Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Reviewing Positives; Alternative Explanations

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the presenter discusses the role and responsibilities of a Medical Review Officer (MRO) in reviewing drug test results. The MRO's main task is to review positive results and determine whether there is a legitimate medical explanation for the presence of drugs in the donor's system. If a donor tests positive, it is their responsibility to provide an alternative medical explanation, such as a prescription or evidence of drug use during a medical encounter. The only exception is for opiates below a certain level, which could be caused by the consumption of poppy seeds. The donor is given five days to provide documentation from a pharmacist or prescribing physician, although the regulations do not specify whether it is five calendar or business days. The MRO must verify the prescription or medical explanation by contacting the pharmacist or treating physician's office.<br /><br />The video emphasizes the importance of documenting all steps taken by the MRO and using an MRO checklist. It also discusses the distinction between reporting a verified negative (where there is no unauthorized use) and reporting a negative laboratory result.<br /><br />The presenter also touches on topics such as the use of medical marijuana, the difficulty in distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized use of drugs obtained legally in foreign countries, and the challenges posed by the use of nutritional supplements and over-the-counter medications.<br /><br />The video concludes with three case studies that illustrate the challenges faced by MROs in determining whether a drug test result should be reported as positive or negative based on the available evidence and documentation.<br /><br />No credits were granted in the video.

Keywords

Medical Review Officer

drug test results

positive results

legitimate medical explanation

alternative medical explanation

opiates

documentation