I have recently applied to the FDNY & NYPD along with some other jobs.

Here's my situation, In June I finally got a prescription from my doctor for the medication & I just got my second one in July for adderall. After doing some research I've realized that these jobs will ask you about your use of adderall.

My question is, lets say (long shot) I get called in in January & I stop filling out prescriptions for this medication in July, will they still have access or be able to find out that I had these prescriptions in June & July?

Are your prescriptions available to be viewed or looked up by both public and private employers in a background check, or would you have to fail a drug test first?

If I stop taking them as soon as possible & pass the drug tests can they still find out about a past prescription and hold it against me?

THanks

Most states, AFAIK, have databases that track prescriptions of controlled substances - so IF they were to run your name, they might see it. Whether or not they would/could do this, I don't know.

However - considering it's prescribed by a doctor, and your scripts are from only ONE doctor, you should be fine. The red flags start when they see more than 1 script for something controlled and multiple pharmacies being used in short timeframes.

Even if you failed the drug test, you should be ok as long as you can provide proof that you're taking legally prescribed meds.

Good luck!

Are firefighters not permitted to take stimulant medication? I want to say I've read that somewhere else. Personally, the idea of a distracted firefighter is much more unsettling than a medicated one.

To the OP, I guess it's up to you if you want to stop taking medication because the job demands it. I don't know how the law works, but it seems like taking a medication at some point in the past should have no impact on your eligibility for employment.

I would think that the HIPA wouldn't allow them to go looking into your prescription past without written consent from you. Unless a job has a specific "you can't be taking X medication" then when you take your drug test, show the testers a copy of your script and it's not listed as a fail since it's prescribed by a doctor.

The only thing I would add is: if they ask you about it, for goodness' sake, don't lie about it. Not that you were considering it, but I don't know you...

A lot depends on how they manage drug testing.

If testing is blind via a lab, provide the lab with your prescription so that they can validate the result. Information returned to the employer is in regard to illegal drugs. A prescribed medication is not an illegal drug.

Some employment requires disclosure of Schedule II medications regardless of testing. Generally, this disclosure is related to job function. Sometimes it is a disqualifier for the job overall, sometimes just for sub-categories within the job function.

I have a friend who is with the state police in his state. His role is forensics. His medication hasn't been an issue.