Citation

Gregory DR. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Q. J. 1981; 3(4): 29-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, American Association for Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article examines the issue of the physician's responsibility with regard to the reporting of a patient's fitness or competence to drive. As of 1980, nine states required the reporting of physical/mental/medical impairments to driving by physicians, and five other states permitted rather than required such reporting. The most tenable argument raised by physicians in excusing or justifying their reluctance or failure to report their patients has been the apparent violation of the confidential physician-patient relationship. This argument is answered by the Uniform Vehicle Code which grants immunity from civil liability or prosecution for any physician who submits reports on his/her patients in compliance with the law. Many court cases dealing with this issue are cited throughout this article as it continues to examine the various questions that arise, such as what legal recourse may be had against a physician for failing to report or should a physician also be responsible for informing all potential victims who might be injured by his/her patient while that patient is driving.