Medical Review of Drivers

Medical Review

To ensure the safety of motorists on Virginia's highways, drivers must meet certain requirements including vision, medical and mental standards.

Overall medical review requirements are based on the Code of Virginia as well as guidance from DMV’s Medical Advisory Board.

Medical Advisory Board

The seven members are

• appointed by the Governor

• licensed physicians

• currently practicing in Virginia

DMV’s Goal

To allow people to drive as long as they can drive safely.

Reviewing Drivers

DMV is concerned about drivers with impairments in:

• Level of consciousness

• Vision

• Judgment

• Motor skills

Reviewing Drivers

Each case evaluated on its own merits.

Reviewing Drivers

DMV identifies drivers for review by

• Driver’s license applications

• Reports of impaired drivers

Driver’s License Application

Medical questions on the DMV application include:

• Vision conditions• Physical and/or mental condition that requires

medication• Seizure, blackout or loss of consciousness• Condition that requires the use of special

equipment to drive

Reports of Impaired Drivers

DMV receives reports from:

• Law enforcement

• Physicians

• Courts

• DMV representatives

• Relatives

• Concerned citizens

Reports of Impaired Drivers

Statutes that encourage reporting of impaired drivers:

• Virginia Code § 46.2-322

• Virginia Code § 54.1-2966.1

Reports of Impaired Drivers

HIPAA Regulations section 164.512 (j)Standard: for uses and disclosures to avert a

serious threat to health or safety. It states… permitted disclosures, that a covered entity may, consistent with applicable law and standards of ethical conduct, use or disclose protected health information, if the covered entity, in good faith, believes the use or disclosure:

Reports of Impaired Drivers

HIPAA Regulations section 164.512 (j)• Is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious

and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public, and

• Is to a person or persons reasonably able to prevent or lessen the threat, including the target of threat

Reports of Impaired Drivers

DMV accepts reports by• Email

medreview@dmv.virginia.gov• Mail a letter or DMV report form (MED3) to:

DMV Medical Review Services

Post Office Box 27412

Richmond, Virginia 23269-0001• Fax a letter or DMV report to (804) 367-1604

Reports of Impaired Drivers

Reports of Impaired Drivers

Information needed• Identifying information about the driver• Reason why reporting person is concerned• Relationship to the driver• Signature of person making the report (for

letters and DMV report forms)• Contact information for the reporting person

Medical Review

DMV takes the following actions after receiving a report

Step 1: Review report on impaired driver

Step 2: Follow up with the person reporting a driver, if necessary

Step 3: Determine the type of review to be conducted, if warranted

Medical Review

Types of Reviews

• Medical report

• Vision report

• Knowledge test

• Road test

• Driver evaluation

Medical Review

Step 4: Notify driver of requirements

• Driver is given 30 days to comply with initial requirements

• Driver is given an additional 15 days to pass tests, if required, after medical/vision reports

Medical Review

Step 5: Evaluate all information provided and test results

Step 6: Determine if additional information or tests are needed

Step 7: Review case with Medical Advisory Board, if necessary

Medical Review

Step 8: Determine next action(s)

• No further requirement/action needed

• Impose appropriate driver’s license restriction

• Require periodic medical/vision reports

• Suspend driving privilege

Medical Review

A driver may contest the action taken by DMV and request an administrative hearing.

The hearing must be requested in writing.

The hearing will be scheduled and conducted by the DMV Hearings Office.

ResourcesVirginia GrandDriver

• An initiative of the Virginia Department for the Aging and DMV

Resources

Virginia GrandDriver Goal

Everyone stays on the road as safely as possible for as long as possible.

How?

By providing resources that will help drivers compensate for naturally occurring aging-related changes in driving skills.

Resources

Virginia GrandDriver

Visit www.granddriver.net

• Staying safe tips

• Resource links

• Alternative transportation

Assessment Tools

Driving Assessment

• Objective screening

• In-car and simulator performance options

• Maintains doctor/patient relationship

• Generally requires a physician referral

Assessment Tools

Driving Assessments measure a person’s ability to:

• Steer• Control speed• Change lanes• Negotiate intersections• Avoid road hazards• Obey the law

Assessment Tools

Psychological Assessments

• Trail Making Test, Part A & B

• Mini Mental State

• Clock Drawing Test

• Reaction Time Studies

• Screening for Geriatric Depression

Assessment Tools

Results are confidential between patient and doctor.

Assessment Providers

• Center for Excellence in Aging and Geriatric Health (Williamsburg)

• Woodrow Wilson Rehab (Fishersville)• Glennan Center for Geriatrics and

Gerontology (Norfolk)• Hampton VA Medical Center• Driver Rehab of Hampton Roads• Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical

(Richmond)• Chippenham Johnston Willis (Richmond)• National Rehab Hospital (D.C.)

Assessment Providers (cont)

• HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Virginia (Richmond)

• Virginia Driving Safety Laboratory (Charlottesville)

• INOVA Mt. Vernon Hospital (Alexandria)• Therapy Center (Norfolk)• Driver Side Rehab (Vinton)• Deborah Bender (Winchester)• Deena Jones (Waynesboro)