OK guys. I have to physically go to my local state Motor Vehicles Department to renew my DL, they won't let me do it on-line this time.

But reading the application form, they want to know if I'm an insulin dependent diabetic. There are other categories, like speech or hearing impaired etc., that you can have them designate on your DL. So here's my question: Should I, or should I not, let them know about my diabetes ? I can see how it could be helpful if you're unconscious and the Officer sees you're a diabetic on your license, it could save your life etc. BUT, I can see how the state government could weaponize it too. A LONG time ago when I started driving as a teenager, I was forced to prove I was medically competent to drive, by 1) getting a doctor's note saying I could drive, and 2) in writing, state that I had never had any medical emergencies related to my medical condition. In fact, similar wording is shown on the new DL renewal form I just looked at tonight as well. I don't THINK our state motor vehicle department is still forcing diabetics to get doctors notes and all that, but it bothers me greatly. What do you mean that my disease has never caused me any medical emergencies ? So if I have had a diabetic emergency during the last 47 years, you're going to deny my DL renewal and put me through hell trying to get it. What the hell is that ?

So what would you guys do ?

I have a friend and a brother that are insulin dependent and I've never heard either mention that as a problem when renewing their licenses.
You may want to do a search with your state name and the terms in the search box to see what comes up.

If you don’t know, it’s possible that it’s just to help ensure that if you have a problem it’s recognized for what it could be. That would be similar to wearing a medical alert necklace or bracelet, but would be something that would be automatically checked when checking for someone’s identity. It could even be the result of pressure from a diabetics’ action group—as is so common these days. As I recall, during some law enforcement training I received at one time, we got guidance on how to recognize if someone was in a diabetic coma or just dead drunk.

Of course even if that’s the intent now it could be perverted to other uses in the future, but I suspect that because of the number of people with diabetes there would be a significant backlash if they started rounding you all up for the camps, or even to deny the right to drive.

As suggested, I’d try to find an official explanation for why the question.

If you have an episode while driving and end up needing assistance and you don't report it to the drivers license authority cops can send you back to the drivers license division in my state and require your reapply for your license. In my state(Utah if you check the box for diabetes they ask a couple of questions mainly about your sugar control. Have you had any medical episodes like passing out? If you have had issues then you can be required to be reinterviewed for your license every 6 mos to show you can drive safely.

I am diabetic and its none of the states damn business. My license has nothing on it relating to my medical conditions. It does help ID medical issues for some but you can put that on a bracelet or list your medical history on your phone and cops/fire fighters can access that info pretty easily.

Speaking from an EMS perspective, that's one of the things we are going to check out of the gate if PD calls us on a traffic stop.

Your decision to make.

When I got my TX DL, they asked several questions WRT medical issues, when the girl got to stroke I answered yes I’d had one. She was shocked and asked how it affected me. I told her I couldn’t do math w/o a calculator anymore, and sometimes I chose the wrong words….but that the state of NC didn’t revoke my DL, and I don’t think TX should either.

I didn’t mention I was retired from law enforcement because of it.

They checked a box-and I fully expected to be made to get a doctors note…the girl said, she had problems with math too and I seemed “OK” to her.

No note required.

I’d also defer to my fathers advise years ago..”always tell the truth, it’s easier to remember”

Not a lawyer here but could this type of required (?) information be considered a HIPPA violation???... personel asking personal medical information????? And this data being entered into data base banks that could be acessed by unouthorized personel that could be used for who knows what without the individuals knowledge.(such as insurance companies) ........................ drill sgt.

Type 1 or type 2?

Type 2, no.
Type 1, yes.

Dad is a Type 1. One day about 8 years ago while living in Denver he got in his truck and started driving. Ended up tagging a snow bank in a state of low blood sugar confusion. Next thing he knows he's "waking up" sitting in the back of an ambulance. Luckily he didn't injure himself or anyone else. Just a bit of damage to his pickup's bumper.

As you get older(Dad was in his late 60's at the time) I'd consider adding that info. As he was getting older it was becoming harder to manage his blood sugar, but now he uses a continuous BS monitor that talks to his insulin pump and these episodes have become very infrequent.

It’s about the danger you can pose to others, and getting you the right help in an emergency.

(Not diabetes) But I couldn’t pursue a pilots license for medical reasons - and I understand why I shouldn’t fly.

You may be surprised how often, initially, police confuse a diabetic in trouble with a drunk.

Just renewed my DL this past week as my birthday is in a few days. I don't remember that question being asked here in Ohio. Might be wrong.
I'd put it in on personally but that's me. Something happens and you're unconscious, they'll dig for ID. Might be a life saver.

First, I would bet every state is different about this...

2nd, they already know your medical condition.

I'd just answer it truthfully ....

"when and if they want to come for you, they'll find a reason."

Tell the truth. It is really that simple. If you have seizures you cannot drive unless you are seizure free for a year. Type 1 diabetes is an exclusion for a CDL not your normal operators license.
HIPPA violations have nothing to do with asking about medical conditions.

quote:

Originally posted by drill sgt:
Not a lawyer here but could this type of required (?) information be considered a HIPPA violation???... personel asking personal medical information????? And this data being entered into data base banks that could be acessed by unouthorized personel that could be used for who knows what without the individuals knowledge.(such as insurance companies) ........................ drill sgt.

The wife worked in a job where they had to get a week's worth of HIPAA instruction, then a week renewal instruction every year.

Asking isn't a HIPAA violation. Anyone can ask anything they want.

Relating information about someone else's medical condition without permission is a HIPAA violation.

This has been discussed here before, but HIPAA rules do not apply to everyone or every organization. They generally apply only to health care providers and associates, not to something like a department of motor vehicles.

“The HIPAA Rules apply to covered entities and business associates.

“Individuals, organizations, and agencies that meet the definition of a covered entity under HIPAA must comply with the Rules' requirements to protect the privacy and security of health information and must provide individuals with certain rights with respect to their health information. …

“If an entity does not meet the definition of a covered entity or business associate, it does not have to comply with the HIPAA Rules. See definitions of ‘business associate’ and ‘covered entity’ at 45 CFR 160.103.” [Emphasis added.]

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-...-entities/index.html

I'm a cop and an insulin-dependent type 1 diabetic. I don't recall ever being asked that on a DL application, but I was just diagnosed last year so I never really paid attention before, and have not had to renew since my diagnosis. I've never had an incident where I've lost consciousness as a result of my diabetes, and I manage it very carefully and wear a cgm.

In our state at least, I've never run a person's driver's license and received information back from the state BMV about any medical conditions...so if they were collecting that info on the app I'd have to assume that it's not for the purpose of notifying first responders. Your state could be different, though.

I'm of the opinion that if you're not legally required to answer it, I wouldn't. Provided you've not had any incidents and are properly managing your blood sugar, it's really none of their business. They shouldn't be allowed to lump you in with those who don't manage their condition just because you have the same disease. However, if your condition were causing you to become unsafe to yourself or other motorists, then you have a responsibility to take yourself off the road.

I've worked several traffic related incidents involving people with medical conditions. Like Appliance Brad said, one of the first things we do for a person who is unresponsive is get medics on scene and check blood sugar (and these days with all the ODs, Narcan will likely get administered if they're not breathing), even if the initial suspicion is that they're drunk. You can also wear a medical bracelet or something similar to let responders know of your condition...they're going to check anyway, but it gives them a good place to start.

https://www.vox.com/recode/223...ained-health-privacy

Additionally, someone asking if you’ve been vaccinated is not a HIPAA violation. In fact, it’s not a HIPAA violation for anyone to ask about any health condition you may have, though it might be considered rude. A business requiring you to show proof that you’ve been vaccinated before you can enter is not a HIPAA violation. Your employer requiring you to be vaccinated and show proof before you can go to the office is not a HIPAA violation. Schools requiring that students get certain vaccinations before they’re allowed to attend is not a HIPAA violation.

I don't remember anything about your health for a regular DL in Louisiana. They give you an eye test is all.

quote:

Originally posted by charlie12:
I don't remember anything about your health for a regular DL in Louisiana. They give you an eye test is all.

Same here in Arizona

You can always exercise your right to remain silent because anything you say may and will be used against you.