Driving Bill Passes State Assembly Transportation Committee

The Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday approved Senate Bill 357, which would give doctors the discretion to report conditions they believe will impair a patient’s ability to drive. The bill, introduced by Sen. Anthony J. Portantino, D-Burbank, further eliminates language that portrays certain conditions, including epilepsy.

Epilepsy is the fourth-most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 3.4 million Americans and more than 425,000 Californians. Yet here in California, a 1957  state law discriminates against drivers with epilepsy and other conditions by requiring physicians to automatically report these drivers to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Research has shown that these requirements often result in patients withholding crucial information from their physicians and not seeking the care they need. This is due to fear of losing their right to drive.  When a person with epilepsy withholds critical information from their doctor, they jeopardize their access to appropriate care, risking an increase of seizure activity or even a loss of seizure control.

SB 357 will:

  • Give doctors the discretion to report conditions they believe will impair a patient’s ability to drive, by removing language that discriminates against specific conditions, including epilepsy;
  • Allow but not require doctors to make such reports;
  • Protect the doctor-patient relationship by providing immunity for physician for either reporting or not reporting patients.

SB 357 will also require the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to publish a report by 2027 on the differences in patterns of reporting and crash rates under a voluntary reporting system. The bill will add a sunset on the voluntary reporting system for 2029.

State Senate Committee Approves Local Senator’s Bill Designed to Protect Drivers with Epilepsy

The Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 357, which would give doctors the discretion to report conditions they believe will impair a patient’s ability to drive. The bill, introduced by Sen. Anthony J. Portantino, D-Burbank, further eliminates language that portrays certain conditions, including epilepsy.

Portantino said the bill is necessary to protect the doctor-patient relationship and to ensure that drivers with epilepsy are not discriminated against.

“It’s time to remove the discriminatory practice of mandatory reporting in California,” said Senator Portantino. “SB 357 protects drivers with epilepsy by improving the patient-physician relationship and allows individuals affected by epilepsy to seek the care they need without fear of losing their driving licenses.”

According to the Epilepsy Foundation Los Angeles, California’s state law from 1957 discriminates against drivers with epilepsy and other conditions by requiring physicians to automatically report these drivers to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Research has shown that these requirements often result in patients withholding crucial information from their physicians and not seeking the care they need.

Epilepsy is the fourth-most common neurological disorder in America, affecting more than 3.4 million individuals nationwide and more than 425,000 Californians. When individuals with epilepsy withhold crucial information from their physicians, they put their access to appropriate care at risk, potentially increasing seizure activity or losing seizure control.

SB 357 would give doctors the option to report conditions they believe will impair a patient’s ability to drive, without discriminating against specific conditions, including epilepsy, Portantino said in a statement.

The bill would allow but not require doctors to make such reports and will provide immunity for physicians for either reporting or not reporting patients. The bill would also require the California Department of Motor Vehicles to publish a report by 2027 on the differences in patterns of reporting and crash rates under a voluntary reporting system, and add a sunset on the voluntary reporting system for 2029.

Rebekkah Halliwell, Executive Director of Epilepsy Foundation Los Angeles, expressed appreciation for Senator Portantino for authoring this critical legislation that will protect the doctor-patient relationship, improve access to care for people with epilepsy, and help end what was called decades of discrimination against the more than 425,000 Californians living with epilepsy.

Senator Portantino’s Senate Bill 301, which aims to create a financial rebate program to convert gas and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions-vehicles (ZEVs), also passed the Senate Transportation Committee.

Source: Pasadena Now, Published on Thursday, April 13, 2023 | 5:50 am

 

Five Ways to Honor National Hispanic Heritage Month

Source: Epilepsy Foundation of America

The Epilepsy Foundation recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) by celebrating Hispanics and continuing to raise awareness about the epilepsies among this community.

Since 2003, Hispanics have become the largest minority group in the United States. According to the 2020 Census, Hispanics represent almost 19% of the total U.S. population. Hispanics are made up of diverse cultures and values. They are also one of many other ethnic and racial groups disproportionately impacted by health disparities. Factors such as language barriers, high uninsured rates, or cultural values can all negatively impact access to care for Hispanics. And, for those with epilepsy, not having access to specialty care can impact their ability to effectively manage their epilepsy and gain seizure control.

There are approximately 710,000 Hispanics in the U.S. living with epilepsy. Studies show that among untreated Hispanics with epilepsy, there is a 40% recurrent risk within two years after a first seizure. Although, epilepsy can affect everyone, Hispanics, and other communities of color, have less access to reliable information, specialized epilepsy treatment, and care. The good news is that epilepsy and seizures can effectively be managed with the right treatment and resources.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Epilepsy Foundation offers the following tips to help Hispanics strive for seizure control and improved quality of life.

Talk to Your Family

If you were diagnosed with epilepsy, talk with your family about your diagnosis. Epilepsy is not a subject that is widely discussed among Hispanic families. In some communities, epilepsy is seen as a mental illness, deriving from the devil, or the belief that it is caused by one’s behavior or sins. While it may be difficult to share with your family for fear that they won’t understand, having the right information on hand can help you be more open about it.

Inform Yourself

The Epilepsy Foundation offers culturally relevant educational materials and resources in Spanish. These tools can provide you with vital information so that you can learn more about epilepsy, make informed decisions, and educate yourself and others.

Find an Epilepsy Specialist Who Speaks Spanish

It is important to understand what your diagnosis means and how best to treat it. If you don’t have access to a Spanish-speaking epileptologist, then find an interpreter who is knowledgeable about epilepsy so that you clearly understand the information provided by the doctor. You will want to know what treatment options are available for your type of seizures, and the steps you and your family need to take to effectively achieve seizure control.

Take a Seizure First Aid Training

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Epilepsy Foundation offers free seizure first aid trainings to learn how to recognize a seizure and administer seizure first aid. Trainings are offered in Spanish, live, in person or On-Demand.

Call the 24/7 Helpline

The Epilepsy & Seizures 24/7 Helpline (866.748.8008) has trained Spanish-speaking specialists to answer your questions and connect you to epilepsy specialists, and other resources in your community.

Epilepsy doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Many people with epilepsy live productive lives. The key is taking the first step to learn more.

 

Authored by Jackie Aker

Reviewed Date Thursday, September 15, 2022