Penndot - Physician Reporting Fact Sheet printable pdf download

March 2008

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PHYSICIAN REPORTING FACT SHEET

Historically, Physician Reporting has provided a highly effective mechanism for removing

impaired drivers from our roads. In accordance with Section 1518(b) of the Pennsylvania

Vehicle Code, all physicians and other persons authorized to diagnose or treat disorders

and disabilities must report to PennDOT any patient 15 years of age or older, who has

been diagnosed as having a condition that could impair his/her ability to safely operate

a motor vehicle.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Physician Reporting:

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PHYSICIAN REPORTING?

Physician Reporting assists PennDOT in determining whether those individuals applying

for a driver ’s license or those individuals already possessing a driver ’s license are

medically qualified to safely operate a motor vehicle.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS PHYSICIAN REPORTING?

Physician Reporting is a very effective mechanism for identifying medically impaired

drivers. Over 27,000 new reports are submitted each year to PennDOT. Overall,

approximately 22% of these individuals have medical impairments significant enough to

merit recall of their driving privilege. An additional 21% of reports result in restrictions

placed on the individual’s driving privilege. These reports also cross the age spectrum

- 45% involve drivers less than 65 years of age.

WHAT OCCURS WHEN A REPORT IS MADE?

The receipt of a report triggers an evaluation process. Based on the information

submitted, restrictions to the person’s driving privilege may be added or deleted, the

person’s license may be recalled or restored, the person may be asked to provide more

specific medical information or to complete a driver’s examination, or no action may be

taken.

ARE THESE REPORTS CONFIDENTIAL?

Reports submitted to PennDOT are confidential and used solely to determine the

qualification of an individual to drive a motor vehicle. PennDOT is compelled by law to

honor this provision and will not release information regarding the source or content of

the report, even when the inquiry is from the patient.

HOW DO THESE REPORTS AFFECT PATIENT/PHYSICIAN CONFIDENTIALITY?

T h e r e a r e m a n y c i r c u m s ta n c e s u n d e r w h i c h t h e o b l i g a t i o n t o m a i n ta i n pa t i e n t

confidentiality must give way to a duty to protect other persons from harm (e.g.,

reporting gunshot wounds, child abuse, venereal disease, etc.). The current statement

of ethics of the American Medical Association contains the following provision:

Penndot - Physician Reporting Fact Sheet