No substantive changes. The Engrossed in Senate version (v3) is identical in operative text to the Reported in Senate version (v2), reflecting that the amendments were incorporated prior to the reporting of the bill.
Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 1, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of medication guidance for aviation personnel seeking medical certification or clearance from the FAA.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator publish and maintain a publicly available, user-friendly list of medications that are approved or not approved for airmen and air traffic control specialists. The list must include conditions for safe use, contra-indications, and be developed in consultation with various aviation stakeholders.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will improve aviation safety by providing clear, accessible information to airmen and air traffic control specialists about medications, reducing confusion and potential non-compliance. It is expected to streamline the medical certification process and foster better communication between medical providers and the FAA.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while transparency is beneficial, the FAA already provides similar information through the frequently updated Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. They may express concerns about the administrative burden and cost of maintaining a separate, publicly available list, especially ensuring its meticulous accuracy and consistency with existing, dynamic FAA guidance.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Purpose and Scope
This section outlines the bill's intent: to inform aviation stakeholders, including airmen and air traffic control specialists, about medications on "Do Not Issue" or "Do Not Fly" lists, medications that are safe to use (over-the-counter or prescribed), and the conditions under which these safe medications can be used in an aviation environment, consistent with the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this purpose statement clearly articulates the need for transparency, ensuring that the FAA's subsequent actions align with the goal of providing essential, user-friendly medication guidance to the aviation community, thereby enhancing safety and compliance.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against a purpose statement, as it merely defines the bill's intent.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies in balancing the desire for comprehensive information with the need for simplicity and user-friendliness, and ensuring the information remains consistent with existing, frequently updated FAA medical guidance.
Section 2(b) and (d)
Publication and Maintenance of Medication List
Within one year of enactment, the FAA Administrator must publish and maintain a publicly available website list of medications approved for airmen and air traffic control specialists. This list must be updated at least annually and whenever relevant FAA medical certification policy changes, including updates to the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Section 2(c)
Requirements for List Content and Dissemination
This section details the specific requirements for the medication list. It must be developed in consultation with various aviation stakeholders (e.g., pilots, air traffic controllers, training schools, medical associations), include allowed medications, contra-indications, FAA review requirements, "Do Not Issue" lists, and information for doctors to contact the FAA. It must be user-friendly, accessible, and available on MedXPress.
Section 2(e)
Savings Clause
This clause clarifies that the FAA Administrator is not liable if an individual relies on the published list and experiences adverse reactions, causes harm, or is deemed ineligible for medical certification. This protects the FAA from liability arising from individuals' use of medications or their medical certification outcomes.
This clause states that the FAA Administrator is not liable if an airman, air traffic control specialist, or applicant relies on the published medication list and subsequently experiences an adverse medical reaction, causes harm, or is deemed ineligible for medical certification.
Section 2(e)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for liability limitations, often placed at the end of sections to clarify legal boundaries without interrupting the main policy directives.
Case for: Supporters argue this clause is necessary to enable the FAA to publish comprehensive medical guidance without fear of excessive litigation, thereby encouraging greater transparency.
Case against: Critics might contend that while some protection is warranted, such a broad waiver could potentially reduce the FAA's incentive to ensure the list is meticulously accurate and updated, placing a greater burden of risk on individuals.
Estimated impact: Limits potential future legal claims against the FAA related to the medication list, potentially saving taxpayer funds from litigation costs.