Can I Be Fired From My Job Because I Am Prescribed Suboxone?
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I am just curious because once my current employer found out that I was prescribed to suboxone the head manager is telling me that in order to keep my job I must attend NA meetings. I am pretty sure this violates some major laws. I am aware of HIPAA but am curious as to how it works, and what I need to do to take a stand on this issue. If anyone has any information about this issue I appreciate it.

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Re: michael1990 (# 2)

ADA attorney should do well for you.

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Re: BL (# 17)

Actually, it is against federal law to fire someone for taking suboxone. They are covered under the ADA. Look it up. It’s that kind of ignorance that causes lawsuits to happen.

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Re: siknik (# 1)

If you sign a contract with your employer stating that you will not use narcotic painkillers while at work then the employer has every right to terminate your position.

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Re: Nate (# 34)

It depends on your employer. For security and liability reasons. some employers cannot have employees with a history of addiction. If any employee lies or misrepresents on their application. They can be fired or not hired.

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Re: siknik (# 1)

I'm here to tell you I was let go from my job over it. I worked at a Drug Rehab for men, and when corporate found out, they had my boss to let me go..Maybe I should check with a lawyer..I think it is wrong..

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Re: working hard to fight back (# 8)

Rights for Individuals on Medication-Assisted Treatment:
samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/partnersforrecovery/docs/Know_Your_Rights_Brochure_0110.pdf

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Re: Worthless (# 18)

Please tell me your story. I applied for a job and they said I was disqualified because I take buprenorphine.

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Re: michael1990 (# 2)

Depends on the job. If operating heavy machinery or driving - they very well might have the right. The fed EEOC site probably has info. Mercedes in the US fired a guy on anti-depressants (he lost his entire family in a car accident) went to court n lost. Is being an addict a disability? IDK: if so you can maybe get disability until off the Suboxone.

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I currently work in a hospital as a respiratory therpist and have been going to a suboxone rehab clinic with monthly group recovery meetings. The doctor there prescribes me suboxone, klonopin and neurontin. I also am part of a union that has a contract agreement with the hospital that no drug test can be given unless an accident on the job happens. Just recently a home health coordinator job was posted and I am friends with the manager that told me to apply. I'm really tired of running the floors and would really enjoy the new position but the job offer is a non-union job that can drug test. Can the hospital fire me if I take the home health job and should I just stay were I am?

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Re: working hard to fight back (# 8)

I’ve been told you cannot be fired it is against the law, I know a lot of people in the clinic that are RNs work in. Nursing field
Even delivering pills to pharmacy! The clinic will tell you it is the same as a diabetes medicine it is very illegal!

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Re: working hard to fight back (# 8)

As long as you are not impaired, they need to not bother you.

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Re: John (# 24)

There is nothing you can do. Your company could be held liable if an accident occurs and you test+ for certain drugs. A letter from your doctor would carry no weight in that situation.

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Re: working hard to fight back (# 8)

Hi... working hard.. may I ask what state you live in. I am also taking sub. Worried to death about my lic. The dr said he had to advise me to call the IPN TO GET IN THEIR PROGRAM AND THAT HE PERSONALLY KNOWS IF OF NURSES THAT ARE WORKING TAKING SUB. BUT DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY WERE IN THE PROGRAM FROM THE IPN. I DON'T THINK THEY ALLOW ANY SORT OF MEDS FOR ADDICTION THAT'S WHY I HAVEN'T CALLED BC I KNOW I NEED THESE. HAVE TRIED ALL THE OTHER WAYS TO STOP AND TO NO AVAIL. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. GOD BLESS.

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Re: Gail (# 9)

Wondering what happened as I am going through the exact same thing. The ADA says that there has to be proof that this medication interferes with safety and / or your performance not just that that think that it may or fear that it may so I’d love to know how it worked out for you.

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I went out of work for hernia surgery. I am an electrician for the railroad. I came up positive for suboxone that I have been prescribed for years and now my work is making me come off before I come back to work because of safety. My doctor wrote a letter telling them that this medication does not make me unsafe. Work still isn’t letting me back. What Can I do? I’m in a union but they don’t think that I have a chance of returning on the medication.

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Re: Nikki (# 20)

Nikki, hospitals cannot take any chances. You need to try and find a job working for an insurance company where you are not responsible for patient care. A Home Health Agency may or may not hire you. A clinic may or may not hire you.

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Re: BL (# 17)

I've been taking Suboxone for about 4yrs. I am not a DRUG Addict, I had built up such a tolerate to Norco that they then put me on Methadone. I stayed on that for 2yrs. A little over a year into it, I wanted OFF. That's when they put me on Suboxone. I had a experience with my Pharmacist, he was giving me a super hard time Every time I went so I called him out it, I told him that he was discriminating against me Simply because of the medication I take- then told his supervisor & District Manager. He doesn't give me problems Anymore. I was told that Suboxone IS NOT FOR PAIN. I don't get relief from it that's why I'm slowly taking myself OFF. People this DRUG is only 13-15yrs old. Wonder what will happen long term. Nobody Knows????

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Re: Nolongeremoyed (# 16)

I had to take time off for domestic violence and I only took off 15 days but I'm on suboxone and my doctor who took my off of work was my sub doct what do I do ??

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I too am a nurse looking for work. I never took a thing while working as a nurse. My addiction didn't come until two years later. However I am on suboxone and I can not get hired anywhere. Never had any issues with license or board of nursing or police department.

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Could u explain what happened to you?this could possibly help us know more

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