Presented by: Vicky Warner RTAP Manager. Lack of, or inconsistency in, response by transit systems to address Rx/OTC use or misuse in transit Fitness.

Presented by: Vicky WarnerRTAP Manager

Lack of, or inconsistency in, response by transit systems to address Rx/OTC use or misuse in transit

Fitness for duty issues identified during statewide training programs

Increase in accidents/incidents

Looked at other policies and programs◦Original FTA Rx/OTC toolkit best practices, etc.

Started with basic Rx/OTC Medication policy based on a model policy and built FFD program around it

Added requirements to address physical examinations and evaluations, accident investigations, triggering events, etc.

State mandated◦ First of its kind ◦ INDOT mandate for all Section 5311 providers◦ Program mandate added to State Management Plan◦ Can be expanded to urbanized transit systems

Fitness for Duty Program◦Designated Fitness for Duty Officer (FFDO) to ensure

program consistency with all transit providers◦ Consistent medical history established◦ Independent policy and forms specific to requirements of

the job

◦Higher standard to ensure safety (CDL)◦ Required annual physicals for all safety sensitive staff◦Qualifying accidents/incidents addressed◦ Includes Supplemental Rx/OTC Medication Policy and

Procedures◦Other Supplemental policies can be added as needed, e.g.,

policy on Fatigue

◦Nida 10+2 testing utilized◦Designated Fitness for Duty Officer (FFDO) ensures

program consistency among transit providers

FFDO services contracted via RFP process◦Qualified vendors identified with experience in Fitness for

Duty evaluations◦ Licensed physicians and physician-supervised nurse

practitioners will conduct evaluations◦ Immediate notification of evaluation results with full

written reports within 48 hours of evaluation◦ All communications confidential

◦ Job assessment to determine qualifications for the program◦ Policy review to ensure compliance with ADA and HIPAA◦ Training◦ Expert testimony◦ Regionalized services will reduce travel costs and system

down time◦ Single source

Addresses safety Reduces provider liability Ensures employee ability to perform safety-sensitive

functions Single source for evaluations ensures consistency Economies of scale/sharing costs among transit

systems

Impact on current workforce Potential increased costs◦ Physical examinations◦ FFD evaluations◦Non-FTA testing◦Unemployment compensation