Author Topic: Doctor confidentiality? (Read 507 times)

Shorty · « **on:** July 18, 2004, 09:10:23 AM »

From the AP, Harrisburg, Pa.
"A man who told his doctors that he drinks more than a sixpack of beer per day is now fighting to get his drivers license back because the physicians apparently reported him to the state...

[The man] Emerich received a notice from the Penna Dept of Transp. in April that his license was being revoked effective May 6 for medical reasons related to substance abuse..."

:roll:

Loader 3009 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2004, 12:32:18 PM »

I think he can not only beat this, but also has grounds for a lawsuit against the doctor. Where is John Edwards when you really need him?

doc_kreipke · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2004, 04:31:24 AM »

This seems to me more to be more of a case of government coercion than breach of confidentiality. Apparently docs in PA are required by law to report medical conditions that might affect a person's ability to drive. The bureau of motor vehcicles can then suspend licenses at their discretion based on the info.

Here's a URL for the story; so, y'all can make up your own minds:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/07/13/beer.drinkers.license.ap/

Loader 3009 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2004, 07:27:10 AM »

I guess the M.D.s are envious since there are more old drunks than old doctors.

I didn't realize the communists had gained that much authority. Next thing you know, they'll allow women to vote.

doc_kreipke · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2004, 07:59:18 AM »

Quote from: Loader 3009

I guess the M.D.s are envious since there are more old drunks than old doctors. ...

After years of putting up with pain in the hiney government rules, a lot of the old doctors ARE old drunks.