Medical Review Officer (MRO) Assistant Training-2020 Tab 9 MRO-A Combined

2020 Tab 9 MRO-A Combined

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the 2018 updates to the DHHS and DOT guidelines regarding expanded opioid panels and workplace safety concerns. It explains the definitions of opiates and opioids and the simplified metabolism of opioids. The document also highlights the implications for Medical Review Officers (MROs) in terms of identifying safety concerns and reporting them to employers. It provides information on the new cutoffs for drug screenings and confirms the brand names of various opioids. <br /><br />The document further discusses the opioid epidemic and the increase in positive tests for opioids in federally-regulated tests. It emphasizes the importance of addressing workplace safety and fitness for duty concerns. It mentions the guidelines and recommendations provided by Washington State and CDC regarding opioid prescriptions for chronic pain. <br /><br />The document explains the roles of MROs in reviewing lab results, documenting prescriptions, and assessing safety risks. It outlines the differences in reporting safety concerns between DHHS and DOT guidelines. It provides examples of MRO communications and the timing of safety notifications to employers. It discusses the concerns about the DOT 5-Day Wait rule and the potential challenges and liabilities associated with it. <br /><br />The document concludes by providing practical do's and don'ts for MROs, including the need for consulting with treating physicians, verifying prescriptions, and using reasonable medical judgment. It also addresses the guidelines for prescription verification and emphasizes that MROs should not question the prescribing physician's judgment.

Keywords

2018 updates

DHHS guidelines

DOT guidelines

expanded opioid panels

workplace safety concerns

opioids

Medical Review Officers

safety concerns

opioid epidemic

prescription verification