Substance abuse in the workplace: creating a responsible policy

Catholic healthcare institutions seeking to address the problem of substance abuse must answer three basic questions: To whom does Catholic healthcare hold itself responsible? What is Catholic healthcare's responsibility to itself? What changes or actions will effectively and justly address the problem of substance abuse, now and for the future? Catholic healthcare organizations' primary responsibility is to provide safe, high-quality care for its patients, but their mission and philosophy also mandate that they be concerned for the well-being of their employees and physicians. Creating a drug-free workplace would benefit all groups. An effective substance abuse program also serves the self-interest of Catholic healthcare institutions. It helps to boost employee morale, increases productivity, improves the organization's image, and protects it against the threat of legal action. Studies have shown, however, that substance abuse programs which call for mandatory or random testing are unworkable. The best approach is an overall policy that combines for-cause testing with educational and rehabilitative programs. Such a policy not only answers to the self-interest of Catholic healthcare institutions; it also lives up to the values of our Catholic Christian ministry of healing.