Preschool Van Driver taking Pain Killers
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Hi all! Been busy with an office move, planning a managers retreat (will ask for some ideas later), school evaluations, a vacation x:) and am now finding time for the Forum again! Yay! I could learn a lot from those of you who manage to do all that you do and still manage to visit the forum regularly.
My question:
An ee who works directly with children as a Preschool teacher and also transports children to/from area schools using our van mentioned to her supervisor last night that she is taking Vicadin. (pain killer) I do not know why she needs the prescription or if "why" even matters. Generally doctors instruct patients not to drive while on this type of drug, as far as I know.
Seems like it would be appropriate for the supervisor to ask this employee for a doctor's note indicating that she is or is not able to perform the functions of her job, including driving a vehicle.
Do you agree? Suggestions on wording? For some reason the words just aren't flowing from my little brain like they normally do. Maybe I need another vacation...
My question:
An ee who works directly with children as a Preschool teacher and also transports children to/from area schools using our van mentioned to her supervisor last night that she is taking Vicadin. (pain killer) I do not know why she needs the prescription or if "why" even matters. Generally doctors instruct patients not to drive while on this type of drug, as far as I know.
Seems like it would be appropriate for the supervisor to ask this employee for a doctor's note indicating that she is or is not able to perform the functions of her job, including driving a vehicle.
Do you agree? Suggestions on wording? For some reason the words just aren't flowing from my little brain like they normally do. Maybe I need another vacation...
Comments
Management retreat, huh? Let me steal some of your ideas for the one we're hosting October 19-22, ok? x:-)
The FDA warning states: "Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrocodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities".
In my opinion, I would not wait for the EE to feel dizzy or drowsy while traveling at 55 mph in a van full of kids. In an abundance of caution, I would ask for medical personnel to provide a fitness for duty and restrict her work activities until she is off the medication. This is not a long-term, maintenance type of drug that she would remain on for extended periods of time. It is usually given for short durations, post-op, or to be taken on as-needed basis for chronic pain due to injuries, etc.
Good luck.
I guess I just needed to hear it from you!
Thanks, Whatever. x:)
Also, if you're receiving any federal DOT or FTA money for the vans, you may be required to have an FTA testing program, which includes random tests.
Half HR