EEOC Releases Opioid Addiction and Employment Technical Assistance Documents

Documents provide useful FAQs for employees and health care providers

EEOC released the following two new technical assistance documents to address concerns about employment provisions associated with the opioid epidemic and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

1. Use of Codeine, Oxycodone, and Other Opioids: Information for Employees
   This document clarifies that individuals who are lawfully using opioid medication, are in treatment for opioid addiction and are receiving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), or have recovered from their addiction, are protected under the ADA.
2. How Health Care Providers Can Help Current and Former Patients Who Have Used Opioids Stay Employed
   The document informs health care providers about their patients’ legal rights in the workplace and provides guidance of the documentation required for patients with covered disabilities.

According to the EEOC, “the increase of opioid use and abuse in recent years poses unique challenges to the workplace. These documents aim to provide clarity to the public regarding existing legal requirements under the law.”