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Big Brother is now talking to your doctor? [priv]
From: Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 09:21:30 -0400
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From: "Chuck Mauthe" <cmauthe () transcard com> To: "'Politech'" <declan () well com> Subject: big brother is now talking to your doctor Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2004 15:26:44 -0400 original is at http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/9345310.htm?1c Posted on Sun, Aug. 08, 2004 Fessing up to doctor costs drinker his license A Lebanon County man admitted that he drank a 6-pack a day. A Pa. law required PennDot to be alerted. By Patrick Kerkstra Inquirer Staff Writer Like most people, Keith Emerich thought he could tell a doctor anything. So the 44-year-old print-shop pressman answered honestly when asked during an office visit whether he drank alcohol. Yes, he said, six to 10 Budweisers a day. That candor cost Emerich, of Lebanon, Pa., his driver's license. In a strict reading of a Pennsylvania law that requires physicians to report patients with conditions that might "impair the ability to control and safely operate" a vehicle, the doctor notified the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation of Emerich's appetite for brew. With nothing more to go on than two check marks on a one-page questionnaire, PennDot revoked Emerich's license indefinitely. Emerich thought it was a joke when the notice arrived in the mail last April Fool's Day. His driving record was pristine since a conviction for driving under the influence 23 years ago, and he said he does not mix drinking and driving. "What I do in the privacy of my home is none of PennDot's business," said Emerich, who is appealing the agency's decision in Lebanon County Court. A ruling is expected within weeks.
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- Big Brother is now talking to your doctor? [priv] Declan McCullagh (Aug 10)