In reading the article the issue did not appear to be drinking alcohol in and of itself. It appeared to be drinking alcohol in sufficient quantities to significantly exacerbate the irregular heartbeat.
"And as noted on the other thread, this could have a VERY chilling effect on people's willingness to mention their alcohol consumption to their doctors."
So be it. If a doctor is aware of a condition that can make it dangerous for someone to be behind the wheel, the law indicates they are to report it to the DMV.
Read the article again:
Emerich's medical condition, according to PennDOT, is substance abuse.
Not irregular heartbeat, but substance abuse. In this case, a LEGAL substance sold by the very State that is taking away his license.
If a doctor is aware of a condition that can make it dangerous for someone to be behind the wheel, the law indicates they are to report it to the DMV.
The law in this case, IMO, is being abused far more than the substance in question.