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Impaired Driver System (IDS) UPDATED March 2012

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), in collaboration with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), is pleased to announce the implementation of the Impaired Driver System (IDS). IDS is a newly developed, web-based tracking and reporting application that will significantly improve the quality of information and efficiency of transfer of information related to impaired driving offenders in New York State (NYS). The IDS will facilitate information sharing and automate processes that are currently handled manually via DMV’s DS-449, MV-2025 and MV-2026 paper forms. DDP Directors and clinical providers will have immediate electronic access to clients’ records regarding DDP enrollment and clinical screening, assessment and treatment. In addition, the system will also allow electronic access of clients’ motor vehicle abstract. The IDS system is being developed as a result of grant funding from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

IDS Implementation

IDS began a pilot phase on August 3, 2011, and full implementation will begin in Spring 2012 with a regional rollout throughout the state. Once online and fully trained, all IDS users will be required to electronically report pertinent details of their work. DDP Directors will be required to document drops, completions, transfers and assessment referrals. Providers of clinical services to impaired driving clients will be required to document the start date, completion date and completion status for each impaired driving screening, assessment and treatment that is conducted.

It is important to note that during the transition from paper to electronic reporting it will be necessary to continue parallel paper-processing until IDS has been fully implemented statewide and DMV and OASAS have completed the data exchange phase of the project. (i.e., until further notice, DDPs and clinical providers will continue to report on paper as they do now, as well as through the IDS.) Once a fully functional electronic data exchange between OASAS and DMV is implemented, information regarding a motorist’s status reported on the IDS will be electronically transferred to DMV where it will be posted to the motorist’s driving record, as appropriate. At that point, paper reporting will be eliminated.

IDS Registration

IDS use will require a computer with internet access and a valid business email address. Potential IDS users are required to submit an OASAS External Access Request Form (IRM-15) prior to implementation in order to register for access to the system. Upon approval for registration, login credentials and access are assigned according to the user’s role in the system. Each user must obtain an account for their individual use only and are bound by OASAS’ security policies regarding account use and protection. All IDS inquiries and user activity will be tracked and monitored for security and auditing purposes. IDS data and user activity reports will be regularly reviewed by OASAS staff to monitor use of the system and evaluate outcomes. Once registered, IDS users should anticipate future correspondence from OASAS via email and forward any changes to an email address to the Impaired Driver Services mailbox: ImpairedDriver@oasas.ny.gov. DDP providers should continue to contact DMV Driver Training Programs with any program/instructor updates. OASAS encourages regular visits to the OASAS Impaired Driver Services web pages for important information and updates.

IDS Confidentiality

Before accessing a motorist's record in IDS, you must obtain a signed IDS consent form and maintain the original form on file. Links to the IDS consent form are provided within the IDS application and will be made available to IDS users when provided access to this system. The IDS consent form lists the specific elements that are viewable in IDS and explains the purpose for sharing these details with parties listed on the consent. Confidentiality and accountability are further assured within IDS by a required online attestation wherein each user must electronically certify receipt of the motorist's consent.

IDS Functions

The following are some of the functions enabled by IDS:

  • Submit information to DMV electronically rather than via U.S. mail; (Please note: until IDS implementation is complete, hardcopy submission will also be required.)
  • View an impaired driving client’s prior history of clinical screening, assessment and treatment associated with impaired driving violations;
  • View an impaired driving client’s prior history of participation in the Drinking Driver Program (DDP) and associated referrals to assessment;
  • Access an impaired driving client’s most current Abstract of Driving Record;
  • Generate reports to assist with client records management and other information sharing needs.

We look forward to working with you as we standardize our protocols and streamline our information systems to improve education and treatment of impaired driving offenders in New York State and provide more timely information to all stakeholders. We are convinced that our efforts will reduce the incidence of impaired driving and improve the safety of our roadways.

Please view our FAQ page for clarification on service, training and reporting requirements.