Page 19 - D13014 - LBMAO - Mar-Apr 2018 - Reporter - web

...MARIJUANA continued from page 10 insurance companies are allowing employers do them. Given the expected
limited reimbursement under the rise in use, it would be incumbent upon
to ask the employee whether they will non-prescription drug portion of their employers to establish some form
have the ability to perform their tasks benefits plans, subject to prior approval of testing on reasonable grounds of
and what accommodations might be for specific conditions and dollar limits workplace safety but, as mentioned,
necessary. on reimbursement. Currently, most current methods of drug testing are
As with any prescription drug policy, benefits programs do not offer this inconclusive as to assessing impairment.
medically prescribed marijuana should coverage and less than 4% are including Before considering a drug testing
be treated in a similar fashion but coverage according to a leading insurer. policy, the employer must be clear on
should not disrupt the business of the Employers should weigh the cost their concern for workplace safety and
enterprise. On that basis, the employer of more expensive traditional drug not on moral grounds. However, without
is in a position to request the least therapies covered by their existing plans accurate testing technology, employers
disruptive option. when considering inclusion of medical will be challenged on disciplinary
use cannabis. For example, Benefits actions.
Drug Benefit Plans Canada, a regular industry publication, Given continuing developments on
As the number of medically necessary reported that the anti-nausea drug this subject, employers are advised
marijuana prescriptions continues Zofran used for chemotherapy costs $40 to monitor legislation and legal
to grow, pressure is mounting for per capsule versus $2 to $3 for a one developments in case law in establishing
benefits programs to cover medical time consumption of marijuana (joint). appropriate policy.
use cannabis. While medical marijuana
has not been approved by the Food Drug Testing
and Drug Act and does not have a Drug Drug testing in the workplace can
Identification Number (DIN), some be controversial and less than 10% of

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