house, and it's a fairly small facility. I am worried that this information might make its way to my supervisor, and I'll be judged for it. I know this shouldn't even be a concern, but not everyone follows protocol.

I know I can abstain from taking my PRN anxiolytic for at least 3 days before the test. (Even if it showed up on the test, I do have a valid prescription.) In the past, the COC form has asked me to list all meds, but do I have the right to refuse? Could they rescind my offer for omitting information? (They wouldn't know I had omitted information unless it came back positive.)

I realize I probably sound over-cautious or even paranoid, but you have to admit: there's still a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness in our country.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

I think the risk of not disclosing would appear to your prospective employer like you are trying to hide something. If you can safely go without for three to four days do so but I would also disclose that you have a prescription for the drug in question "which you use occasionally for a diagnosed anxiety disorder." Safer that way for you and quite frankly if they would withdrawn an offer based on this with transparency on your part you probably don't want to work there.

Hppy

[Lisacar130]

Yup... the risk of not disclosing or asking to not provide the info is way riskier. It really isn't a big deal to be on a benzo if you have a valid prescription. If you don't disclose and test positive they would have to report you to the BON. It wouldn't go anywhere once they realize you have a script but why go through that.

For the record I know someone who disclosed they were on methadone for their preemployment physical/drug test and it wasn't an issue. Per HIPPA they should not tell anyone.

Don't let your anxiety cause you more problems. Be honest about your meds so you don't have to hire a lawyer and go through a lot of trouble for no reason.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

I know I can abstain from taking my PRN anxiolytic for at least 3 days before the test. (Even if it showed up on the test, I do have a valid prescription.) In the past, the COC form has asked me to list all meds, but do I have the right to refuse? Could they rescind my offer for omitting information? (They wouldn't know I had omitted information unless it came back positive.)

That's a legal question - whether you have the right or not.

Regarding the benzo: what does the BON in your state say about it? When I was a manager I had a contract nurse who was on morphine for pain. Per the BON she "could" work on the medication, but she was nodding off daily and that impacted care so we disinvited her to be a contract nurse. If nothing is impairing your care, then it should not matter. Good luck!