Drinking Driver Program: DDP

Understanding the DDP

The Drinking Driver Program (DDP) is mandated in New York State in order to reduce the incidence of disability, injury, and fatalities that often result from drug and alcohol related vehicle accidents. The DDP is also used to reduce the risk that an individual will engage in drunk driving in the future.

Individuals that participate in the DDP are given a comprehensive education regarding risk taking behaviors such as consuming alcohol or drugs before driving. The program also educates participants about how to change these high-risk behaviors. The program includes presentations and discussions that work to increase the motivation of participants to change their behavior and protect the lives of others. The program uses workbooks that are given to participants. Participants of the DDP will engage in both individual and group activities during the program. A preliminary screening is completed with each participant do identify their specific risk-factors including if they are currently at risk for substance abuse. Participants that are at risk for substance abuse are referred for clinical assessment and possible treatment if needed.

DDP Course Requirements

Participants of DDP are mandated to attend seven classroom sessions over the course of seven weeks. Each DDP session lasts approximately two to three hours, with the entire DDP course summing 16 hours total. When a participant completes the entirety of the DDP classroom sessions, their involvement in the DDP will end, unless they are referred for comprehensive clinical assessment and treatment.

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Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

Federal agents execute a search warrant at your medical practice, seizing patient records and prescription logs.

Can they take patient records without patient consent?

Attorney's Answer

A valid federal search warrant overrides HIPAA privacy protections. However, the warrant must be properly scoped. An attorney can challenge overly broad warrants and move to suppress improperly seized evidence.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

Substance Abuse Assessment and Referral

DDP participants may receive a referral from the NY state court system for a substance abuse assessment. Referral for assessment may occur due to the following:

• receiving two or more drug or alcohol related driving convictions in 10 years
• the assessment results of a self inventory
• an arrest for a drug or alcohol related driving violation while part of the DDP
• written request from the DDP participant asking for help for a substance abuse problem
• attending DDP courses while under the influence of drugs or alcohol