KINNECT's AMROA-accredited MROs review non-negative drug and alcohol results, consult with the worker about any declared prescribed medication, and give your team a clear, defensible fitness-for-work answer — anywhere in Australia, by telehealth.
KINNECT's Medical Review Officers (MROs) are AMROA-accredited Occupational Health Doctors who independently interpret non-negative drug and alcohol screening results — particularly where a worker has declared prescription medication. The MRO speaks with the worker, reviews the laboratory chain of custody and issues one of three outcomes (Verified Negative, Verified Negative with safety concerns, or Verified Positive) so you can make a defensible, legislation-aware fitness-for-work decision. Available anywhere in Australia by telehealth, with appointments during business hours and by arrangement 24/7.
A Medical Review Officer is a doctor who has undertaken specialist training and is accredited by the Australian Medical Review Officers Association (AMROA). MROs help employers interpret non-negative alcohol and other drug test results and bring expert knowledge of medications and their side effects to every decision.
If you don’t have an MRO, KINNECT’s service ensures your organisation has timely access to the right information to manage workers who return a confirmed positive result — without taking the call alone.
MROs are independent practitioners who adhere to privacy, confidentiality and record-keeping standards under the relevant legislation.
Independent specialist review that protects the worker, the workplace and your decision.
Appointments during business hours — and by special arrangement 24/7 — anywhere in Australia via telemedicine.
Rapid teleconsults with the worker to review declared use of prescribed medication against the laboratory result.
Specialist information that keeps your decision compliant with the legislation that applies to your workplace.
A precise determination of whether the declared medication use is legitimate or illicit — and what that means for fitness for work.
Four steps. Most cases turn around inside business hours.
You receive a lab report showing a non-negative screening with declared prescribed medication use, and ask KINNECT to arrange an MRO service.
Our MRO reviews the supplied information and consults with the individual by phone — discussing any declared medication use and clarifying what evidence is needed to inform the assessment.
The MRO completes a review of the chain of custody and laboratory report and determines whether the result represents legitimate therapeutic use, an innocuous source, or illicit use.
The MRO submits a written outcome — one of three categories — directly to your nominated contact, so the situation can be managed in line with your drug and alcohol policy.
Clear language so the person managing the worker knows exactly what to do next.
No concerns about fitness for work.
The worker’s legitimate medication use presents no immediate risk should they perform their role. The outcome is shared with you directly so the activity (e.g. a pre-employment assessment) can continue.
Legitimate use, but a potential workplace risk.
Use is verified, but the MRO recommends a separately scoped fitness-for-work review for further expert advice about the individual’s specific role. An updated fitness-for-work certificate is issued.
Not legitimate therapeutic use of a lawfully prescribed medication.
The worker should be managed in line with your company’s AOD policy and procedures. KINNECT facilitates the MRO finding being conveyed directly to your nominated contact.
They’re often used in related circumstances, but they answer different questions. Use the right tool for the right decision.
Scope is limited to whether there is legitimate therapeutic use of a prescribed medication and whether that use represents a workplace safety risk.
A more detailed assessment of immediate and longer-term workplace safety risks — the reasons behind the medication use plus any other relevant clinical considerations.
As the prescribing landscape changes, so do the questions employers need answered. Our MROs stay current so you can too.
Whether the declared use of prescribed medicinal cannabis is legitimate therapeutic use or being used to mask recreational use — and what that means for safety-critical roles.
The TGA has approved MDMA and psilocybin for specific treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Specialist MRO review establishes whether the underlying condition is compatible with the role.
KINNECT employs AMROA-accredited MROs with decades of frontline experience in safety-critical industries.
Senior Consulting Physician — Occupational & Environmental Medicine
Over 25 years working as a consultant and medical adviser for a wide variety of companies and industries. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medical Science from The University of Queensland, with a thesis specialisation in Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology.
Occupational Medicine Physician
Working in the field of Occupational Medicine since 2013. Experience spans mining, rail and oil and gas, performing pre-employment medicals, workplace rehabilitation reviews and Medical Review Officer services.
Specialist physician-led services that pair well with an MRO program.
Physician-led medical assessments delivered at your site for high-volume or remote workforces.
Learn moreExpert, impartial assessments of a worker’s capacity to safely perform the inherent role.
Learn moreAS/NZS 4308 and 4760 testing onsite — pre-employment, random, post-incident or for-cause.
Learn moreHazard-based statutory and proactive surveillance programs designed around your risk register.
Learn moreWhether you have a non-negative result to action today, or you’d like a standing MRO service in place before the next one lands, we’ll get you to the right specialist fast.
Occupational Medicine