TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO CERTIFY TO THE OFFICE OF MOTOR VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY FOR A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE, CERTIFICATE, OR PARKING DECAL FOR A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY.

More clinicians can certify disability parking eligibility

Arkansas-licensed physical therapists can now certify disability parking eligibility to the Office of Motor Vehicle. Physicians, authorized advanced practice registered nurses, and authorized physician assistants can also certify eligibility. This authority does not expand physical therapists’ scope of practice. You must meet at least one disability criterion: inability to walk 100 feet without resting; inability to walk without assistance; qualifying lung limits; portable oxygen use; or qualifying heart limits. Walking assistance includes a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device. The lung limits are FEV1 below 1 liter or arterial oxygen pressure below 60 mmHg while breathing room air. Heart limits must be American Heart Association Class III or IV. A certifying professional can determine that your disability is temporary. You can then apply for a temporary parking certificate and request one additional certificate. Each can include a temporary van-accessible decal. A van-accessible decal requires a certifying professional’s letter confirming your disability requires a wheelchair, mobility scooter, four-wheeled walker with a seat, or comparable device. The Office of Motor Vehicle requires disability recertification by an authorized professional every four years, except for permanent disabilities. Photo identification cards must also be renewed every four years. Organizations that own or lease vehicles to transport people with disabilities can apply for one special plate per business vehicle. Physician recertification requirements do not apply to these transportation applicants.