Referral to Specialized Physicians for Medical Examination
- PWDs often face referrals by LTO Accredited Physicians to other physicians or the LTO Central Office for proper disposition.
- Some are required to obtain certification from specialized physicians without proper referral.
- Specialized physicians include:
- Ophthalmologist for visually impaired applicants.
- Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist for orthopedically impaired applicants.
- Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT) Specialist for speech and hearing impaired applicants.
Guidelines on Issuance of Driver's License to Persons with Disabilities
- Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02373 sets revised guidelines outlining:
- Different disabilities considered for driver's license application.
- Corresponding restrictions or conditions applicable to each disability.
Procedures for Issuance of Medical Certificates by LTO Accredited Physicians
- Memorandum Circular No. RTL-MC-02374 governs medical certificate issuance.
- Paragraph 5 mandates referral of disabled applicants to specialized physicians (Ophthalmologist, Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist, ENT Specialist).
Priority Service to Persons with Disabilities under Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (Accessibility Law)
- The law mandates priority in services to PWDs including medical examinations for driver's license applications.
- All LTO Accredited Physicians must prioritize PWD applicants.
- Appropriate referrals must be made to specialized physicians who issue medical certificates indicating restrictions/conditions.
Penalties for Denial or Delay of Medical Services to PWD Applicants
- LTO Accredited Physicians denying or delaying medical examinations for PWDs face appropriate disciplinary actions.
- Chiefs and personnel of LTO offices are instructed to accept complete applications from PWDs without undue delay.
- The Office will take action against erring personnel who deny or delay PWD applicants.
Enforcement and Compliance
- All relevant LTO offices and personnel must strictly comply with these guidelines.
- The memorandum emphasizes immediate and proper handling of PWD driver's license applications to uphold legal mandates and protect disabled applicants' rights.