At work they want us to fill out an index card with
emergency contact information. Fine. They also want a
list of medications you take in case they have to call
the paramedics for some reason. My medication list is
parnate, valium, lithium, synthroid...not your ordinary
list. In special information I had to write: do not
administer demerol. I have not submitted my card yet.
The person collecting the cards is not my boss and she
has kind of a big mouth. I was hoping to have a place where i could just be thought of as normal...although
very quiet. Should I lie (the demerol issue is very
important...parnate causes severe headache and is an MAO inhibitor. I am careful, but I don't want to die because I didn't list something. I am so worried about this!

Me, you poor dear. You are in a dilema.

Not sure what to tell you here because I don't know what kind of work you do. Are you in a type of job that causes that much of a physical risk that paramedics need to be called on a regular basis?

I'll quit beating around the bush. I'm not real sure that listing medications for your employer is legal. But at the same time if your in that high a risk injury factor you may risk not telling.

Check with an attorney in your state that specilizes in employment law. He/She will tell you if your employer has legal rights to ask you for a list of medications.

If so or if you are in that high a risk field, can you give your medication list directly to the individual that will be responsible for the medical cards, rather than the bigmouth?

There seems to be a little bit of a privacy issue here to. I do believe personell records are of a private nature.

Good luck. Cat

[This message has been edited by catgirl (edited 04-30-2002).]

[This message has been edited by catgirl (edited 04-30-2002).]

Mea,

I would list all your meds hon if anything is let out remember like cat said theres a privacy issue.. and therefore the company CAN be taken to court for it if this lady lets anything out... And most likely you'll win. Just don't risk your well being over this lady. Maybe hand the card to your boss and just tell him/her you felt better doing it this way .

It's real upsetting to be put in this position it's like you are forced to be different and thats a shame because everyone has something wrong with them.. I know how you feel mea, and to see others going through it really *i*ses me off.

Hugs
Koko

[This message has been edited by Kokopelli (edited 05-01-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Kokopelli (edited 05-01-2002).]

I understand your frustration and concern. I would touch base with your HR person - they actually should be the person to be in contact with that information, not your boss.

I personally would simply put on there about the Demerol - say something like EXTREMELY BAD REACTION TO DEMEROL and note that you keep an updated list of your medications in your wallet. That way, it's kept in a more personal space AND your meds may change and you can be sure to keep the updated information in your possession.

Unless there is a true medical emergency, there's no need for anyone to "peruse" the confidential information. Just make sure you keep the list in your wallet for your own protection.

[This message has been edited by scbagrrrl (edited 05-01-2002).]

I agree with just putting "see list in wallet" on the card they ask you to fill out. I wouldn't list the medications and I don't think they can force you to. I wouldn't trust anyone with a big mouth. And if your HR dept. is anything like mine, it leaks like a sieve also. Info. gets out. You usually can't trace it back to the source, but somehow it gets out. But carrying the info. in your wallet is a good idea for anyone. Good luck. Mel

Hi Me http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I haven't been in this situation myself but I would think that it would be a private decision, wouldn't it?
I agreed with Catgirl's point. If you work in a risky job than I guess it would make sense to record it on an emergency card. But am guessing your not a lion tamer or anything of the sort. LoL. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

If I were in this situation, personally I would probably write 'see list in wallet' too as I think that seems like a really reasonable thing to do. I don't think I would share my mental health issues at work if I didn't feel confident with it being kept private. I don't know , it is just a thought , I hope this helped you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Me
Just read your post. I know I'm a little out dated with this reply but I was looking for people on Parnate and can across your post.
Personally I just wear a medic-alert bracelet and that's a sure thing. And no one needs to know other then the attending phycian should you need one in an emergency.

Hi,
Just put the 'do not administer demerol' on the card, or wear the bracelet as mentioned above. I would not put any other medicines on the card. Unless you are in a job such as police field work or dangerous labor, where paramedics may be called, it sounds like they are using this as a pretext to screen you for insurance purposes.


[This message has been edited by nlathers (edited 10-02-2002).]