Posted on Mar 11, 2017
Would a medic who takes a low dose of opiates daily be considered an impaired provider?
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As a medic suffering from chronic pain I have taken a low dose of opiates daily for the last 3 years. Me and my PCM have explored several other pain managment options, and the only thing that works is the low dosage that I am on. The medication does not effect me mentally or physically, and my PCM agrees with this, but ultimately does this make me an impaired provider by Reg?
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Posted 7 y ago
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By regs, I can't say, but it definitely impairs your judgment. The question is the degree to which it impairs your judgment. Even just imbibing things like caffeine are judgment-impairing, but it's at such a low level that it's considered to be within a single standard deviation. If your physician has tested you and determined that you're able to perform your duties adequately, I would take the word of your provider. The worst thing you could possibly do is start self-diagnosing yourself; that way lies hypocondria.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
The only thing i can find that defines anything is in AR 40-68 which defines an Impaired healthcare personel as a privelidged or nonprivelidged individual who by reasons of alchohol or drug abuse/dependance, medical condition, or emotionaal disturbance that has exhibited unprofessional conduct, substandard medical practice, or professional incompetance which is or has the potential to be detremental to patient safety or to the proper delivery of quality care.
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PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson
It sounds like your being fit for duty is specifically being left to the purview of your physician and your supervisors. I would leave it with them, but you need to be *completely* honest.
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SGT (Join to see)
SPC, I am in the same boat as you. I also take opiates for pain. I have never been removed from or been told that I can not treat patients because of it. I not only had it prescribed by an MD by I now go only through a pain management clinic. You might want to check into that, they are strict, monitor closely and drug test you. It's a good option and they are great at helping manage pain. They also have other options for some issues you may have. Talk to your MD and request to be seen by one. I highly recommend it.
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Reasonable question to be considered, and evaluated. But impossible for me, or Anyone here on a FB page, to adequately assess. That is the realm of someone who knows your entire complex medical story, and evaluates you in person. Best of luck to you, both in your career and health.
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