Legal aspects of epilepsy.
This article discusses issues of concern for physicians who treat patients with epilepsy. It particularly focuses on driving laws and employment of people with epilepsy. Physicians are often asked to provide certification to state driving authorities regarding whether their patients are fit to drive; sometimes, they are required to report patients who experience seizures to the state. Potential liability areas for physicians are also discussed in this article. In addition, this article addresses the increasing importance of the physician's role in determining whether a person who has seizures can perform certain jobs safely, and discusses approaches the physician can take to assist employers in providing reasonable accommodations for people with epilepsy.
Finucane
A K
AK
Legal and Government Affairs, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, Maryland 20785-2267, USA. afinucane@efa.org
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012307:Risk Factors