States vary greatly in their approach to licensing and renewal practices and in the utilization, composition, and function of Medical Advisory Boards (MAB). For many of the policies and practices, there is limited or no clear evidence as to their effectiveness. The objective of this study wasto assess stakeholder opinions on current and future directions for Massachusetts in terms of strengthening the Medical Advisory Board and Registryof Motor Vehicles activities regarding medically at-risk drivers. Twenty-three structured, in-depth interviews were conducted addressing the following topics: immunity for reporting at-risk drivers; mandatory versus voluntary reporting practices; confidentiality for reporters; licensing and renewal practices; vision requirements; counter personnel training; Medical Advisory Board role, composition, and activities; and transition to mobility options. Stakeholders that participated in this study included representatives from the state legislature, government agencies, advocacy organizations, the licensing authority, medical communities, driving assessment centers, mobility planners, academic communities, and law enforcement. Results indicated that the stakeholders believe that Massachusetts is ready for a change related to licensing and renewal practices as well as to the medical review of impaired drivers. In fact, with the exception of continued support for voluntary reporting practices, a majority of the respondents disagreed with most of the current practices discussed in the interviews. The recommendations include granting immunity for physicians, strengthening role, function, and composition of the Medical Advisory Board, developing clear guidelines and standards for reporting impaired drivers, and training licensing authority counter personnel.
Samenvatting