PTSD diagnosis could appear on Georgia driver’s licenses

[unhappycamper]

PTSD diagnosis could appear on Georgia driver’s licenses
Stars and Stripes online edition, Monday, May 10, 2010

Current and former servicemembers living in Georgia could soon add a new piece of information to their driver’s license: a PTSD diagnosis.

Under a law recently pushed through the state legislature, post-traumatic stress disorder would be noted on the license in the same way that a person’s license might indicate corrective lenses are required for vision, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Adding the information would be voluntary and require a sworn statement from a doctor. If signed by the governor, the bill would become law on July 1.

Sen. Ron Ramsey, the bill’s sponsor, told the paper that the bill came at the suggestion of a former servicemember with post-traumatic stress disorder, who told him he feared a violent encounter with police officers.

“He said, ‘God forbid anybody put handcuffs on me. I’d go berserk’,” the senator said.

Sen. John Douglas, an Army veteran who co-sponsored the bill, said the information on the license would let police know they might deal with a person differently.

[pinboy3niner]

1. Yeah, just like my Twinkie addiction might cause ME to go postal

Does that mean I can get a law written for me, too?

We hear about a lot of ridiculous legislative proposals, but this one has to rank near the top. SHEESH!

[BlueIris]

7. Twinkie addiction, PTSD...kinda the same thing.

And a headache is sort of like a brain tumor.

[pipi_k]

2. Oh great.....

another way to stigmatize these people and make them less likely to seek treatment...

Way to go, Georgia State Legislature, you bunch of fucking idiots!!!!!

[Posteritatis]

13. Exactly this. (nt)

[jody]

3. And anti-RKBA activist will want to prohibit them from possessing firearms claiming 18 USC 922 (g)

(g) It shall be unlawful for any person—
. . . . . . . . . . .
(4) who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution;
. . . . . . . . . . .
to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

[depakid]

4. So you're saying that it's a good idea with people who have PTSD to the extent

that they want it noted on their drivers license to have firearms?

:crazy:

[jody]

12. Please provide credible evidence that anyone diagnosed with PTSD should be denied their civil rights

[leftofcool]

5. Coming soon to a drivers license near you...........

cancer, diabetes, etal all on your DL.

[Love Bug]

6. Does he honestly think the police will use more sensitivity if they know that?

A PTSD designation will just give the police more reason to tazer or even shoot claiming they were concerned the perp would get violent.

Bad idea.

[BlueIris]

9. I was thinking the same thing.

I think it's a...not terrible idea in some ways, and an awful idea in others. Sets a not-so-great precedent for one thing. And I agree with you that it's more likely to cause the police to treat a suspect more violently.

[marions ghost]

8. I give the police more credit

with experience they tend to be able to read body language.

[RubyDuby in GA]

10. Sen. John Douglas is one of the biggest asshat bastards in a state full of asshat bastards

I should know, he's my state senator. He's juvenile, highly partisan and an all around douchebag.

And his army days were spent in Germany, during the Vietnam era.

Honestly, I'm ready to abolish the GA state legislature. I think we've suffered enough here.

[LaurenG]

11. A lot of people have PTSD

And as far as I know mental health and private health information is still protected under HIPAA. As far as this:

'...the information on the license would let police know they might deal with a person differently."

The police would do well to just treat everyone with respect. PTSD doesn't cause most people to go postal when the police stop them for a moving violation.

Senator Ramsey is a very fearful man along with his side kick John Douglas. Maybe it should be a law that these lawmakers have to take courses on the conditions they are trying to to spread fear about. There are far more pressing issues all around us but they would rather focus their law making on outing anyone with PTSD rather than find the resources to help those with the condition.

The United States is full of really heartless people.