Rx & OTC Medications

FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates
Issue 26, page 7

• Purpose and overview of the Rx/OTC policy
• Applicability to safety-sensitive employees
• Risks associated with Rx/OTC use
• Definition of Rx and OTC and list of common medications by category
• Directions on how to read a label
• Directions on how to read pharmacy Rx information sheets
• Side effects of concern
• Overview of company’s procedures for notification and reporting
• Consequences of policy violations
• Leave policy and limitations on use
• Employee responsibility
• Employer responsibility

There are various sources of training aids available to assist employers in creating a training program. These include generic awareness pamphlets prepared by government agencies and non-profit organizations. Most of the information is provided as a public service and is distributed free of charge.

The materials present information in a concise, easy-to-understand format and are suitable for many different audiences. The materials highlight major points, but usually do not address points in detail. In most cases, the information is presented in pamphlet form, but can also be found as payroll stuffers and bulletin board displays. The materials are generic in nature and are not specific to the transportation industry. However, they are good to use as introductory and supplemental materials. In addition to these materials, the Rx/OTC Toolkit provides examples of presentations used by FTA and several transit systems including power point presentations, flyers, and sample policy summaries. Information can be taken directly from these examples and modified accordingly.

Many employers conduct Rx/OTC training as a stand alone training course while others incorporate the material into a fitness for duty or an illegal drug and alcohol awareness training session. If possible, have a medical practitioner involved in the training or at least available for questions. Information hotlines and nurse help-lines can also prove to be valuable resources.

Manuals On Backorder

Demand for the FTA Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications Toolkit and Best Practices Manual was greater than expected and the initial print run has been depleted. The manuals are being reprinted and will be available shortly. Both can be downloaded by going to http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications. If you would like to order a print copy, contact Ms. Alison Thompson at thompsona@volpe.dot.gov or fax your request to (617) 494-2684. The manual will be mailed to you when available.

Note: This list will be updated periodically.

Non-evidential Testing Devices
May 4, 2001
Federal Register Vol.66
Pages 22639 - 22640
Primary Topic: Initial Alcohol Screening Devices

Note: This list will be updated periodically.



















 

The information presented on this page should be used to update Chapter 5 of the revised Implementation Guidelines.