MRO Confidentiality & Ethics 3

Question 1

An MRO is contacted by a journalist investigating workplace drug testing at a major trucking company. The journalist asks for employee test results. The MRO should:

Accepted Answer

Decline to release any information and cite confidentiality obligations

Answer

Media inquiries do not constitute a legal exception to MRO confidentiality requirements under DOT Part 40.

Question 2

Under 49 CFR Part 40, how long must an MRO retain records of verified negative test results?

Accepted Answer

One year

Answer

DOT requires MROs to retain records of verified negative results for one year.

Question 3

An employer instructs the MRO to automatically report all positive results to a specific supervisor rather than to the designated DER. The MRO should:

Accepted Answer

Follow the DOT-defined reporting chain and report to the properly designated DER

Answer

DOT rules designate the DER as the proper recipient of MRO reports; MROs cannot be directed to bypass this requirement.

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios represents an appropriate disclosure by an MRO to a treating physician?

Accepted Answer

Providing test results to a treating physician after the employee provides written consent

Answer

Disclosure to treating physicians is permissible when the employee provides written authorization for that specific disclosure.

Question 5

An MRO verified a positive result and reported it to the DER. The employee later claims the MRO discriminated based on disability during the verification interview. To defend against this claim, the MRO's best protection is:

Accepted Answer

Complete and contemporaneous documentation of the interview and decision process

Answer

Thorough contemporaneous documentation of the MRO's interview and reasoning provides the strongest defense against allegations of bias or discrimination.

(MRO) Medical Review Officer Certification Practice Test

(MRO) Medical Review Officer Certification Practice Test

MRO Confidentiality & Ethics 3