Originally Posted by
Often1
The current DOT rules are just fine. It is the carriers', including WN, which have rules not as tough as DOT permits.
The key DOT provision is that carriers may require a written diagnosis from a licensed professional of a DSM III mental disease or defect. That is not a fake diagnosis which most people, other than Cpl. Klinger, likely want in their medical records and most professionals licensed to make that type of diagnosis are not likely to run around signing letters without a full examination.
Good god.
Again. As I have said
multiple times now, each time you make this
exact same incorrect statement: NO.
No.
No. NO.
Carriers may absolutely
NOT require a written diagnosis from a licensed professional of a DSM III mental disease or defect.
Carriers can only require a statement from a licensed professional that the passenger is under their care for a disability listed in the DSM.
Not a specific diagnosis.
These are two very different things.
As we've discussed in other threads: The DSM recognizes somewhere north of 450 distinct disorders, which include things like "anxiety disorder" (made up or not), claustrophobia, "denial," insomnia, erectile disfunction, "night eating syndrome," OCD, and stuttering.
The specific disorder would not be disclosed. That would be a HIPPA violation.
I think you highly overestimate any negative effects of having a DSM diagnosis in your "medical records."
(Which are all, of course, privacy protected by HIPPA.)
People have been getting these kinds of diagnoses for years for purposes like obtaining prescription drugs (including, now, marijuana) and work leave-related legal issues, and some "professionals" already make these diagnoses online through questionnaires and virtual visits.
Lastly, all major US carriers -- Delta, United, American and Southwest --
already require this statement for travel with an ESA.