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

POLICY Number 1C1
Effective Date: 3/1/2002
Maryland Transit Administration
OVER-THE-COUNTER AND PRESCRIPTION
DRUG POLICY
Rev No. Issue Date: 2/2002 Supercedes Procedure/Bulletin No. Page 4 of 7
4.3 Using the prescription.
4.3.1 Ultimately, the employee may be the best judge of how a substance is impacting him/her. As
such, the employee has the responsibility to inform the prescribing physician of performance
altering side effects and request medical disqualification from performance of safety-sensitive
duties. (Employees on duty should immediately contact their supervisors for relief from safetysensitive
work.)
5. OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS
5.1 Selecting an over-the-counter medication.
5.1.1 It is the responsibility of safety-sensitive employees, when selecting an over-the-counter
medication, to read all warning labels before selecting it for use while in working status.
5.1.2 Medications whose labels indicate they may affect mental functioning, motor skills or judgment
should not be selected. The advice of a pharmacist, if available at the purchase site, may be
helpful in making a selection appropriate to the employee’s job duties.
5.1.3 If no alternate medication is available for the condition, employees should seek professional
assistance from their pharmacist or physician.
5.2 How the pharmacist or physician can assist with selection.
5.2.1 The pharmacist has knowledge of a variety of medicines and medicinal ingredients and possible
side effects, and may be able to offer guidance concerning alternative medicines available.
5.2.2 The physician may be able to select an over-the-counter medication that will be effective without
having the potential for negative impact.
5.2.3 The physician may determine that no satisfactory over-the-counter remedy exists, and may
prescribe a controlled medication under section 4, above.
5.2.4 The physician may determine that an over-the-counter medication with potentially negative
impact is the preferred choice for treatment and can use form 1C1 to withhold the employee from
Reviewed By: (Signature) (Date)
Human Resources Department Management __________________________________________
Bus Operations Management __________________________________________
Light Rail Operations Management __________________________________________
Metro Rail Operations Management __________________________________________
Safety and Risk Management __________________________________________
_______________________________ __________________________________________
Approved By:
Virginia White
(Print Name)
(Signature)
January 25, 2002
(Date)
Acting Administrator
(Title)