FAMILY IS FOCUS OF BILL TO HELP DOCS GET UNSAFE DRIVERS OFF ROAD
 
AARP-Backed Bill Aids Families & Patients in Getting the Facts  and Exploring Options with Doc Prior to Giving up the Keys
 
BOISE, Idaho – When to hang up the keys is one of the most difficult decisions facing older drivers and their families.  Now, an Idaho law allowing doctors to contact the Idaho Department of Transportation to revoke a patient’s driver’s license is set to get revamped by legislation making it easier for patients and their families to get the facts and look at options before giving up the keys.  The legislation, Senate Bill 1397, passed the Senate yesterday.
 
Pending House passage of the bill, the revamped law will help families and patients have conversations with the doctor to gain a better understanding of the concern, and consider options, such as driving during limited hours or changing medications, prior to a recommendation from the doctor to revoke a patient’s license. 
 
“Driving is an independence issue for older Idahoans, and conversations about when it might be time to stop are very sensitive – this bill puts family at the center of the issue where they belong,” said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP Idaho.  “AARP commends Senators John McGee, Darrell Kerby and Diane Bilyeu for their leadership and effort on this issue and for moving to make sure the patient always comes first in Idaho law.”
 
The bill also protects doctors from liability for making the recommendation to ITD to revoke a patient’s driver’s license when they are deemed physically or mentally unfit to drive.  AARP is urging the House to pass the measure.