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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Keys to Successful Patient Management

    When reporting a patient to PennDOT, which may result in their driving privilege being restricted, recalled or suspended, a significant impact to the patient's sense of independence can be expected. To help minimize this impact, providing resources to the patient and their family can help them find the means to keep socially active and independent. Although there are numerous resources available through local agencies and accessible through the Internet, we have provided the following downloadable brochures to help with this process. Additionally, the online links provided below can serve as a valuable resource for patients when they face a recall of their driving privilege. 

    Explaining the Reporting Process to Your Patient

    It is possible that your patient and their family will feel apprehensive following the report of their medical condition to PennDOT. PennDOT suggests the following talking points when speaking with the patient:

    • Explain the role of health care personnel. Explain that health care personnel are mandated by Pennsylvania law to report to PennDOT specific medical conditions that may impair an individual's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
    • Explain PennDOT's role. Let the patient know that following the receipt of a report, PennDOT initiates an evaluation process. This evaluation process is performed under the supervision of PennDOT's Medical Advisory Board. The person may be asked to provide more specific medical information or to complete a driver's examination, or no action could be taken. As a result of this evaluation process, a person's license may be restricted, recalled or suspended if the person fails to provide the required information. Although PennDOT may request further information from health care personnel, it is PennDOT, not health care personnel, determining if a license should be recalled or restricted.
    • Explain the opportunity for remediation. There may be certain instances where the medical condition may be corrected or controlled. Once the condition is corrected or controlled, it may be possible to regain a driver's license or remove a restriction.   

    Brochures and Information

    The following brochures, which can be directly downloaded and distributed to patients, can help ease their apprehension by explaining the process. Additionally, these publications further explain the mandated role of health care personnel and PennDOT's role in this important process. 

    Reporting of Medical Conditions Affecting Driver Safety (PDF)

    What to Expect When My Medical Condition has been Reported to PennDOT (PDF)

    Keeping Active When I Can No Longer Drive (PDF)

    Assessing Fitness to Drive

    The following references provide good guidance for health care personnel when determining whether a patient is fit to drive.