Can you be denied a job because of medication?

Asked by: Mozelle Howe  |  Last update: November 18, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (42 votes)

According to the ADA, employers are not allowed to ask potential new hires about their prescription drug history before they offer a job to the applicant. Speaking in generalities, employers can ask the applicants if they will be able to fulfill all the stated job duties in the job opening description.

Can a company not hire you because of prescribed medication?

An employer may not discriminate in any employment decision, knowingly or inadvertently, based on an employee's medical condition or use of prescription medication unless it is directly relevant to the employee's ability to perform the essential functions of the job or poses a safety risk to the individual or others.

What happens if I fail a drug test because of a prescription?

If you test positive for a legal drug prescribed by your provider, your employer can't punish you, unless the drug is affecting your ability to perform your job. If you test positive for marijuana and live in a state where it is legal, employers may still be able to punish you in some states.

Do you have to tell your employer if you are on medication?

The ADA does not just protect individuals with disabilities, it also protects the privacy of medical information of applicants and employees, with or without disabilities. Therefore, employer inquiries regarding the use of prescription medications may be prohibited under the ADA in all but a few circumstances.

Can I be denied a job if I have a prescription for Xanax?

Yes, there does exist a small chance that you will not be hired due to your Xanax use, but that's a very small chance. The majority of places will hire you as long as you provide a valid script and aren't abusing the drug...just keep in mind that a valid script isn't bulletproof protection against an employer.

How can an employer fire you for drug use without a drug test?

41 related questions found

Can HR see your prescriptions?

The ADA prohibits employers from engaging in any form of prescription drug discrimination. Employers cannot inquire into a medical condition or your prescription drug usage unless it has a clear connection to your ability to do your job safely.

Can I pass a drug test if I have a prescription?

A 10-panel drug screen shows all of the common medications that people use and abuse, including prescription pills. Also, you may have a prescription for medications like codeine, oxycodone, and lorazepam, but they may still show on your drug test.

Can I be fired for taking prescription medication?

In most cases, no. An employer generally cannot fire you for taking prescribed medication, especially if it's for a legitimate medical condition.

How do employers verify prescriptions?

If the MRO is successful in contacting the donor, the verification of a prescription may include the following: The MRO may contact the donors corresponding pharmacy that dispensed the prescription. The donor may provide a hardcopy receipt from the pharmacy that dispensed the prescription.

Can an employer discriminate based on prescription drugs?

Under the ADA, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against potential new hires based on prescription drug use history unless the person could not start the job, even if the employer has made reasonable accommodations for that person's position.

Can you be denied employment for taking Adderall?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers may not discriminate against applicants or employees with disabilities. If your ADD meets the legal definition of a disability, and you are taking medication as prescribed for that disability, you can't be excluded from consideration on that basis.

How long does it take for a drug to be cleared from the body?

Stimulants including cocaine, meth, and ADHD medications are detectable for about 2 or 3 days. Benzodiazepines and MDMA generally flag a urine test for up to 4 days after last dose. Marijuana stays in the system a bit longer, with amounts being detectable for between 1 and 7 days after last use.

Do employers test for prescription drugs?

Employers often drug test for controlled substances, but prescription medication drug testing may be necessary in specific circumstances. However, it's important to remember that some panels include controlled substances that are also prescription medications.

Do employers have the right to refuse to hire anyone whose test reveals drug use True or false?

It is not a violation of the ADA for an employer to give tests for the illegal use of drugs. An employer may discharge or deny employment to persons who currently engage in the illegal use of drugs.

What prescription drugs are banned by the dot?

What Drugs are Prohibited by the DOT?
  • Amphetamine.
  • Codeine.
  • Fentanyl.
  • Hydrocodone.
  • Methadone.
  • Morphine.
  • Marijuana.

Can a job not hire you for medical reasons?

In most cases, it is unlawful in California for an employer to refuse to hire an applicant because of his or her medical condition or perceived medical condition. Employment discrimination based on a medical condition is a violation of California state and federal law.

Do prescriptions show up on medical records?

A health record (also known as a medical record) is a written account of a person's health history. It includes medications, treatments, tests, immunizations, and notes from visits to a health care provider.

How do you get flagged for prescriptions?

A red flag could be indicative of abuse or misuse, over or under compliance, drug-drug interactions, or a “forged or altered prescription.” Such issues would be reviewed and resolved by a pharmacist “before filling any prescription” as part of the “prospective drug use review,” the testimony states.

Does a failed drug test go on your medical record?

A failed drug test may be noted in the records of the employer that requested it, but they typically keep this information confidential. However, the results of a positive drug test for certain positions, such as those regulated by the Department of Transportation, may be available for future employers to see.

Can you fail a drug test for prescribed medication?

Many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications aren't the drugs your employer is looking for in an employment drug screening, but sometimes these medications can trigger what is called a “false positive,” showing up as an illegal, or illicit drug.

Can you be terminated for medical reasons?

California laws protect you when you have a medical condition that impacts your ability to work. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employer discrimination based on actual or perceived medical conditions, including firing and other adverse employment actions.

Can my employer see what medications I take?

Employee health-related information is protected by law. Therefore, an employer must adhere to strict confidentiality regulations. An employee's prescribed drug use history can be shared with the employee's supervisor if there are work-related restrictions due to the use.

Can you get fired for failing a drug test with a prescription?

The ADA protects qualified employees with disabilities: those who can perform the essential functions of their jobs, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are taking a legally prescribed drug for a disability, as it sounds like you are, then your employer may not penalize you based on that fact alone.

What is the most common pre-employment drug test?

Urine drug testing (UDT): This is the most common drug test. It requires a sample of your urine (pee). Urine drug tests are most commonly used to detect alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine and marijuana (THC).

What drugs don't show up on a drug test?

Drugs That Are Not Detectable on Drug Tests
  • Barbiturates.
  • Benzodiazepines.
  • Methadone.
  • Propoxyphene.
  • Methaqualone.
  • Ecstasy.
  • Hydrocodone.
  • Oxycodone.