1. (1) With respect to conditions affecting respiratory function, the review boards when making recommendations, and the department when taking licensing action, may consider disorders including, but not limited to, the following:

   1. (a) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
   2. (b) Asthma.
   3. (c) Emphysema.
   4. (d) Bronchitis.
   5. (e) Tuberculosis.
   6. (f) Silicosis.
   7. (g) Pulmonary emboli.
   8. (h) Pulmonary hypertension.
   9. (i) Pulmonary tumors.

2. (2) The department may require information on functional ability including, but not limited to, the following:

   1. (a) Incapacitating cough.
   2. (b) Shortness of breath.
   3. (c) Dyspnea.
   4. (d) Inadequate ventilation.
   5. (e) Fatigue.
   6. (f) Right ventricular enlargement.
   7. (g) Acute respiratory failure.
   8. (h) Hypoxemia or hypercapnia.
   9. (i) Need for medication or oxygen therapy.

   10. (j) Pulmonary function tests.

       (3)(a) Licensing standards. No license may be issued to, renewed by, or held by a person who does not meet the medical review standards for conditions affecting respiratory function of this subsection.

   11. (b) Medical standards for operator licenses. A person who applies for, renews, or holds an operator’s license shall meet all of the following respiratory function criteria:

       1. 1. The person does not require medication that interferes with driving.
       2. 2. There is no dyspnea that interferes with safe driving, as assessed by a physician or determined through a driving evaluation.

Author: Lieutenant F. A. Bingham

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§32-2-9, 32-6-13, as amended.

History: New Rule: Filed March 12, 1996; effective April 16, 1996.