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

Procedures
System Name: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Contact: Debbie Christensen
(714) 560-5811
dchristensen@octa.net
Summary: Safety-sensitive employees must receive authorization from their
supervisors prior to taking any prescription which may cause drowsiness
or impair their ability to safely and efficiently perform their job. The
employee is required to have his/her physician complete a “Medical
Authorization Regarding Rx and OTC Medications” form and attach a
copy of the prescription or bottle label with the employee’s name on it.
The form must be submitted to his/her supervisor. If authorization is
received, the employee is allowed to perform job duties. However, OCTA
reserves the right to overrule the authorization based on an independent
assessment by the agency’s MRO.
In addition, all safety-sensitive employees are required to complete a
disclosure form each year that lists all Rx and OTC medications, vitamins,
and herbs taken.
Advantages: The Medical Authorization Form allows for the reporting of all Rx and
OTC medications. Employees are required to discuss their safetysensitive
job duties with their physician. Authorization of use is made by
a medical practitioner. OCTA and its MRO remain the ultimate authority.
Employees are required to annually report all medications, vitamins, and
herbs taken in the past year.
Disadvantages: Employees must obtain a form before seeing a physician. There is no
provision for medical review and authorization of OTC medications.
There is no guidance on what medications are of concern to safetysensitive
employees.