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An analysis of drug abuse policies in teaching hospitals

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Abstract

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 mandated written drug abuse policies for recipients of certain government grants and contracts. The literature has reported costly side effects of employee drug abuse such as decreased productivity and increased use of health benefits. Furthermore, litigation involving drug abuse policies has been increasingly won by employers. More than 90% of Fortune 1000 companies have adopted formal drug abuse policies. Using content analysis techniques, the current study examined the written substance abuse policies of 30 large American teaching hospitals. Results showed substantial variation in the style and content of the policies. In general, language used in the policies was vague. The study cites the potential use of strategic ambiguity in the development of the policies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Affiliated Systems Corporation, 3104 Edloe, Suite 330, 77027-6022, Houston, TX

    Isaac D. Montoya Ph.D., C.M.C., C.L.S. (Senior Research Scientist), Jerry W. Carlson B.B.A. (research assistant) & Alan J. Richard Ph.D. (research associate)

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  1. Isaac D. Montoya Ph.D., C.M.C., C.L.S.
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  2. Jerry W. Carlson B.B.A.
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  3. Alan J. Richard Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Isaac D. Montoya Ph.D., C.M.C., C.L.S..

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Montoya, I.D., Carlson, J.W. & Richard, A.J. An analysis of drug abuse policies in teaching hospitals. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 26, 28–38 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287792

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