When does the use of medication become a safety concern?
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) is required to report medical information they have learned as part of the verification process if, in their reasonable medical judgment, they determine that this information indicates that continued performance of safety-sensitive duties by an employee is likely to pose a significant safety risk. Although it is up to each employer to decide what action, if any, to take based on the information provided by an MRO, the MRO may advise the employer to have the employee evaluated by a physician or occupational medicine physician. If the employee is medically certificated by the FAA, the MRO should report the safety concern to the Federal Air Surgeon.
Employees who have concerns regarding how the use of any medication may affect their performance of safety-sensitive duties and/or their future Department of Transportation drug test results should consult their physicians, an occupational medical physician, or their employer's MRO.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance that is more specific to your situation, please contact the FAA Drug Abatement Division at 202-267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
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