Page 1 of 79 PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS 4 TH Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference Nashville, TN Presented by: Robbie.

of 79 PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS 4 TH Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference Nashville, TN Presented by: Robbie L. Sarles

of 79 FTA Disclaimer  The information contained in this presentation does not constitute Federal Regulations. Sound medical knowledge and understanding of the pharmacological properties of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, and detailed knowledge of an employee’s medical history and safety-sensitive job duties must guide the final assessment of potential risks to the public.

of 79 Purpose of the Rx/OTC Presentation The Purpose IS: u Safety u Technical Assistance The Purpose is NOT: u Drug and Alcohol Testing u Regulation u A list of Approved/Not Approved Medications

of 79 History and Background The Challenge from FTA: u Following a NTSB directive, the FTA issued a challenge to all FTA grant recipients to:  Review policies related to employees’ use of Rx/OTC medications that could potentially compromise public safety; and  Educate transit operators about the risks associated with the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications

of 79 History and Background The FTA Prescription and Over-the-Counter Toolkit (issued in 2003): u Designed to help educate transit systems about the potential safety risks associated with Rx/OTC medications use by transit system employees u Contained policies, procedures, training aids, and post-accident procedures

of 79 Current Status An FTA assessment of the status of Rx/OTC medications policies and procedures implemented by its recipients. It includes:  Extensive data gathering and analysis process; and  National evaluation of policies, procedures, and post- accident investigations utilized by FTA recipients.

of 79 Definitions Prescription drugs (Rx) are medications which require written authorization for use by a healthcare professional whose license permits them to prescribe medication. u The prescription must include the patient’s name, name of the substance, quantity/amount to be dispensed, instructions on frequency and method of administration, refills, and date.

of 79 Common Types of Rx Medications Antidepressants and Psychoactive Medication u Relieves depression and other psychological conditions Antihistamines u Reduce allergy and cold symptoms – also treat insomnia Anti-inflammatory/Pain Medication u Relieves pain

of 79 Common Types of Rx Medications Motion Sickness Medication u Relieves motion sickness Muscle Relaxants u Relieves sore tight muscles Steroids u Controls bodily functions

of 79 Common Types of Rx Medications Stimulants u Causes user to be more alert Tranquilizers and Sedatives u Relieves anxiety, stress, and insomnia

of 79 Common Types of Rx Medications Anti-inflammatory/Pain Medication u Relieves pain Antidepressants and Psychoactive Medication u Relieves depression and other psychological conditions Antihistamines u Reduce allergy and cold symptoms – also treat insomnia

of 79 Definitions Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications are any legal, non-prescription substance taken for relief of discomforting symptoms. u May include capsules, powders, tablets, or liquids.

of 79 Common Types of OTC Medications u Pain relief/fever reducer u Colds/Flu medication u Appetite suppressants u Bowel preparations u Sleeping aids u Stimulants

of 79 Cause for Concern  Some side effects of Rx and OTC medications can be a safety issue when taken by safety-sensitive employees.  Side effects can Include: AgitationDizziness AnxietyDisorientation Blurred visionDouble vision Breathing difficultyDrowsiness Chest painEmotional instability Chest tightnessFalse sense of well being ConfusionFatigue

of 79 Current FTA Assessment Strategies A three step approach was used to gather data: Step 1: Conduct a Data Search u National Transit Database (NTD) Definitions Accident Classifications u National Transit Safety Board Accident Causal Factors – Information about health factors was limited to toxicology reports, employee interviews, and medical records.

of 79 Current FTA Assessment Strategies u FMCSA Truck Causation Study National, Multi-Year Study  Mandated by Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA) Conclusions  967 Crashes were studied. Top 4 factors were driver related, not vehicle related (1. Rx drug use; 2. Traveling too fast; 3. Unfamiliar with road; 4. OTC drug use)

of 79 Assessment Strategies, Cont’d  Step 2: Transit System Surveys  Surveys were posted on FTA website Survey 1: Post Accident http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/survey1 Survey 2: Rx/OTC Policies http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/survey2http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/survey2.  Step 3: Transit System Interviews  One-on-One Interviews

of 79 Survey Implementation Announcements and Testing: u Surveys were tested in January 2009  Feedback from your peers  Invitations to participate in Winter 2009  Notice of the surveys were published in the FTA Winter 2009 Newsletter  Transit DAPMs were invited through State DOTs or directly contacted through the FTA

of 79 Survey Participation u 329 Systems Completed At Least One of the Surveys u 20 of the 50 Largest transit systems (FTA-covered employees) responded

of 79 Survey Analysis: Policies and Procedures Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Policies and Procedures u 186 Completed Surveys

of 79 Policies and Procedures

of 79 Rx/OTC Medication Transit Policies 63% - Part of our organization’s Substance Abuse Policy. 27% - Do not have an Rx/OTC Policy. 8% - Stand alone policy. 2% - Covered under another entity’s policy.

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as Part of Substance Abuse Policy “While the use of legally prescribed drugs and non- prescription medications are not prohibited, employees must understand they have a responsibility to notify their supervisor if they are taking any medication which indicates that mental functioning, motor skills, or judgment may be adversely effected.”

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as Part of Substance Abuse Policy “It is encouraged that you make sure your physician is fully aware of your medical history and any other drug you are currently taking. Read warning labels and take medications exactly as prescribed.”

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as Part of Substance Abuse Policy “Employees should consult with their physician or pharmacist regarding over the counter medication and check the alcohol content of medications.”

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as Part of Substance Abuse Policy “Employees are not prohibited from the appropriate use of lawfully-prescribed drugs or non-prescription over-the- counter (OTC) medications. However, the use or consumption of any substance, including prescription and non- prescription medication, which carries a warning label indicating that mental functioning, motor skills, or judgment may be adversely affected must be reported, in advance of such use or consumption, to the Policy Administrator.”

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as Part of Substance Abuse Policy “ Use of a controlled substance in accordance with the instructions of a physician will only be considered when the employee's physician has supplied a written statement....advising that the substance does not reasonably, affect the employees ability to safely operate a service vehicle. If..... the employees performance may be affected or compromised by the use of the prescribed medication, the employee will be considered unfit for duty and the Medical Authority will advise the employee and the employee's supervisor that he/she is temporarily medically disqualified.” Provided by: Triangle Transit, NC

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as Part of Substance Abuse Policy “ Safety-sensitive employees who fail to report their use of prescription and over the counter medication and subsequently have a positive drug or alcohol screen are subject to discipline, up to and including discharge. It is imperative that employees inform their physicians and/or pharmacists of their employment requirements regarding fitness for duty prior to obtaining medication.” Provided by: Triangle Transit, NC

of 79 Stand Alone Policy “...Policy is the responsibility of TriMet’s Occupational Health Physician in conjunction with all managers and supervisors...” Prohibited behaviors:.... Provided by TriMet, Portland, OR

of 79 Stand Alone Policy-Brochure Medications of Concern if used while Performing SS work.

of 79 Stand Alone Policy-Brochure

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as State Traffic Law “The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner’s Regulations Part 6 states the following: (a) A person is physically qualified to drive a bus if he or she does NOT use an amphetamine, narcotic, or any habit-forming drug. This regulation applies to whether or not a physician has prescribed the disqualifying drug.” Provided by Niagara Frontier Transit, NY

of 79 Rx/OTC Medications as State Traffic Law Article 19-A of New York State Traffic Law: “Accordingly, no operator who is using a prescription or non- prescription amphetamine, narcotic, or other habit-forming drug will be certified to operate a bus, train or MetroLink passenger vehicle for NFTA/Metro.” Provided by Niagara Frontier Transit, NY

of 79 Reporting Requirements

of 79 Communicating with the Physicians

of 79 Physician’s Note for Fitness for Duty

of 79 Physician’s Note for Fitness for Duty 15% of Survey participants provide a Fitness for Duty Form for Rx Medications. 7% of survey participants provide a Fitness for Duty Form for OTC Medications.

of 79 Physician’s Note for Fitness for Duty The form above must be attached to the physician’s letterhead or voided prescription form. Provided by Niagara Frontier

of 79 Essential Job Functions Q&A Question?  How are essential job functions communicated to the prescribing physicians? Employee’s responsibility? A copy of the employee’s job description is provided to Dr? Included on Fitness for Duty Form provided to Dr?

of 79 Communicating with the Physician Answer: u Nearly 44% of respondents said that it is the employee’s responsibility to communicate with physician. u Approximately 26% have no process in place. u Approximately 20% provide an employee’s job description to the physician.

of 79 Communicating with the Physician “ Physician Instructions ” “List of medications of concern....” “Safety-Sensitive Job Functions ” Provided by JAUNT

of 79 Communicating with the Physician “Please Check One... Employee may not perform safety- sensitive duties. -or- Employee is released to perform safety- sensitive duties while taking this medication.” “Please Check One... Employee may not perform safety- sensitive duties. -or- Employee is released to perform safety- sensitive duties while taking this medication.” Provided by JAUNT

of 79 Communicating with the Physician “Physician Completes” “I have reviewed employee’s medical records and am familiar with employee’s job duties.” Provided by Prairie Five CAC (Montevideo, MN)

of 79 Communicating with the Physician Tri-Met Safety- Sensitive Employee Prescription Drug Use Form -Employee Signature -Physician provides list of medications and start/end date of prescription Tri-Met Safety- Sensitive Employee Prescription Drug Use Form -Employee Signature -Physician provides list of medications and start/end date of prescription Provided by TriMet

of 79 Consequences  What Are the Consequences for an Employee who Fails to Report Rx/OTC use?  Progressive Discipline Up to and Including Suspension – 40%  No Action Taken – 27%  Verbal Warning or Reprimand Only – 12%  Written Warning or Reprimand Only – 4%  Other – 17% “Violation of union rule books.” “Employee can be treated as positive test on drug screen.” “Depends upon the circumstances.”

of 79 Attendance Policies Does Your System Have an Attendance Policy for Rx/OTC Medication Use?Yes Prescription13% Over-The-Counter7% Does Your Attendance Policy Have a Limitation on Use of Sick Leave for Rx/OTC Medication Use?Yes Prescription7% Over-The-Counter2%

of 79 Attendance Policies  Sample attendance policies included:  “After 3-days continuous absence, requires a doctor’s statement to return to work.”  “Any Rx/OTC medication that is prescribed by a physician cannot have any restrictions for duty, or the employee must take sick leave until they are off of the medication and cleared by the physician.”  “Sick leave use has a limit and employees may use sick leave to address medication use but cannot exceed maximum sick hours available. Physician report is required.”

of 79 Attendance Policies  What is used to determine if an employee should continue to perform his/her safety-sensitive duties?  60% use the prescribing physician’s medical assessment.  13% use the transit system’s physician’s medical assessment.  13% use the management’s common medical knowledge.  4% use a physician’s desk reference.  10% use some other source.

of 79 Employee Awareness Training

of 79 Training Approach

of 79 Amount of Time in Training

of 79 Components of Employee Training  Employee training typically includes:  Overview of System’s Rx/OTC Policy What is included in the policy? What are employee’s responsibilities?  Procedures for Obtaining Medical Authorization Who is the Medical Authority? When is Medical Authorization Required?  Notification/Reporting Requirements.  Required Forms.  Consequences of Policy Violations.

of 79 Components of Employee Training (cont’d)  Employee training typically includes:  Define Rx/OTC medications  Notification/Reporting Requirements Who must the employee notify when taking Rx and/or OTC medications? When must notification occur?

of 79 Components of Employee Training (cont’d)  Employee training typically includes (cont’d):  Required Forms What documentation is required? Who must approve/complete required forms? When are forms required?  Consequences of Policy Violations What are the possibilities?

of 79 Components of Employee Training (cont’d) u Sick Leave/PTO  Must employee’s take his or her sick leave or PTO when using Rx/OTC medications?  Are there any other alternatives?  Is there a limit on the amount of sick leave/PTO that can be used?

of 79 Components of Employee Training (cont’d) u How to Read Labels on OTC and Rx medications http://www.consumer- health.com/services/cons_take54.htmhttp://www.consumer- health.com/services/cons_take54.htm http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety.htm http://www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide/OTClabel.htm

of 79 Components of Employee Training Reading Labels (Cont’d) New labels for OTC medications have detailed usage and warning information so consumers can properly choose and use products.

of 79 Components of Employee Training (cont’d) u Side Effects that are of Concern.  http://www.drugs.com/sfx/ http://www.drugs.com/sfx/  http://www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/ODS/medication_guides.htm http://www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/ODS/medication_guides.htm  http://www.rxlist.com http://www.rxlist.com

of 79 Materials for Rx/OTC Training u Sample Materials: Videos Printed Materials Power Point Presentations Awareness Pamphlets Other

of 79 Fitness For Duty Exam

of 79 Physical Exam Requirements A majority of systems use the CDL physical exam. And, most reported that CDL physicals are not being performed in a manner that successfully assesses worker Fitness for Duty.

of 79 Post Accident Testing  Survey Results for Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Post Accident Testing  281 of Completed Surveys

of 79 Total Accidents in CY 2005-2007

of 79 Post Accident Fitness For Duty u 33% Conduct medical assessment and employee fitness for duty only when the employee receives medical treatment. u 30% Conduct medical assessment and fitness for duty evaluation for all major accidents even when employee does not receive medical treatment.

of 79 Post Accident Fitness For Duty u 45% Address medical issues with employee during accident investigation procedures u 41% Address use of Rx medication with employee during accident investigation procedure.

of 79 Post Accident Fitness For Duty u 39% Address use of OTC medication during accident investigation procedure u 41% Address fitness for duty as part of Worker’s Compensation assessment.

of 79 Post Accident Investigation u Who conducts your accident investigations? 57% Management/Supervisor 20% Law enforcement accident report 10% Road/Operations Supervisor

of 79 Post Accident Investigation u Causal or contributing factors addressed in accident investigation procedures: Driver error = 12% Vehicle failure (tires, brakes, etc.) = 12% Road conditions = 12% Weather = 12% Illegal drug use = 10% Alcohol use = 10% Driver illness/health = 9% Driver fatigue = 8% Rx medication use = 7% OTC medication use = 6% Other = 1%

of 79 Post Accident Inquiry Q&A Question: u How do you inquire about the employees health, Rx and OTC medication use? Part of standard forms/process Investigator may pursue based on circumstances of accident Don’t inquire Follow-up, if information is volunteered by employee

of 79 Post Accident Inquiry Q & A

of 79 Post Accident Causal Determination

of 79 Process for Post Accident Fitness for Duty Testing  Process for Assessing Post Accident Fitness for Duty. Example: “Post Accident Drug and Alcohol Test Decision Documentation Form” ~ Livingston Essential (Howell, MI): “20. Did the employee indicate recent use of prescription or over-the-counter medication? Complete the Prescription/OTC Medication Post Accident Investigation forms.)”

of 79 Process for Post Accident Fitness for Duty Testing “List all medications (including over the counter medications) used regularly or recently.” “Medications ARE acceptable...” “Medications are NOT acceptable...” “Medications ARE acceptable...” “Medications are NOT acceptable...”

of 79 Process for Post Accident Fitness for Duty Testing “Complete anytime the initial accident investigation indicates that Rx or OTC drugs could be a contributing factor to the accident...” “...list all Rx and OTC drugs you are currently taking or have taken within the past 7 days.”..dosage...frequency “...list all Rx and OTC drugs you are currently taking or have taken within the past 7 days.”..dosage...frequency

of 79 Next Steps  Further Input  Surveys are still open: Survey 1: Post Accident http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/survey1 Survey 2: Rx/OTC Policies http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/survey2  Further Analysis  Comparing actual accidents to Rx/OTC use Definitions Accident Classifications Accident Data and Causal Factors  Convening an Advisory Panel  Recommendations to FTA

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Page 1 of 79 PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS 4 TH Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference Nashville, TN Presented by: Robbie.

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Presentation on theme: "Page 1 of 79 PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS 4 TH Annual FTA Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference Nashville, TN Presented by: Robbie."— Presentation transcript:

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