Home 9 Uncategorized 9 Prescription Medication in the Workplace

Prescription Medication in the Workplace

Nov 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

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Prescription drug policies are a necessity for a drug-free workplace. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 48 million Americans have misused prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in their lifetime. When addressing prescription drugs in the workplace, it’s important to understand your employees’ personal rights. Where do you draw the fine line between upholding a drug-free workplace policy and employee discrimination?

When it comes to drug testing, legal prescription drugs blur the lines of right and wrong. In 2013, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) fined an Ohio company $50,000 for firing an employee who tested positive for a prescribed medication for her bipolar disorder after having an adverse reaction to the drug. Similarly, a Tennessee employer faced fines of $750,000. The firm required employees testing positive for legal prescription medications to disclose the medical conditions for which they were treating.

Answer these questions as a precaution before inquiring about an employee’s prescription drug use.

Question 1: Can I legally drug test my employee for prescription drugs?

Employers with employees working in safety-sensitive positions are obligated to ensure their employees are not impaired while engaged at work. An employee holding a “safety-sensitive” position is responsible for his/her own safety or other people’s safety.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), whether an employer is permitted to test employees for prescription medications will hinge on whether the test is a “medical examination.” This is defined as a job-related drug test, consistent with business necessity.

Question 2: After a positive test, can I require employees to disclose medications?

The ADA recognizes the difference between a general requirement employees disclose a list of all prescription medications taken (which is illegal), versus a policy that only requires the disclosure of machine-restricted medications after a positive test.

When it comes to positive prescription drug tests, create measures designed to avoid gathering information about employees’ disabilities. This includes information like using a third party to collect the information regarding specific medications. Be consistent in your treatment of employees who test positive. Only disclose the results to those who need to know. Do not ask employees to disclose the underlying medical condition for which they are taking the medication.

When creating your drug-free workplace policy, forgo a blanket policy requiring employees to disclose prescription drug use for medical purposes. Use the United States Department of Labor’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy Builder to incorporate appropriate language regarding prescription and over-the-counter drug use by employees who perform jobs that directly affect public safety and health.

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

How Much Caffeine Am I Really Getting

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Current Caffeine Consumption Trends.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

How Can I Boost My Energy Naturally.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A:  Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.

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