Patient Advocacy
The patient advocacy committee will formulate policy for the rights of persons with sleep disorders in the areas of education, work, and entitlements. The committee will examine current laws in these areas, offer revisions, and correspond with state agencies to implement these policies so that people with sleep disorders may secure their rights and privileges.
Disabilities Act
Persons who are disabled from an impairment because of functional, social, or vocational deficits are protected under federal and state laws and regulations. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination of disabled persons under any program funded by the federal government. Also, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) uses the same definition of disability as individuals with handicaps under the Rehabilitation Act and protects disabled individuals in employment, public accommodations and other areas. Persons who are disabled because of a sleep disorder may qualify for accommodations and benefits. Furthermore, Narcolepsy, because it has a neurological origin, is considered a disability under the New York State Human Rights Law that bars discrimination against the handicapped. Thus, individuals with narcolepsy are eligible for a wide range of services through the state developmental disabilities programs.
Click here to learn more about disability status, developmental disabilities and patients' rights.
New York Disability Act as it applies to Sleep Medicine
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Motor Vehicle Driving and Sleep Disorders
There is no requirement in NYS for a physician to inform the DMV if a patient has a sleep disorder. It is expected that physicans should warn patients about the risk of driving when sleepy, and advise patients not to drive when sleepy.
Motorists warned of dangers of drowsy driving. DMV November 10, 2009
Physician's Statement for Medical Review Unit
Completed by physician treating a condition that was reported by a driver license applicant on application form MV-44.
Physicians DMV Statement Form
Use this form, if requested by DMV, to provide medical documentation from you and your doctor regarding a loss of consciousness or a loss of body control.