4 ms·

What are they testing for? To make sure you’re taking the ADHD meds or to make sure you aren’t taking other meds?

pnw_hazor 6y ago
It is a general drug abuse screen, referred to as: PAIN MANAGEMENT PANEL 4 RFLX It tests for dozens of drugs, including THC. All patients prescribed a controlled substance have to take it. Here is a link to a random lab describing it: https://etd.paml.com/etd/display.php?id=8412 https://etd.paml.com/etd/display.php?id=8412
- alasdair_ 6y ago
  >All patients prescribed a controlled substance have to take it. I was told that I "may need to" take this test at some point. I never have and have been taking adderall for many years.
  - pnw_hazor 6y ago
    I guess I did overstate it. I was thinking about the health system I use. I assume the drug testing requirements may depend on the state or the provider. It benefits the provider/health system by providing evidence they are taking reasonable precautions to limit abuse. Also, I don't know if psychiatrists in WA are held to a different reporting standard than general practitioners. When I used a solo psychiatrist, no testing or privacy waiver required. When my insurance changed, I lost that psychiatrist and went to a regular doc in a large health system (UW Physicians). They require the testing and waiver. But the law was changing when I made the change, so it may apply to psychiatrists now, too.
    - alasdair_ 6y ago
      UW is a special case. By law they have to accept everyone in the state and medicare has special requirements for some medications. To avoid discrimination they have everyone take the same tests.
pnw_hazor 6y ago
I just realized I didn't answer your question. They are testing for abusive behavior to identify drug abusers, re-sellers, or negligent providers (over prescribing). I have read some people complaining that their provider will not prescribe the drug they need if THC comes up in the test. That is not universal, it probably depends on the individual provider or the health provider system. The best part is that law enforcement can review the records at will (as long as they can articulate an official reason which is a very low bar.)
- morpheuskafka 6y ago
  > The best part is that law enforcement can review the records at will (as long as they can articulate an official reason which is a very low bar.) True, but a positive test wouldn't be enough to arrest someone for drug possession. I doubt it would even be enough to get a search warrant with.

It is a general drug abuse screen, referred to as: PAIN MANAGEMENT PANEL 4 RFLX It tests for dozens of drugs, including THC. All patients prescribed a controlled substance have to take it. Here is a link to a random lab describing it: https://etd.paml.com/etd/display.php?id=8412 https://etd.paml.com/etd/display.php?id=8412

alasdair_ 6y ago
>All patients prescribed a controlled substance have to take it. I was told that I "may need to" take this test at some point. I never have and have been taking adderall for many years.
- pnw_hazor 6y ago
  I guess I did overstate it. I was thinking about the health system I use. I assume the drug testing requirements may depend on the state or the provider. It benefits the provider/health system by providing evidence they are taking reasonable precautions to limit abuse. Also, I don't know if psychiatrists in WA are held to a different reporting standard than general practitioners. When I used a solo psychiatrist, no testing or privacy waiver required. When my insurance changed, I lost that psychiatrist and went to a regular doc in a large health system (UW Physicians). They require the testing and waiver. But the law was changing when I made the change, so it may apply to psychiatrists now, too.
  - alasdair_ 6y ago
    UW is a special case. By law they have to accept everyone in the state and medicare has special requirements for some medications. To avoid discrimination they have everyone take the same tests.

pnw_hazor 6y ago

I just realized I didn't answer your question. They are testing for abusive behavior to identify drug abusers, re-sellers, or negligent providers (over prescribing). I have read some people complaining that their provider will not prescribe the drug they need if THC comes up in the test. That is not universal, it probably depends on the individual provider or the health provider system. The best part is that law enforcement can review the records at will (as long as they can articulate an official reason which is a very low bar.)

morpheuskafka 6y ago
> The best part is that law enforcement can review the records at will (as long as they can articulate an official reason which is a very low bar.) True, but a positive test wouldn't be enough to arrest someone for drug possession. I doubt it would even be enough to get a search warrant with.