Citation

Gergerich EM. Gerontologist 2015; 56(2): 345-356.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces. egerger@nmsu.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/geront/gnv143

PMID

26608332

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: States have various policies regarding physician reporting of drivers with dementia to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for testing. Some states have mandatory reporting policies, others have optional reporting policies, and some have no policy regarding this issue. Arkansas has no reporting policy. Physicians in Arkansas face the risk of liability if they report a patient against their will to the DMV. DESIGN AND METHODS: Three research questions were developed to identify how the problem of drivers with dementia is defined among neurologists and geriatricians in Arkansas: (i) What knowledge do these specialists have of state policy regarding reporting of drivers with dementia to the DMV; (ii) What are their opinions regarding various policy options for reporting such drivers; and (iii) What are their reporting practices for drivers with dementia? A survey was distributed to Arkansas neurologists and geriatricians.

RESULTS: There was considerable uncertainty among respondents, regarding the process of assessing and reporting at-risk drivers with dementia. Support for optional reporting policy was strong. Mandatory reporting policy was less favored. Conversations with patients and caregivers regarding cessation of driving were described as being contentious and ongoing. IMPLICATIONS: These findings lead to the recommendation that the Arkansas legislature adopt an optional reporting policy. There is also a need for physician education regarding state reporting policy, as well as training for assessment of fitness to drive for patients with dementia.

Language: en