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