Can I Be Fired From My Job Because I Am Prescribed Suboxone? (Page 2) (Top voted first)

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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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: 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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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: 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: 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: 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)

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: 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: michael1990 (# 2)

ADA attorney should do well for you.

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Just saw ur post and I'm in the exact situation, and i would like to know what u did, how u went about handling it, and what the outcome of the situation was? Did u end up with a legal suit? Just wondering if i might have one? Thank u.

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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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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: 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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Tell them you are not on Suboxone you are on Naloxone for pain. Tell them to kiss it after that.

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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: 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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Same thing happened to me. They want to fire me because my ex told them I'm prescribed suboxone and that I'm a drug addict... what type of lawyer should I contact? How would I sue them????

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HIPPA has nothing to do with your employer. Your employer has the right to set certain criteria for employees due to company liability.

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