12/31/08-A bill died that sought to allow doctors to notify the Michigan Secretary of State’s office about unit drivers without fear of being sued. Doctors would not have been required to warn the state about drivers whose physical or mental conditions make them unfit to drive.
Sponsored by Sen. Dennis Olshove, D-Warren, SB1414 called for establishing that physicians are not obligated to report to the Secretary of State or warn third parties regarding any concerns about a person’s mental and physical qualifications to safely operate a motor vehicle. However, if they do report an individual, the doctor’s report should have recommended a suspension of six months or more for driver’s licenses and suspensions of at least 12 months for commercial licenses.
Physicians would have had no liability for either making or not making such a report.

9/30/08-The Senate voted to approve a bill that would allow doctors to notify the Michigan Secretary of State’s office about unit drivers without fear of being sued. Doctors would not be required to warn the state about drivers whose physical or mental conditions make them unfit to drive. It now moves to the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Dennis Olshove, D-Warren, SB1414 would establish that physicians are not obligated to report to the Secretary of State or warn third parties regarding any concerns about a person’s mental and physical qualifications to safely operate a motor vehicle. However, if they do report an individual, the doctor’s report should recommend a suspension of six months or more for driver’s licenses and suspensions of at least 12 months for commercial licenses.
Physicians would have no liability for either making or not making such a report.
The bill is in the House Judiciary Committee. For bill status, call 517-373-2400.