Can Medical Assistants Use Cannabidiol On Days Off?
Medical assistants who use CBD, or marijuana’s cousin, could gain some protection against discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state laws; however, before speaking to their employer they must first be prepared.
Preparing can include gathering documentation from their doctor as well as discussing why and what medications they are taking.
1. Talk to Your Employer
No matter if it is for chronic illness pain relief, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety attacks depression and/or tremors caused by fibromyalgia; medical marijuana could help. But if employed by a company with a no tolerance drug policy this may put your employment in jeopardy.
Marijuana contains over 100 phytocannabinoids, such as THC – with psychoactive properties – but there are other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), which has non-psychoactive effects and is becoming more popular across America. CBD products may range from capsules and tinctures to gum and candy forms, with most not containing much THC but some do containing significant quantities; it’s important to read labels carefully in this instance.
New Jersey employers cannot take adverse actions against workers with doctor-recommended prescriptions for medical marijuana; however, federal rules stipulate that companies receiving certain contracts or grants must maintain drug testing programs which include THC tests as part of these plans.
Employers may restrict or prohibit marijuana use during working hours and meal and break periods, including meal and break periods; however, they’re still entitled to require that their employees abstain on days off. If it can be shown that marijuana helps your job performance or protects others in any way then that could present undue hardship issues – potentially by showing that using it helps safeguard health or safety of others. So this may fall under topical hemp creams.
2. Ask for a Reasonable Accommodation
If cannabis can help a disability, federal and state laws allow for reasonable accommodations to workplace policies – this is known as an “ADA reasonable accommodation” or disability discrimination and leave law.
Huber v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. is an example wherein the plaintiff worked remotely while suffering from debilitating migraines that she received accommodations for since 2006 and frequently took leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Her doctor suggested non-psychoactive hemp-based CBD oil as a treatment option in 2017, which seemed to alleviate her condition and lessened FMLA leave requirements significantly; however, shortly thereafter her employer informed her she had failed a drug test due to using CBD caused a positive THC result on her pre-employment screening screening test!
Employees requesting an exception from their company’s drug-free workplace policy due to medical or disability conditions can seek an exception as an accommodation – provided it will significantly aid their ability to perform their job. An employer is not obliged to accommodate, however, if cannabis use by an employee jeopardizes either their safety or that of others; this especially holds true when working in safety-sensitive positions governed by federal law.
3. Seek Legal Advice
Health-care workers have turned to non-THC CBD products as an effective solution for pain management, anxiety/depression relief, insomnia treatment, fibromyalgia pain, fibromyalgia pain relief and more. CBD oil can be found in various forms – gummies, lotions, pet products and vapes are just some examples – available via prescription in some states or available over-the-counter at major drugstore chains.
New York law does not permit employers to prohibit employees from using cannabis products on company property during work hours, including any private residence used as an employee’s workplace if working remotely. Nonetheless, using CBD oil on days off could still violate an employer’s drug policy if it hinders an employee from performing their job and they cannot demonstrate they can perform without impairment.
Employers may offer reasonable accommodations, such as flexible working hours or duties changes – such as using vaping for work-related PTSD/anxiety symptoms if that is all that causes impairment. A doctor’s note may be required, though employees have the right to privacy regarding any diagnosis or treatments used, according to Reidy.
4. Be Prepared
Cannabidiol (CBD), found in Cannabis sativa plants, has recently become one of the hottest wellness trends online. Many products containing CBD have been touted as cures for various ails such as anxiety, pain, insomnia and depression – with juices, lotions, gummies and vape pens all boasting this ingredient as an antidote – seemingly making CBD seem like an irresistibly trendy wellness trend but is it really? How can one identify reliable products when researching what?
First and foremost, it’s essential that you understand what CBD is. CBD is a chemical found within the Cannabis sativa plant – also commonly referred to as marijuana or hemp – which does not contain psychoactive components like THC does.
CBD can be extracted from either of these plants, but industrial hemp is the go-to choice because its cultivation aims to create low concentrations of THC. Once grown, solvents like water, carbon dioxide or ethanol are then used to extract CBD from its plant material – each can pose potential dangers but ethanol stands out as the safer and less-obnoxious choice when producing CBD.
Medical assistants may use CBD for debilitating conditions, provided they hold a written Health Care Provider certification from their Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Full Practice Authorization (APRN-FPA) or Physician Assistant treating their illness. IDPH must keep this certification on file, which they can access by filling out an online form.
The ISMA Distinguished Service Award
The ISMA Distinguished Service Award is a prestigious recognition presented by various organizations, including the Indiana School Music Association (ISSMA) and the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants. This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions or service in their respective fields. For example, the ISSMA Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to music education and related activities. Similarly, the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants presents the Distinguished Service Award to members who have shown extraordinary actions or service in the medical field. The specific criteria for this award may vary by organization, but it generally acknowledges exceptional dedication and impact within a particular industry or community.
What are the criteria for receiving the ISMA distinguished service award
The search did not return specific criteria for receiving the ISMA Distinguished Service Award. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the criteria for receiving the ISMA Distinguished Service Award may include demonstrating extraordinary actions or service in the medical assisting field, as mentioned in the context of the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants (ISMA) Distinguished Service Award[2]. For more detailed and official criteria, it is recommended to directly contact the ISMA or the relevant awarding organization.
https://www.isma.com/awards
https://www.issma.net/history.php
https://www.illinoissma.org/award-recipients
Can Nurses use CBD Oil?
As the popularity of CBD oil continues to soar, many nurses are curious about its potential benefits and whether they can incorporate it into their daily routine. In this article, we will explore the use of CBD oil by nurses, delving into its understanding and potential benefits, such as relief from muscle pain and joint inflammation, managing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep quality. We will address important considerations for nurses, including the legal implications of using CBD oil, choosing the right products, and seeking legal counsel for defense.
Whether you’re a nurse considering CBD oil or simply interested in its application in the healthcare field, this article aims to provide valuable insights and guidance on this timely topic.
Key Takeaways:
Nurses can use CBD oil to potentially find relief from muscle pain, joint inflammation, stress, and anxiety.It is important for nurses to consider the legal implications and choose the right CBD products before incorporating them into their healthcare routine.Seeking legal counsel for defense is recommended for nurses using CBD oil to ensure they are following all regulations and protocols.
Can Nurses Use CBD Oil?
Nurses navigating the potential usage of CBD oil face a myriad of considerations, including legal and professional implications, and the need to understand the product’s potential benefits and limitations within their practice.
It is essential for nurses to be aware of the federal regulations surrounding the use of CBD oil, as it falls under the purview of the Controlled Substances Act. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC, nurses must ensure that the products they use comply with this limit to avoid legal repercussions.
Professional nursing organizations also provide guidelines to navigate the use of CBD oil, emphasizing the importance of using THC-free products to mitigate the risk of psychoactive effects and ensure patient safety.
Understanding CBD Oil
An understanding of CBD oil involves recognizing its diverse forms, including broad-spectrum and isolate variants, and the role of terpenes, along with the importance of certificate of analysis (COA) from third-party laboratories for quality assurance.
Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Nurses
CBD products offer potential benefits for nurses, including alleviation of pain, management of anxiety and stress, and potential aid in improving sleep quality, possibly influenced by the entourage effect.
Relief from Muscle Pain and Joint Inflammation
One potential benefit of CBD products for nurses is the relief they may provide from muscle pain and joint inflammation, offering a possible alternative to traditional pain relief creams and treatments.
This natural remedy has gained attention for its potential to offer relief without the side effects often associated with conventional pharmaceuticals. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the muscles and joints, making it particularly appealing for individuals experiencing chronic pain or discomfort.
The versatility of CBD products allows for various application methods, such as oils, balms, and creams, catering to diverse preferences and needs. As research in this field continues to expand, it offers an intriguing avenue for exploring new approaches to pain management.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
CBD products may offer potential support for nurses in managing stress and anxiety, providing a complementary approach to conventional stress relief practices and interventions.
As the demands of the nursing profession can often lead to high levels of stress and emotional strain, exploring CBD products as a supplementary option for mental well-being becomes increasingly important.
Many nurses face long shifts, emotional stress from patient care, and the pressure of making critical decisions, which can contribute to high levels of stress and anxiety. Incorporating potential benefits of CBD into stress management strategies could hold promise for improving the overall well-being of nurses.
Improving Sleep Quality
CBD products may have the potential to contribute to improving sleep quality, particularly for nurses tackling the challenges of insomnia, potentially influenced by the entourage effect.
Nurses often face demanding work schedules and high levels of stress, which can make achieving restful sleep difficult. Research suggests that CBD products may offer promising benefits in addressing insomnia and improving overall sleep quality. The entourage effect, where the combination of cannabinoids and other compounds in full-spectrum CBD products enhances their therapeutic effects, could play a crucial role. By potentially modulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD may promote relaxation and alleviate insomnia symptoms, offering nurses a natural and holistic approach to enhancing their sleep patterns.
Considerations for Nurses Using CBD Oil
Nurses considering the usage of CBD products must navigate crucial considerations, including legal implications, the selection of appropriate CBD products, and the potential need for legal counsel to ensure compliance and understanding.
Legal Implications for Nurses
Understanding the legal implications of CBD products for nurses involves navigating federal laws and regulations, as well as the perspectives of regulatory bodies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In terms of the regulation of CBD products, the landscape is complex. At the federal level, the legality of CBD products is governed by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the production and sale of industrial hemp and its extracts, including CBD. The FDA has yet to approve CBD as an ingredient in food or dietary supplements, barring its addition to these products. The DEA has also reiterated its stance that CBD derived from marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance. These conflicting positions add complexity for nurses seeking clarity on the use of CBD products in their practice.
Choosing the Right CBD Products
Selecting the right CBD products for nurses involves considerations such as the involvement of third-party laboratories for quality assurance and the preference for organic formulations to align with professional standards and patient care.
Third-party laboratory involvement is crucial to ensure that the CBD products meet industry standards for potency, purity, and absence of contaminants. Nurses prioritize products that undergo rigorous testing by independent labs, as it instills confidence in the quality and safety of the products they recommend or use themselves.
Organic formulations are favored by nurses due to their commitment to promoting wellness through natural, sustainable products. CBD derived from organically grown hemp is often sought after, as it reflects the values of holistic health and environmental responsibility that are integral to nursing practice.
Seeking Legal Counsel for Defense
Nurses considering the usage of CBD products may find it prudent to seek legal counsel, particularly in states such as California, where the California Nursing Board’s perspectives may impact their professional defense and practice.
Given the evolving regulations and legal considerations surrounding CBD products, nurses in California must navigate the complex interplay between state laws and professional regulatory bodies. Seeking legal counsel can provide valuable insights into managing potential legal implications arising from their use of CBD products in professional practice.
The California Nursing Board’s stance on CBD products is crucial as it affects the professional standing of nurses in the state. Understanding the board’s regulations and guidelines related to CBD products is essential for nurses to safeguard their professional defense and ensure compliance with industry standards.