Question
If a driver is on medication for a heart condition (the carrier knows this) and he needs to get home for a Dr.'s appt. so he can get thease meds refilled, do they have a duty to get him a load home so he can get this done? If they do, and they won't, what can the driver do?
Answer
We have seen this situation quite often in our clinic. The carrier does not have any LEGAL responsibility in this matter. However, if they want their truck handled by a medically fit and safe driver, I would like to think they would work with this driver and route them home. I know this is not so in the REAL world.
The driver may be able to call his physician and have a prescription called to a pharmacy where the driver is located. The driver must locate a pharmacy, then have the pharmacy phone number ready for the physician so it can be called in.
If the physician will not renew the medications without an exam or blood work being drawn, then you have a problem.
Often we have drivers come in requesting a refill on prescriptions. Depending on the medication and the reason for the medication, we will issue a temporary supply or prescription. Often we will call the prescribing physician for approval or guidance. If an exam is required, we will do this and report to the physician. If lab work is needed, we will also do this and send the reports to they physician.
Unfortunately, there are not many places like ours available to drivers.
What response has the carrier given to this driver when a trip home was requested for this purpose? Just curious.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
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Answer
Nurse Red, Sorry about the delay, but things have beeb hectic ariund here.
My husband's company did get him home for his appt, a week late. The Dr's office had to do some scrambling around but they did get him in and he got his refills with some adjustments in his meds & a increase in the amounts to 60days to make it easier for him.