Physician Mandatory Reporting - SB 357

March 10, 2023

The Honorable Anthony J. Portantino

California State Senate 1021 0 Street, Suite 7630

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 357 - SUPPORT

Dear Senator Portantino:

On behalf of the California Neurological Society (CNS), I write in support of SB 357. Current law mandates the overly broad reporting of guy condition characterized by loss of consciousness or motor control even if the condition is under medical control, represents no threat to safe driving or the reporting physician judges such reporting to not be in the best interest of the patient or the public's safety. California is one of only 6 states requiring mandatory reporting leaving it optional in the other 44 states.

There is no evidence of an increase in traffic accidents related to this policy difference. In fact, mandatory reporting has revealed patient reluctance to inform their physicians if they have a seizure and/or patients driving without a license regardless.

Successful passage of this bill revokes officious driving-related constraints, upholds implicit trust in the doctor-patient relationship and removes the unsubstantiated requirement that doctors must report.

We stand with the American Academy of Neurology and California Medical Association in favoring voluntary vs mandatory reporting.

Thank you for your discernment and support for evidence-based effective health care in California.

Cordially,

Stephen Cattolica

SC Advocates

Cc: Stella Legarda, MD, President CNS

Jeff Klingman, MD, President Elect, CNS