What is an MRO and what do they do?

• A. Major Review Officer - oversees policy.
• B. Medical Review Officer - licensed physician who verifies tests and can interpret medical history.
• C. Mental Review Officer - assesses mental fitness.
• D. Medical Records Official - maintains files.

Answer: (B)

An MRO is a Medical Review Officer, a licensed physician who reviews drug-test results and the worker’s medical history to determine whether a positive test has a legitimate medical explanation. In practice this means the MRO verifies the lab results for accuracy, checks the chain of custody, and may contact the individual to obtain information about prescribed medications or medical conditions. If a legitimate medical reason is found, the MRO can report the result as negative with the explanation; if not, the positive result is reported to the employer. Other titles listed don’t fit this role, as they aren’t the recognized position responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug-test results and medical history.