There is no requirement in Alabama that a health care practitioner must report a person who experiences TBI. The code stipulates that to drive, the person must not have experienced an “altered consciousness or loss of bodily control caused by a neurological condition within 6 months.”

• "Altered consciousness" is defined as “a state of awareness characterized by loss or distortion of the impressions made by the senses or inability to respond to the impressions made by the senses.” This is most obviously directed at those who experience seizures, but might also be broadened to include those with loss of consciousness, confusion, or coma, even if very brief. There is a clear mandate that if someone has experienced a seizure, they should not drive until seizure free for six months. They can be taking medication for seizure control.
• If someone has experienced a brief period of confusion, such as can happen following even a mild TBI, it is reasonable in many cases to resume driving within 6 months post-injury. If there is significant doubt as to how to precede, referral to a rehabilitation center is a logical step.
• Health care practitioners practicing outside of Alabama will have to review pertinent statutes, since every state governs driving within its boundaries.