Posted on May 3, 2016
Is a soldier who is prescribed pain meds or narcotics violating any Army Reg by taking said meds during duty hours?
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Posted in these groups: 
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Meditation
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic) Meditation
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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Nothing.
Depends on the job. A SM on narcs should also have a profile with limitations. SM also needs to follow that profile and not drive while on them.
If you have a SM on narcs, and the prescriptions says something generic like take 1 tab every 4-6 hrs for pain as needed then he is authorized use during the duty day. Command common sense should take effect and not detail a soldier on narcs as a driver or operator of anything other than their own recovery.
Depends on the job. A SM on narcs should also have a profile with limitations. SM also needs to follow that profile and not drive while on them.
If you have a SM on narcs, and the prescriptions says something generic like take 1 tab every 4-6 hrs for pain as needed then he is authorized use during the duty day. Command common sense should take effect and not detail a soldier on narcs as a driver or operator of anything other than their own recovery.
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SGT (Join to see)
That is the way I've airways handled it however our new 1sg says flat out you can't take them during the duty day
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SPC (Join to see)
TSgt Joshua Duplin - I never understood honestly. So many company commanders and 1SGs in the army walking around with medical degrees.
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SPC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - So to handle this problem you simply remove yourself from the equation SGT. Don't risk the rank and the trouble. Instead take the 1SGs new rule and go informing the prescribing provider that his prescribing order is being refused.
What should a person actually care about when a person is prescribed meds? that they are taking them correctly, that their pain is managed, and that they are getting what they need to get better.
What should a person actually care about when a person is prescribed meds? that they are taking them correctly, that their pain is managed, and that they are getting what they need to get better.
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CPL Ernest Hoag
SGT (Join to see) - Military doc is minimum O-3, which trumps E-8 all day, every day. If SM requires narcotic pain relief during the duty day and Top won't allow, it should be escalated up the chain.
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Ironically, today was my first day back from convalescent leave after ankle surgery. I also had a follow up with the surgeon this afternoon, and was given another Rx for a narcotic painkiller. That being said, I personally don't like taking them during the day because I feel like I'm impaired. If my 1SG told me not to take them during the duty day, I would have no issue complying because it doesn't change the way I'm already taking them.
Now, if the soldier is in enough pain that he or she still needs the medication that badly, I would have that soldier go to sick call or the ER and get the profile or quarters necessary to ensure the soldier is taken care of. Talk to the prescribing medical officer if possible, and they should address the issue with the CoC if necessary.
To me, it sounds like this soldier either requires additional care, is malingering, or is just trying to milk the Meds. Regardless, I would evaluate the entire situation and handle it appropriately and respectfully with all concerned parties.
This situation sounds like it could get uncomfortable for one or more individuals involved. My advice is to tread lightly, and use your NCO support channel to back you up and advise the soldier to do the same. Good luck.
Now, if the soldier is in enough pain that he or she still needs the medication that badly, I would have that soldier go to sick call or the ER and get the profile or quarters necessary to ensure the soldier is taken care of. Talk to the prescribing medical officer if possible, and they should address the issue with the CoC if necessary.
To me, it sounds like this soldier either requires additional care, is malingering, or is just trying to milk the Meds. Regardless, I would evaluate the entire situation and handle it appropriately and respectfully with all concerned parties.
This situation sounds like it could get uncomfortable for one or more individuals involved. My advice is to tread lightly, and use your NCO support channel to back you up and advise the soldier to do the same. Good luck.
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SGT Charles W.
God forbid that people use common sense. I think your comment was dead on and props given. Crazy to think that an E-5 has a logical thought process and is able to form an opinion and express it in a PC way, lol.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT Charles W. - Well said! Unfortunately, my assessment of the situation comes from experiences in the military (both personal and witnessed), which have shown me the best and worst sides of medical care, unit leadership, and all types of individual soldiers. Hopefully my career goes far enough to have the opportunity to affect enough soldiers to at least make some attempt to change the culture of the military from "everyone for themselves" to "everyone for each other". Sorry, rant over. LoL
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SGT Charles W.
SGT, I have no doubt you'll go far and do great things. Please don't change the attitude when you start getting up there in rank. The schools and Army have a way of doing that to people. They don't want you to think for yourself, just shut the fuck up and follow orders is what they want. Godspeed and look forward to seeing you in Army Times for making good changes.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT Charles W. - You have my word, my attitude will never change. "All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership. I will provide that leadership."
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Both the soldier and that soldiers leadership need to understand the limitations associated with those pain medications. As long those limitations are being respected, your good to go.
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