What You'll Learn
The difference between an MRO-verified negative test result and a fitness-for-duty assessment.
Why an MRO-verified negative result does not necessarily mean that there is no medication-related workplace safety risk.
Which classes of prescription medications may affect cognition, alertness, reaction time, coordination or judgment, and which factors may increase medication-related risk, including initiation, dose changes, irregular use, polypharmacy and concurrent substance use.
When further medical or fitness-for-duty assessment may be appropriate despite a legitimate prescription or an MRO-verified negative result.
About your presenter
Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler
Addiction Medicine Physician, Medical Review Officer & Founder of FFD Learning
With more than two decades of experience, her work brings together medicine, substance use and workplace safety. Through FFD Learning, she provides practical, physician-led education to help workplaces understand the reasoning behind their policies and the questions that arise when applying them.
Medications and circumstances we’ll discuss
The presentation will include amphetamines, opioids, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, gabapentinoids, certain antihistamines, muscle relaxants, stimulants, methadone and buprenorphine. The discussion will consider starting or restarting a medication, dose changes, irregular use, multiple potentially impairing medications, concurrent alcohol or substance use, side effects, tolerance and stability. These factors will be considered alongside the demands of the employee’s specific role. The focus is on understanding when more context or further assessment is needed, rather than assuming that a medication automatically makes someone safe or unsafe to work.
Why This Webinar Matters Now
A negative drug test can give you confidence. But does it answer the question you actually need answered: can this employee safely do their job? When prescription medications are involved, a verified negative result can still leave important safety questions unresolved. If you’re responsible for responding to those questions, you need to understand when the result is enough and when further assessment may be appropriate. In this 60-minute webinar, Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler will help you recognize medication risks, understand the difference between drug-test results and fitness for duty, and know when to seek further assessment.
What Attendees Are Saying
HR and safety professionals trust Dr. Snider-Adler's expertise to navigate the tricky intersection of medications, testing, and workplace safety. Join others who've gained clarity and confidence in their fitness-for-duty decisions.
“As a health care lawyer, I often require expert assistance in addictions medicine, and Dr. Snider-Adler is among the first experts I consult. Whether this is to understand test results, to identify and assess options for clients, or to develop a plan for addressing concerns, I know that Dr. Snider-Adler will provide clear, practical and reliable assistance to me and my clients.”
Health Care
"I've had the pleasure of attending many presentations by Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler on addictions medicine and fitness for duty in the workplace. These topics are not easy to present to audiences with diverse backgrounds and experience. She delivers information (often technical & complex in nature) in a manner conducive to the audience understanding it, and being able to apply it in their workplace. Her relaxed, engaging communication style, combined with a genuine desire to share her expertise in support of the workplace result in Melissa being an excellent presenter every time!"
Speaker, Educator
"Dr. Snider-Adler has provided numerous supports for our organization, helping employees, unions and leaders to better understand the impacts of drugs and impairment with safety-sensitive workplaces. Dr. Snider-Adler's insights into practical solutions to increase awareness and deter impairment will no doubt benefit our organization for years to come. Her knowledge in this space has been invaluable and comes through naturally as she presents what can be difficult or complex content in a easy to understand manner. Her ability to engage all levels of our organization has been impressive, and a reason for which we are working towards key improvements to support employees and ensure our workplace is safe."
Health, Mining Idustry
"I strongly recommend Dr. Melissa as an expert witness and Medical Review Officer in substance abuse issues in the workplace."
B.A., J.D., LL.M.
FAQ's
What if I can’t attend live? You can still register. All registrants will receive a replay. Is the webinar free for current FFD Learning clients? Yes. Current FFD Learning clients can register at no charge using the client registration option above. Where will the webinar take place? The live session will take place on Zoom on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. How much does it cost? Registration is $29 CAD for non-clients, paid through FFD Learning’s Thinkific website. Current clients attend free. Will there be an opportunity to ask questions? Yes. The live session includes an opportunity for questions about the presentation.
Don't Let a Negative Test Mask a Real Safety Risk
Join us November 2, from 1–2 p.m. Eastern. Registration is $29 CAD, or free if you’re a current FFD Learning client. A replay is included, so you can still benefit if you can’t attend live.
$29.00