Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Tool Kit ... - Home

PURPOSE
The purpose of the OVER-THE-
COUNTER & PRESCRIPTION
DRUG POLICY is to provide
guidelines for safety-sensitive employees
and their physicians in balancing the
treatment of illnesses and the
requirements of performing a safetysensitive
function.
It is not the intent of this policy to force
ill employees to work nor force
employees who are eligible to work while
being treated for an illness to stay off the
job. The determination of eligibility to
work while taking medication primarily
rests with the employee's physician and
how the medication impacts the
employee's ability to perform his or her
job safely.
The policy provides a form (1C1) for use
as a communication document between
the MTA, the employee and the treating
physician, concerning the employee's
eligibility to work while being medicated.
MTA's physicians are available to consult
with the employee or his or her physician
if desired. MTA's physicians will also
monitor the medical administration of
this policy.
For a complete copy of the Over-the-
Counter and Prescription Drug Policy
contact the MTA Benefits Department at
410-767-3850.
HOW THE POLICY WORKS
Prescription Medications can be
prescribed only by a licensed physician.
If you are ill and plan to see your
physician, you should:
Step #1: Advise your physician of the
safety-sensitive nature of your job.
Step #2: Provide your physician with
the required 1C1 form, which can be
obtained from your supervisor or the
MTA's Medical Services Section of the
Human Resources Division (HRD) at St.
Paul St. If you forget to take this form
with you, your physician can request that
one be faxed by contacting MTA HRD
at 767-3850.
Step #3: Advise your physician of any
side effects you may have experienced
with any prescription medications in the
past.
Step #4: After prescribing medication,
your physician must complete the
Physician's Section of form 1C1. On the
form your physician will indicate if:
Option A: You are permitted to
continue performing your safetysensitive
function while taking
the prescribed medication. You
report to work and keep form
1C1 on your person at all times
while performing your duty.
Option B: Your physician
indicates that you are not
permitted to work while taking
the prescribed medication
because the potential side effects
could cause you to be unsafe in
the performance of your duties.
You submit this form to your
supervisor, who will place you on
the sick list. If you apply for sick
pay, form 1C1 will serve as the
physician's section of your
application.
Over-the-Counter Medications should
be taken with extreme caution.
Read all warning labels before
selecting a medication for use while
performing safety-sensitive functions.
If the label has warnings such as do
not take this medication while operating
a motor vehicle, may cause drowsiness,
etc., select another medication.
If unsure which medication is safe to
take while performing your job, ask your
pharmacist. If still unsure contact your
physician for a suitable alternative and
follow the procedures in Step #4 for
using form 1C1.
Ultimately, you are responsible for
ensuring your safety and the safety of
your co-workers and customers. Taking
medication while performing your duties
can impair your ability to meet this
obligation.
Failure to adhere to this policy could
result in disciplinary action, up to
and including termination of
employment.