1. (1) The secretary of state may appoint health consultants. Consultants shall serve 2-year terms from the date of original appointment. In selecting health consultants, the secretary of state shall appoint 1 or more person from each of the following categories:

   1. (a) A handicapper knowledgeable in the area of functional limitations which may affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
   2. (b) A licensed physical or occupational therapist knowledgeable in the area of functional limitations which may affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
   3. (c) A driver evaluator or instructor specializing in driver education of the disabled and adaptive motor vehicle equipment instruction.

2. (2) When appointing a health consultant, the secretary of state shall select from persons possessing expertise in areas such as the following:

   1. (a) Family practice.
   2. (b) Internal medicine.
   3. (c) Rehabilitation medicine.
   4. (d) Occupational therapy.
   5. (e) Physical therapy.
   6. (f) Cardiology.
   7. (g) Psychiatry.
   8. (h) Psychology.
   9. (i) Neurology.
   10. (j) Neuropsychology.
   11. (k) Ophthalmology.
   12. (l) Optometry.
   13. (m) Addiction counseling.
   14. (n) Endocrinology.
   15. (o) Pharmacology.
   16. (p) Social work.
   17. (q) Vocational rehabilitation counseling.
   18. (r) Other areas related to the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of disabilities which could affect the safe operation of motor vehicles.
3. (3) A health consultant may advise the department concerning physical and mental standards related to the licensing of drivers and the safe operation of motor vehicles.
4. (4) Upon request, 1 or more health consultants shall advise the department concerning an applicant's or licensee's physical and mental ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
5. (5) A recommendation from a health consultant shall be advisory only.
6. (6) Each health consultant shall complete a requested review in a timely fashion and shall submit a response to the department within a reasonable period of time, which shall not exceed 30 calendar days if a person's license has been suspended or revoked.
7. (7) If a consultant's response concerning a person whose license has been suspended or revoked takes more than 30 calendar days on 3 or more occasions, the health consultant shall be discharged.

History: 1988 AACS.