The 1979 Utah Legislature made the individual driver responsible for his own physical, mental and emotional health while driving. It gave physicians the responsibility to report findings of fact and to counsel their patients about driving. In response to these provisions, a new Medical Advisory Board has developed physician's guidelines on driver licensing which use the concept of a broad functional ability profile.
Twelve levels of functional ability under twelve categories of potential impairment have been defined and related to a risk-responsibility classification (AAMVA and five limited classes). Using these levels and categories, with a little study, driver education students and other applicants can learn to profile themselves. In turn, physicians use the guidelines to confirm or modify the individual's profile as needed and in counseling patients about their health in relation to driving. Licensing officials are using the guidelines in issuing all types of regular and limited licenses, subject to review by the Medical Advisory Board on request.