How does the FAA research people's medical history

[Unregistered]

My friend has a history of migraines and has filled a prescription for Imitrex. He was told by the physician that issued his Medical that if he didn't mention it on the 8500 application (for his medical), no one would be the wiser.

My question is: how does the FAA decide whose Medicals to research to make sure they're telling the truth and how do they go about it? Do they request information from the primary physician, insurance company or pharmacy (or all three). What is their protocol?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jim Logajan]

I am master of subversion

Speaking of subs, that reminds me of this little story from Callahans Crosstime Bar by Spider Robinson:

The WWII British spy Harry Lime was on board a US submarine en route to his next assignment, when he unexpectedly began seeing double vision. The sub was off the eastern US coast, and so plans were changed so that Lime could be seen by a doctor at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. The sub's captain was suspicious that Lime was actually faking the illness, presumably to go visit a former flame in Annapolis. When the sub pulled into port, he ordered the spy, "You go straight from the sub, Lime, to the Reed oculist!"

Um, sorry, what was this thread about?

 

[Jim Logajan]

I recall several years ago, the FAA cross referenced records from their data base with those of the Social Security Administration, Looking for airmen who filed for SSD.

You're probably thinking of FAA v Cooper:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration_v._Cooper

"The district court held that the Government violated the Privacy Act, but that the Act only allows recovery for pecuniary damages." The case went to the Supreme court, which didn't seem to change the finding of a violation of the privacy act, but "The Supreme Court held that the Privacy Act does not unequivocally authorize an award of damages for mental or emotional distress. Accordingly, the Act does not waive the Federal Government's sovereign immunity from the liability."

So while the Feds may violate the law, they can't be held liable. Makes it almost a useless law, except I suppose that any evidence so obtained shouldn't be allowed in court cases or (presumably) administrative actions.

EDIT: Actually you were probably thinking of "Operation Safe Pilot" not a court case.

 

[Jim Logajan]

I am aware that the FAA does cross reference government databases listing people on various forms of disability. Those are all government records.

I'm skeptical that the FAA can just fish in private sector prescription or medical records 'just because'.

They'd have to issue a subpoena. And before that they'd have to start an investigation, which they wouldn't do without some cause justifying it.