A prescription for problems

  • Published
  • By Bo Joyner
  • Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Making sure their medical records are up to date and accurate could save Citizen Airmen selected for a random drug test a lot of trouble. That’s the word from officials assigned to Air Force Reserve Command’s Medical Services Directorate here.

In addition to testing for illegal substances, random drug tests also screen for a number of prescription medications, including amphetamines and opiates, like morphine or oxycodone, among others.

“If a reservist pops positive for one of these prescription medications during drug testing, he or she needs to have a valid prescription for it in his or her medical records,” said Dr. Don Jenrette, AFRC’s Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. “If not, a determination has to be made if the member is taking the drug illegally or if he or she simply does not have the proper documentation in his or her medical records.”

Taking the drug illegally can lead to legal action or even discharge from the Reserve. Having to prove that they have a valid prescription can lead to a lot of headaches for reservists, including possible disciplinary action for not ensuring their medical records are correct, and unnecessary work for the medical squadron.

“According to AFI (Air Force Instruction) 48-123, it’s the members’ responsibility to ensure their medical records are up to date and correct,” said Col. June Cook, chief of professional services within the Medical Services Directorate.

Paragraph 11.4.2 of the AFI states, “Each Air Reserve component member is responsible for promptly reporting (within 72 hours) any illness, injury, disease, operative procedure or hospitalization not previously reported to his or her commander or supervisor and supporting medical facility personnel. Any concealment or claim of disability made with the intent to defraud the government results in possible legal action and possible discharge from the ARC.”

“Primarily, making sure your medical records are up to date and correct is a readiness issue,” Cook said. “Having an accurate picture of a member’s health status enables the medics to give an accurate assessment to the commander of the person’s mission capability. Secondarily, accurate records eliminate a lot of unnecessary work for our people and the member.”

“It’s a waste of time when we have to jump through a lot of hoops to find out that the member had the script to begin with,” said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Kupcho, manager of the Aerospace Medicine Division. “Taking a few minutes to make sure your new prescription gets reported to your medical unit could save you a lot of time and frustration in the future.”

The chief said the Air Force has entered into data exchange agreements that allow for some medical information to flow automatically from a civilian health care provider to a military member’s medical unit; but Reservists should always check to make sure the correct information makes its way into their records.

For more information, contact your local medical squadron or drug demand reduction office.