Physician Immunity Laws

While the confidential nature of the physician-patient relationship is of the utmost importance, there are circumstances in which the physician's obligation to his patient may be suspended. For example, physicians always retain the right to report patients they believe pose an imminent danger to the public. Some state statutes specifically mention that physicians may voluntarily report persons whose condition would affect their ability to drive safely. Some specifically provide that physicians who report in good faith and exercise due care are immune from liability for their actions. Even when this is not explicitly provided for by law, courts generally find that physicians who exercise reasonable care in making these reports are immune from liability for their actions.

A number of state laws specifically give physicians immunity for their opinions and recommendations to the state DMV. Some provide "good faith" immunity and others provide immunity from suit.