TSA Embraces Medical Notification Cards Just In Time for Holidays

By Pat Elliott Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

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Holiday air travel is always a hassle, and this year’s new screening procedures have added additional concerns for many, especially those with medical conditions or disabilities. Now, just in time for the holiday travel period, a medical notification card can be used to discreetly alert airport screeners.

Last month bladder cancer survivor Thomas Sawyer was left covered in urine following an aggressive airport security pat-down. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners refused to let him explain his medical condition or explain that he wears an ostomy pouch to collect his urine. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network and other organizations asked the TSA to take many steps, including improving their training procedures so people with medical issues can feel more comfortable going through security.

In response, the TSA has now agreed to embrace the use of new medical notification cards, which enable those with medical concerns to discreetly make screeners aware of their situation. A spokesperson said TSA worked with a coalition of about 70 representatives from disability and health organizations to develop the cards.

The front of the new TSA notification card states: “I have the following health condition, disability or medical device that may affect my screening” with a box marked “optional” for travelers to write in. Below that, the card reads, “I understand that presenting this card does not exempt me from screening.”

The reverse side of the card reiterates screening may still be necessary and says the “TSA respects the privacy concerns of all members of the traveling public” and that “alternate procedures which provide an equivalent level of security screening are available and can be done in private.”

Some doctors, patient advocacy groups and medical-equipment suppliers created their own notification cards and letters long before the TSA's new stricter security screening rules and enhanced pat-downs went into effect. Advocates say TSA screeners in the past would ignore the cards, and the agency’s adoption of an official card is a key step forward. The cards are so new, however, many airport security screeners may not yet be aware of them.

Advocacy groups say they receive daily complaints from individuals with disabilities or health issues who feel disregarded or violated during airport security checks. While some feel the use of the card is an improvement, they also state it is only a first step in making air travel better for the disabled flying public and those with medical concerns.

Resources:

Printable TSA Medical Notification Card:
http://quest.mda.org/sites/default/files/Notification%20Cards%20II.pdf

TSA Requirements for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

Patient Advocates Letter to TSA:
http://www.bcan.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/BCAN-Letter-to-TSA.pdf

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.