Understanding the Rhode Island Medical Advisory Board and Its Impact on Your Driving Future

If you or a loved one is facing review by Rhode Island’s Medical Advisory Board, you need to act quickly to protect your driving privileges. I know because as a former Rhode Island State Prosecutor with over 30 years defending DUI and breath test refusal cases, I’ve successfully guided countless clients through this complex process.

Good people make mistakes, too, and a few alcohol-related offenses shouldn’t cost you your independence forever. The first step in fighting for your freedom is understanding what you’re really up against.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Rhode Island Medical Advisory Board—and how it can impact your driving abilities for years to come.

What Is the Rhode Island Medical Advisory Board?

The Medical Advisory Board is an independent body within the Rhode Island DMV established under Rhode Island General Laws § 31-10-44. Unlike the courts that handle criminal penalties for driving offenses, the board focuses specifically on whether you’re physically and mentally fit to drive safely.

The board consists of medical specialists who meet monthly (typically on the second Wednesday) to review cases referred by the DMV Administrator.

The board doesn’t just review anyone—they focus on drivers they see as high-risk. If you’ve had three or more DUIs or breath test refusals, you’re going to face severe scrutiny.

At the end of the day, the state is trying to crack down on repeat offenders, and this board is their weapon of choice.

What Triggers a DMV Medical Review in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island DMV’s Medical Advisory Board reviews drivers for various medical conditions that might affect safe driving. Most commonly, this includes:

Multiple alcohol or drug-related offenses (three or more DUIs or chemical test refusals)
Reports from physicians about medical conditions affecting driving ability
Self-reported medical conditions on license applications or renewals
Observations by law enforcement or DMV staff suggesting medical concerns

The board’s primary focus is public safety, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your license without a fight.

The Board’s Process Explained

Notification and Application

When you’re referred to the board, you’ll receive notice from the DMV instructing you to submit an application to the Medical Advisory Board. This application must be sent to Operator Control at 286 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, along with documentation supporting your fitness to drive.

What Kind of Medical Documents Do I Need to Submit?

To have the best chance of getting back on the road, you need to provide clear, thorough paperwork. The board typically requires:

Detailed treatment records showing participation in alcohol or substance abuse programs
Laboratory test results confirming sobriety (such as EtG tests)
Letters from healthcare providers addressing your fitness to drive
Documentation of any medication regimens and their effects on driving ability
Certificates of completion for court-ordered programs
Character references from employers or community members (in some cases)

Don’t make the mistake of submitting paperwork before an experienced RI criminal defense lawyer like myself reviews it. When your driving privileges are on the line, this attention to detail makes all the difference.

Hearings and Decision-Making

The board conducts hearings with at least four members present. They review your submitted evidence and may consult with additional specialists if necessary.

Most drivers walk in thinking they can just explain their situation, but the board doesn’t care about these details. They want hard evidence that you’re not a risk on the road. Without an aggressive advocate who knows exactly what they’re looking for, you’re at a serious disadvantage.

After reviewing your case, the board advises the DMV Administrator on whether to reinstate your license, continue the suspension, or impose additional conditions. It all comes down to whether they believe you can drive safely.

The Board’s Key Requirements for Reinstatement

When you’ve got multiple alcohol offenses on your record, the Medical Advisory Board doesn’t make things easy. Their requirements go far beyond court-ordered penalties and often include:

Demonstrating at least one year of documented sobriety (this is a primary requirement)
Submitting treatment program records or physician certifications
Completing additional alcohol education programs
Performing community service hours
Possibly installing an ignition interlock device

These requirements are outlined in the board’s Rules and Regulations (280-RICR-30-05-3). They aren’t suggestions—you need to comply in order to convince the board that you aren’t a threat on the road.

How Long Does the MAB Review Take?

The moment the DMV flags your case for the Medical Advisory Board, the clock starts ticking—and it moves painfully slow. First, you’ll get a notice demanding paperwork and documentation. Then, the waiting game begins:

Initial application processing: 2-4 weeks
Board hearing scheduling: 30-60 days (they meet monthly)
Decision notification: 2-3 weeks after the hearing

Throughout this process, your license sits in limbo while your life falls apart. Can’t drive to work? They don’t care. Kids need rides to school? Figure it out. Elderly parent needs help? Not your DMV’s problem.

But they don’t tell you this: with an aggressive attorney who knows this system inside and out, you can cut through the red tape and get back on the road weeks or even months faster.

I’ve done it for hundreds of clients, and it’ll be my top priority while I handle your case.

The Real Impact on Your Life

The board’s authority extends beyond judicial penalties, potentially causing significant disruptions to your life:

Extended License Suspensions

Even after serving a court-ordered suspension for a DUI (typically 30-180 days), you might face additional months or years without driving privileges if you don’t meet the board’s requirements. This extended suspension can be devastating, especially if you weren’t expecting it.

Financial and Social Consequences

The ripple effects of a prolonged license suspension often include:

Lost income from jobs requiring driving
Additional costs for alternative transportation
Potential isolation, especially in areas with limited public transit
Strain on family members who must provide transportation
Stigma and embarrassment in your community

Long-Term Monitoring

In some cases, the board may impose ongoing monitoring requirements, such as periodic sobriety checks or continued participation in treatment programs. These conditions add another layer of complexity to maintaining your driving privileges.

Can I Appeal an MAB Recommendation?

Yes, you absolutely can appeal an unfavorable Medical Advisory Board decision. If you disagree with the board’s recommendation, you have rights:

Request a hearing within 20 days through the DMV’s Operator Control
Present new or additional medical evidence supporting your fitness to drive
Appeal further to Rhode Island’s Sixth Division District Court

Many drivers make critical mistakes during this process by failing to provide comprehensive documentation or missing procedural deadlines. This is where experienced legal representation becomes invaluable.

Can I Find Out Who Reported Me to the DMV?

This is a common concern for many drivers facing Medical Advisory Board review. The truth is, the DMV guards this information like Fort Knox when it comes from family members or neighbors. They don’t want retribution or family drama.

But if you got flagged because of multiple DUIs or a cop reported you, that information should be in your case file.

When you hire me, I dig into these records immediately. Knowing where the complaint came from is crucial to building your defense strategy. Things like reporting errors and mistaken identities can get cases thrown out before they even reach the board.

Practical Tips for Drivers

If you’re facing review by the Medical Advisory Board, taking these steps can seriously improve your chances of holding onto your license:

Document Your Sobriety. Maintain detailed records of your sobriety, including completion certificates from treatment programs and regular testing results.
Engage in Rehabilitation. Proactively participate in alcohol education or counseling programs, even beyond what courts have ordered.
Prepare Thoroughly for Hearings. Gather all required documents well in advance and consider hiring a lawyer with proven success in cases like yours.
Stay Compliant. Follow all DMV and court requirements precisely to avoid additional penalties.
Seek Professional Support. Connect with addiction support services through the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare if you need more accountability.

How an Experienced, Top-Rated RI Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Protect Your Driving Privileges

Having defended thousands of Rhode Island drivers throughout my 30-year career, I understand the devastating impact losing your license can have. When you work with me, I’ll:

Guide you through organizing comprehensive medical documentation
Represent you at all hearings before the board
Challenge unfair or excessive restrictions
Coordinate with medical providers to present the strongest possible case
Appeal unfavorable decisions through all available channels
Be the one personally working with you every step of the way

If you’re facing a Medical Advisory Board review, time is not on your side. The sooner we begin preparing your case, the better your chances of maintaining your driving privileges.

Contact me, RI defense attorney S. Joshua Macktaz, today at (401) 861-1155 to discuss your case and develop a strategy to protect not just your mobility, but your independence.