Development and application of medical guidelines for drivers in the state of Maine.

In 1984, the Medical Advisory Board for the state of Maine realized that uniform criteria with regard to physical, emotional, and mental competence to operate a motor vehicle were nonexistent. This resulted in confusion and inevitable inequities. The burden of determining one's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely was left with the individual physician, who often had to defend a stand without adequate guidelines. In addition, the impaired driver was frequently not reported because of fear of liability and breach of confidentiality. Being aware of these deficiencies, the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) decided to develop a reasonable uniform standard to be applied in the state. The first step was to draft nonliability legislation. The second step was to draft Driver Impairment Profiles. Care has been taken to insure that functionally impaired drivers are granted driving privileges consistent with the fullest extent of their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. The guidelines identify impairments that post unacceptable driving risks. Most important, the decision to allow operation of a motor vehicle is now shifted to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), with the physician supplying the pertinent medical information on the reporting form.