Providers Who Use Prescription Drugs

[Starburst]

Are you saying that a provider in a wheel chair would not be capable of providing care for a child?

There are wide variances of ability of people who are in wheelchairs. Is the person you referring to quadriplegic or only a paraplegic? Do they just have problems baring weight on their feet for too long? Are they amputees who just need the chair to get around in longer distances? Are they otherwise healthy?

There are lots of parents in wheel chairs and with other physical disabilities who care for their own children. In many (not saying all) cases they sometimes need to have someone or someone who could do things for them that they cannot do on their own. I currently am a mother's helper for a family with a stay at home mom and grandma, I usually watch when the mom is out and the grandma is home because she cannot lift her very light (for his age) 2 year old grandson (she's in her 60's/70's and has a bad back).

If there was a provider in a wheel chair who is able to pick infants/toddler up from the floor because they have done exercises/therapy to specifically strengthen their backs and arms to be able to lift small children, if he/she was able to transport themselves from the wheelchair to another chair (or to the floor) unassisted, or if she only cared for older children that is one thing. If they are paralyzed from the neck down, then I would be uncomfortable leaving a small child in their care, if they are alone. But in many cases it can cause other issues if the home or facility is not properly equipped or arranged for regular mobility of an adult in a wheelchair to move around- such as if the door ways are not big enough for the chair to pass- that is a safety hazard!

[Blackcat31]

There are wide variances of ability of people who are in wheelchairs. Is the person you referring to quadriplegic or only a paraplegic? Do they just have problems baring weight on their feet for too long?

There are lots of parents in wheel chairs and with other physical disabilities who care for their own children. In many (not saying all) cases they sometimes need to have someone or someone who could do things for them that they cannot do on their own. I currently am a mother's helper for a family with a stay at home mom and grandma, I usually watch when the mom is out and the grandma is home because she cannot lift her very light (for his age) 2 year old grandson (she's in her 60's/70's and has a bad back).

If their was a provider in a wheel chair who is able to pick infants/toddler up from the floor because they have done exercises to specifically strengthen their backs and arms to be able to lift small children, if he/she was able to transport themselves from the wheelchair to another chair (or to the floor) unassisted, or if she only cared for older children that is one thing. If they are paralyzed from the neck down, then I would be uncomfortable leaving a child in their care, if they are alone. But in many cases it can cause other issues if the home or facility is not properly equipped or arranged for an adult in a wheelchair to move around- such as if the door ways are not big enough for the chair to pass- that is a safety hazard!

You're previous post about being in a wheelchair implied that you think being in a wheelchair would automatically mean that person couldn't be a provider.

I was simply asking for clarification as I thought that statement was offensive to providers in wheelchairs who do do their jobs well.

..not sure what you are trying to convey in regards to the family you are a mother's helper to.. (???)

[Starburst]

You're previous post about being in a wheelchair implied that you think being in a wheelchair would automatically mean that person couldn't be a provider.

I was simply asking for clarification as I thought that statement was offensive to providers in wheelchairs who do do their jobs well.

..not sure what you are trying to convey in regards to the family you are a mother's helper to.. (???)

My main point was that she said she had back pain and I know many people who have worked years with children and they have back problems so this does not seem like a good career choice as far as her health goes. And age groups are a big factor to. I think I would be more likely to leave an older child in her care but not a younger one who would need to be lifted regularly. But if I knew a particular older child was prone to mindless behavior like jumping on people without warning (as one child did to my aunt) or running away/across the street (needing to be chased), that would be a big health risk for her. This area is very gray, it depends on multiple factors. I would not discriminate against that person only on their disability but I would take it into serious account and weight the risks and other pros and cons- just as I would with any other person.

I was just saying that the mom I help out knows that if something happened when she was not their that grandma would not be able to help or stop him; like if he was jumping on the furniture or if he got out of the house and ran across the street- one kid at the FCC I worked at actually got out of the gate once because one of the DCMs didn't close the gate fast enough and the other assistant who was actually working wasn't paying attention to that side of the yard (I was just visiting/helping out off the clock for the day). I just barely noticed it and I had to chase him across the front lawn just barely caught him before he hit the sidewalk!

[Leigh]

Im about to open an in home daycare and ve already had a few interviews. But my friend tells me that I should disclose to the parents that I see a chronic pain specialist and have for three years who monitors my medications via urine and blood checks etc. she said because I'm on lorcet and a pain patch I should tell all of my daycare parent all about it. I've been on these same meds for two to three years and I'm followed every other month with my doctor .

What do you guys think about this?? I'm taking lorcet by mouth and the every three day patches . Prt of me says because I'm regulated on them and I'm not impaired, it's non of the parents business. Even people who don't know I'm on the pills and patches are surprised because they had no idea. I've asked my doctor if I appear even mildy impaired to him. He says no, the only reason he would know I was taking something is my pupils?

So my question is this.... Do I tell parents or not"?? If you were a parent at my interview and I disclosed the above, would you leave your kids here or not??

Thanks for your replies in advanced.

First thing to do is discuss your capabilities with your MD. If your MD feels that the meds at your dosage do not pose an issue, then give a call to licensing and ask what their views on it are. I had to provide a list of medications to the state before I could be licensed.

Not all drugs have severe side effects, and not all patients experience them. I gave up on narcotics for pain years ago, because I found no relief with them. I switched to meloxicam...it takes the edge off, without impairment. I don't know your situation, but perhaps a different medication would be in order IF yours poses a problem.

[DebraHeschl]

If a doctor has cleared you for care of children and your licensing agency knows about your condition, I would NOT disclose anything to anyone.

NOT because I think you should "hide" it but because you legally don't have to tell people unless you are required to....kwim?

My husband is a type 1 insulin diabetic. He takes medication to control his condition. He is NOT required by law to tell anyone this information.

Depending on what your condition is and what the possibilities are that you could become impaired enough to not be able to provide care alone, I would keep my personal life private.

I totally agree. As long as you are cleared, you do not have to disclose anything. That would be like if one the children you care for have HIV/Aids or some other bad disease..the parent's do NOT have to disclose that to you. Just my two cents.

[bunnyslippers]

I totally agree. As long as you are cleared, you do not have to disclose anything. That would be like if one the children you care for have HIV/Aids or some other bad disease..the parent's do NOT have to disclose that to you. Just my two cents.

I was just discussing this topic with my husband, he made the very same point! I once worked in a school and we knew one child in the building was HIV positive...but never knew which one. It violated his/her rights.

[rmc20021]

doctors, judges, state workers are fooled daily by people that are using. People that are using know how to get more of these drugs to keep the addiction going. Unless blood work is done or urine test.....and even those can be altered-

Many can function daily in a job and use after hours.......but eventually it does catch up with the person. Addicts are all around us, in all jobs.

My advise to anyone looking for childcare is to ask your potential provider if they are on any heavy type of drugs, or any prescription drugs. They don't have to tell you, but at least you put it out there to try to know. If I found out someone was using heavy drugs after I started with them and had asked this, I would be pulling my child.

As I mentioned earlier, my son is an addict to prescription pain meds. I've watched him, his behaviors, his highs and lows, his withdrawls, his attitudes and behaviors and what I saw was, many times when I thought he was flying high on pain killers.

We talk about his addiction a lot, but just recently he informed me that when he is acting more 'normal' is actually when he has taken a lot of the pain meds. It's when he DOESN'T have them that he seems out of it...HOWEVER, I do know when he is using that it definitely impairs his ability to reason, think clearly and react quickly. He has a quick temper and no patience.

Even with his heavy use, he BELIEVES he is fine, that he is in control when he is using. Once a person's body becomes used to having the meds in their system, they really don't realize what they are, and are not capable of mentally.

Many people have mentioned other illnesses for which they use other medications for. THOSE are not narcotics...huge difference.

I absolutely will not take a pain killer because of everything I've gone through with my son. I detest those little pills with a passion. Those little pills DESTROYED my entire family...just by one person using them (actually 2 as you read further).

I am NOT saying that everyone who uses pain killers will become addicted to them. Yes, I have used them in the past very minimally, such as when I had shingles and had a tooth removed...and I also have fibromyalgia, which at one point was very debilitating and I had to use pain meds for (and YES...they did impair my ability to think clearly). If I became ill enough again to have to use them, there is no way I could do childcare. I never knew what kind of condition I would wake up in each morning, what level of pain I would be in, whether I could even walk through the grocery store long enough to buy groceries.

My fibromyalgia is manageable now and I do still have pain, but not to any degree to where I feel the need to use pain meds (that may change down the road but my pain would have to be pretty severe now for me to touch one of them)

I do not judge anybody for taking them legitimately...however, there is really no way to visually determine who is taking them only as prescribed, and who is taking them abusively. Personally, I don't want to take the chance at finding out AGAIN who that person might be. I say AGAIN, because my other son was killed in an auto accident 3 years ago as a passenger in a car being driven by a guy who was under the influence of pain meds.

He was charged with 'CAUSING DEATH WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE' and spent 3 years in prison...just released one month ago.

Absolutely, it's nobody's business what your medical conditions are, or what medications you are using. But as a parent, they should have the knowledge to be able to make an informed decision as to whether they want their child in your care or not, just as you feel you should know the medical condition of a child coming into your care and what medications they might be on if they're going to be with you.

This subject hits very close to my heart, and as I also said earlier in my first post, it's not meant to demean anyone. Narcotics are a HUGE influence in today's society...they are not selective as to who they take into their hell.

[Crystal]

As I mentioned earlier, my son is an addict to prescription pain meds. I've watched him, his behaviors, his highs and lows, his withdrawls, his attitudes and behaviors and what I saw was, many times when I thought he was flying high on pain killers.

We talk about his addiction a lot, but just recently he informed me that when he is acting more 'normal' is actually when he has taken a lot of the pain meds. It's when he DOESN'T have them that he seems out of it...HOWEVER, I do know when he is using that it definitely impairs his ability to reason, think clearly and react quickly. He has a quick temper and no patience.

Even with his heavy use, he BELIEVES he is fine, that he is in control when he is using. Once a person's body becomes used to having the meds in their system, they really don't realize what they are, and are not capable of mentally.

Many people have mentioned other illnesses for which they use other medications for. THOSE are not narcotics...huge difference.

I absolutely will not take a pain killer because of everything I've gone through with my son. I detest those little pills with a passion. Those little pills DESTROYED my entire family...just by one person using them (actually 2 as you read further).

I am NOT saying that everyone who uses pain killers will become addicted to them. Yes, I have used them in the past very minimally, such as when I had shingles and had a tooth removed...and I also have fibromyalgia, which at one point was very debilitating and I had to use pain meds for (and YES...they did impair my ability to think clearly). If I became ill enough again to have to use them, there is no way I could do childcare. I never knew what kind of condition I would wake up in each morning, what level of pain I would be in, whether I could even walk through the grocery store long enough to buy groceries.

My fibromyalgia is manageable now and I do still have pain, but not to any degree to where I feel the need to use pain meds (that may change down the road but my pain would have to be pretty severe now for me to touch one of them)

I do not judge anybody for taking them legitimately...however, there is really no way to visually determine who is taking them only as prescribed, and who is taking them abusively. Personally, I don't want to take the chance at finding out AGAIN who that person might be. I say AGAIN, because my other son was killed in an auto accident 3 years ago as a passenger in a car being driven by a guy who was under the influence of pain meds.

He was charged with 'CAUSING DEATH WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE' and spent 3 years in prison...just released one month ago.

Absolutely, it's nobody's business what your medical conditions are, or what medications you are using. But as a parent, they should have the knowledge to be able to make an informed decision as to whether they want their child in your care or not, just as you feel you should know the medical condition of a child coming into your care and what medications they might be on if they're going to be with you.

This subject hits very close to my heart, and as I also said earlier in my first post, it's not meant to demean anyone. Narcotics are a HUGE influence in today's society...they are not selective as to who they take into their hell.

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[canadiancare]

I think the wheelchair example is a bit different because it is a visible disability that the parent could rightly or wrongly make a decision based on whether they want their child cared for by someone who is physically impaired in some way.

The same as if they showed up to an interview and the provider was morbidly obese. They could make a decision based on whether they felt someone with mobility issues could chase after a busy two year old let alone several of them.

The little boy who drowned in my province a few years ago was being cared for by a very obese woman. Her young daughter testified that the woman stood up from her lawn chair asked the daughter where he was and then sat back down. In other words she knew that he wasn't within arms reach and yet she opted to let a child track him down rather than expend the energy to go look for him.

There are many judgments that are made on first impression and I think deliberately concealing something just because it isn't visible is starting your relationship off on the wrong foot- whether it is your right or not.

[My3cents]

As I mentioned earlier, my son is an addict to prescription pain meds. I've watched him, his behaviors, his highs and lows, his withdrawls, his attitudes and behaviors and what I saw was, many times when I thought he was flying high on pain killers.

We talk about his addiction a lot, but just recently he informed me that when he is acting more 'normal' is actually when he has taken a lot of the pain meds. It's when he DOESN'T have them that he seems out of it...HOWEVER, I do know when he is using that it definitely impairs his ability to reason, think clearly and react quickly. He has a quick temper and no patience.

Even with his heavy use, he BELIEVES he is fine, that he is in control when he is using. Once a person's body becomes used to having the meds in their system, they really don't realize what they are, and are not capable of mentally.

Many people have mentioned other illnesses for which they use other medications for. THOSE are not narcotics...huge difference.

I absolutely will not take a pain killer because of everything I've gone through with my son. I detest those little pills with a passion. Those little pills DESTROYED my entire family...just by one person using them (actually 2 as you read further).

I am NOT saying that everyone who uses pain killers will become addicted to them. Yes, I have used them in the past very minimally, such as when I had shingles and had a tooth removed...and I also have fibromyalgia, which at one point was very debilitating and I had to use pain meds for (and YES...they did impair my ability to think clearly). If I became ill enough again to have to use them, there is no way I could do childcare. I never knew what kind of condition I would wake up in each morning, what level of pain I would be in, whether I could even walk through the grocery store long enough to buy groceries.

My fibromyalgia is manageable now and I do still have pain, but not to any degree to where I feel the need to use pain meds (that may change down the road but my pain would have to be pretty severe now for me to touch one of them)

I do not judge anybody for taking them legitimately...however, there is really no way to visually determine who is taking them only as prescribed, and who is taking them abusively. Personally, I don't want to take the chance at finding out AGAIN who that person might be. I say AGAIN, because my other son was killed in an auto accident 3 years ago as a passenger in a car being driven by a guy who was under the influence of pain meds.

He was charged with 'CAUSING DEATH WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE' and spent 3 years in prison...just released one month ago.

Absolutely, it's nobody's business what your medical conditions are, or what medications you are using. But as a parent, they should have the knowledge to be able to make an informed decision as to whether they want their child in your care or not, just as you feel you should know the medical condition of a child coming into your care and what medications they might be on if they're going to be with you.

This subject hits very close to my heart, and as I also said earlier in my first post, it's not meant to demean anyone. Narcotics are a HUGE influence in today's society...they are not selective as to who they take into their hell.

just wanted to give you one of theselovethis:hug:lovethis

It is our experiences that can make us so passionate about subjects and along with that comes knowledge. Everyone's comfort level also weighs in here. If your directly affected by this your comfortable level will most likely change, even more so above your knowledge level.

[My3cents]

If we are talking about FULL disclosure and how is it immoral or unethical to not divulge this info to parents in our child care then why do we (providers here) have user names?because I want to have a place to come to talk daycare and not have to worry about a parent or other provider in my community being offended by what I have to say that may or may not jive with their ways.

If we are ethically suppose to divulge all information about ourselves to parents who leave their children with us, then how come these same parents don't have a right to come on this forum and know who their provider is and what she says about them or their child? I believe in being honest, I am not wishy washy for the most part, but what works today doesn't always work tomorrow or for the same kid. I do believe in having a personal life too. I don't want to step on someone's feelings for having my own opinion. Sometimes it is inevitable.

If some providers are so concerned about being open and honest, then why have a user name and avatar? another reason is internet safety.

Why aren't you stating WHO you are and WHERE you live? I have opened up to a few people but it is my choice and I don't expect everyone to understand my choice.

What you say and write on this forum a lot of times DIRECTLY involves a person's child and the care they receive so why is that info not open and used freely on this forum?

Short answer? Because most of you wouldn't want a parent to read what you are saying about them but yet, you think we should tell them our personal info.... kind of a double standard.... many double standards to life. I don't feel we have to tell them everything but if I am asked something I don't think I should lie either. My advice is to ask your providers important questions that could become deal breakers before signing on with them as providers.

*You* ~ general you NOT directed at anyone in particular.

This has been a great topic and it really makes you think beyond narcotics and pain med, but also disabilities, and HIV/Aids- illness etc.....

[Blackcat31]

Absolutely, it's nobody's business what your medical conditions are, or what medications you are using. But as a parent, they should have the knowledge to be able to make an informed decision as to whether they want their child in your care or not, just as you feel you should know the medical condition of a child coming into your care and what medications they might be on if they're going to be with you.

This subject hits very close to my heart, and as I also said earlier in my first post, it's not meant to demean anyone. Narcotics are a HUGE influence in today's society...they are not selective as to who they take into their hell.

I am very sorry for your losses. (I too have had experience with loss in connection to prescription medication). (((hugs))) for what you've gone through.

In reference to the bolded sentence above.....

A parents right to knowledge is NOT greater than a providers right to privacy.

Why? Because a provider's "authorities" (licensing/regulations/laws) state that providers have the right to privacy and do NOT have to disclose anything as long as the provider is following the rules in regards to prescription drug use.


As a parent YOU (general you) are your child's authority. A parent may use that authority to chose NOT to enroll in child care or not.
That is the ONLY right a parent has in this situation.
A parent cannot use their authority to make a provider disclose anything about her medical history or current medical conditions.

As a parent I completely and 100% understand why it would be something you would want to know but unfortunately, just because you WANT to know and would LIKE to know, still doesn't give you the RIGHT to know.

In all honesty, I really do feel that if this was a huge issue, then states and politicians would be lobbying for drug testing for child care providers and so far, that hasn't happened.

As to why I (as a provider) have a right to a child's medical information....it is because I am the authority to MY business. As that authority, I get to decide what info about a child I care for I want and get to know.

As the child's parent, you get to decide if you are willing to disclose that info or not. If it is something that the provider requires, then you either provide the info or don't enroll.

It IS a tough subject but no matter how we feel personally about this issue, the laws are very clear about it and whether we believe the laws to be morally or ethically right is moot.

We can only follow the law and as humans can only do what we feel is right or best for OUR personal situations. It's about trust and trust can make or break a relationship. ANY relationship.

[Country Kids]

I am very sorry for your losses. (I too have had experience with loss in connection to prescription medication). (((hugs))) for what you've gone through.

In reference to the bolded sentence above.....

A parents right to knowledge is NOT greater than a providers right to privacy.

Why? Because a provider's "authorities" (licensing/regulations/laws) state that providers have the right to privacy and do NOT have to disclose anything as long as the provider is following the rules in regards to prescription drug use.


As a parent YOU (general you) are your child's authority. A parent may use that authority to chose NOT to enroll in child care or not.
That is the ONLY right a parent has in this situation.
A parent cannot use their authority to make a provider disclose anything about her medical history or current medical conditions.

As a parent I completely and 100% understand why it would be something you would want to know but unfortunately, just because you WANT to know and would LIKE to know, still doesn't give you the RIGHT to know.

In all honesty, I really do feel that if this was a huge issue, then states and politicians would be lobbying for drug testing for child care providers and so far, that hasn't happened.

As to why I (as a provider) have a right to a child's medical information....it is because I am the authority to MY business. As that authority, I get to decide what info about a child I care for I want and get to know.

As the child's parent, you get to decide if you are willing to disclose that info or not. If it is something that the provider requires, then you either provide the info or don't enroll.

It IS a tough subject but no matter how we feel personally about this issue, the laws are very clear about it and whether we believe the laws to be morally or ethically right is moot.

We can only follow the law and as humans can only do what we feel is right or best for OUR personal situations. It's about trust and trust can make or break a relationship. ANY relationship.

It probably is a huge issue but since its kept behind closed doors maybe thats why its not been a key issue. Maybe its time someone brings it up to the Government. Maybe its time for the parents to have a say on this. Imagine if no one had challenged the govenrmnet to take a stand and have to tell us that babies to put babies on their backs to sleep!

I find it ironic that the government can tell me that I can't have media on during the day (which may also include my family) but a parent can't ask me if I am on anything that may impair my judgement while their child is with me. Also, alcohol is mentioned in rules as a no but something that could impair your judgement is prescribed is ok?

Also, why is it thought a parent doesn't have the right to ask? There's actually nothing in my regs saying they can't or can. When reading some of the posts I get this sense of "power" over parents. I'm the provider and I can do...... Yes, we are providers, run our own businesses, work hard on policies/procedures but that doesn't take parents right away.

If a provider was on a prescribed pain killer and something happened during childcare hours, would the parents have a right to take the provider to court? Since the provider doesn't have to disclose, wouldn't they be protected by the courts?

For the ones that have to have a Doctors note stating that you are able to work with children while on prescription pain killers is that a requirement from the state? So if the state can ask why can't the parents?

I'm sorry for those that have had losses/relationships problems with loved ones that became addicted to prescription meds. Possibly you are the ones that need to lobby for these rules to be changed for parents! There needs to be a voice-

[Blackcat31]

It probably is a huge issue but since its kept behind closed doors maybe thats why its not been a key issue. Maybe its time someone brings it up to the Government. Maybe its time for the parents to have a say on this. Imagine if no one had challenged the govenrmnet to take a stand and have to tell us that babies to put babies on their backs to sleep!

Show me links, articles or studies PROVING that prescription medication USED PROPERLY (according to licensing regulations/laws) by providers is a huge issue.

When a provider is under a doctor's care to monitor her medication use and her medical condition/illness, the doctor is the one who assumes responsibility by signing off or approving the provider to provide care.

Just like my DH has to have a doctor monitor his management of his diabetes BEFORE he (the Dr) signs off on the form that gets sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If the Dr feels my DH does NOT have good diabetes management he will NOT sign off on the form and my DH would have his driving privileges revoked or suspended.

If he is managing his disease as directed to do so by his physician, the form gets signed and my DH gets to continue driving. But he still doesn't have to tell you (as a passenger) or you (as another driver on the road) that he has diabetes because the form the doctor signed PROVES he has the ability to drive just like everyone else.

I find it ironic that the government can tell me that I can't have media on during the day (which may also include my family) but a parent can't ask me if I am on anything that may impair my judgement while their child is with me. Also, alcohol is mentioned in rules as a no but something that could impair your judgement is prescribed is ok?

But like a parent, you have a RIGHT to exercise your individual rights by choosing to use media anytime you want.....just NOT if you are a child care provider.

No one is forcing you to be a child care provider. You choose to be, therefore you MUST follow the rules.

BIG difference between having a choice and having a right.

Each role we play in life or hat we wear comes with a certain set of standards and rules that apply.

Also, why is it thought a parent doesn't have the right to ask? There's actually nothing in my regs saying they can't or can. When reading some of the posts I get this sense of "power" over parents. I'm the provider and I can do...... Yes, we are providers, run our own businesses, work hard on policies/procedures but that doesn't take parents right away.

No one said a parent doesn't have the right to ask. :confused: They certainly have every right to ask. Provider's just don't HAVE to tell them.

Personally, I don't use ANY medication so I have no issues telling anyone who asks.

I am simply replying from a legal standpoint.

If a provider was on a prescribed pain killer and something happened during childcare hours, would the parents have a right to take the provider to court? Since the provider doesn't have to disclose, wouldn't they be protected by the courts?

ONLY if the parent could prove the provider was negligent. If the provider did everything right and an accident still occurred, she would not be automatically held responsible simply because she is on a prescribed medication AS LONG AS SHE IS FOLLOWING REGS/RULES of her state.

For the ones that have to have a Doctors note stating that you are able to work with children while on prescription pain killers is that a requirement from the state? So if the state can ask why can't the parents?

Because the STATE regulates child care laws and licensing NOT parents.

[My3cents]

I am very sorry for your losses. (I too have had experience with loss in connection to prescription medication). (((hugs))) for what you've gone through.

In reference to the bolded sentence above.....

A parents right to knowledge is NOT greater than a providers right to privacy. I agree with you but as a parent I am going to do my darndest to get to know my provider and ask important questions before enrolling my child. The provider can withhold this information, but if I later found out I would be livid. It doesn't have to be in the rule book, it is the way that I operate as a person. This sounds hyped up, of course with common sense and decency.

Why? Because a provider's "authorities" (licensing/regulations/laws) state that providers have the right to privacy and do NOT have to disclose anything as long as the provider is following the rules in regards to prescription drug use.


As a parent YOU (general you) are your child's authority. A parent may use that authority to chose NOT to enroll in child care or not.
That is the ONLY right a parent has in this situation.
A parent cannot use their authority to make a provider disclose anything about her medical history or current medical conditions.

As a parent I completely and 100% understand why it would be something you would want to know but unfortunately, just because you WANT to know and would LIKE to know, still doesn't give you the RIGHT to know.

In all honesty, I really do feel that if this was a huge issue, then states and politicians would be lobbying for drug testing for child care providers and so far, that hasn't happened.

As to why I (as a provider) have a right to a child's medical information....it is because I am the authority to MY business. As that authority, I get to decide what info about a child I care for I want and get to know. a child could have Aids/Hiv and the parent not disclose this information to me- not cool in my opinion. I understand why however.

As the child's parent, you get to decide if you are willing to disclose that info or not. If it is something that the provider requires, then you either provide the info or don't enroll.

It IS a tough subject but no matter how we feel personally about this issue, the laws are very clear about it and whether we believe the laws to be morally or ethically right is moot.

We can only follow the law and as humans can only do what we feel is right or best for OUR personal situations. It's about trust and trust can make or break a relationship. ANY relationship.

This is why when I first started reading these post, I said I don't really have much to comment on........gee I was wrong but it is a moot point because people will do what people want to do and for all the reasons above...great response BC