CDME Module 1: Overview-April 25, 2007

April 25, 2007

Pdf Summary

The Medical Review Board (MRB) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a public meeting on April 25, 2007. The meeting discussed various topics related to medical qualifications for commercial drivers. The MRB members present included Dr. Kurt Hegmann, Dr. Gunnar Andersson, Dr. Michael Greenberg, Dr. Barbara Phillips, and Dr. Matthew Rizzo. FMCSA staff and contractors were also in attendance. Larry W. Minor, Director of the Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, called the meeting to order and Dr. Kurt Hegmann, the chairperson of the MRB, provided an overview of the topics being addressed.<br /><br />One of the topics discussed was the development of guidelines for diabetes. The MRB decided to defer a final vote on these guidelines until their July 26, 2007 meeting in Washington, D.C. Other topics to be addressed in the future include sleep disorders, seizure disorders, neuromuscular disorders, vision, and hearing.<br /><br />Stephen Tregear, an expert from the Emergency Care Research Institute, presented a research report on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and commercial driving. The MRB reviewed the report and the recommendations of the Medical Expert Panel (MEP). Changes to the current CVD guidelines were recommended, including the use of specific terms for medical professionals and clarification on the rate of expansion of thoracic abdominal aneurysms. The MRB also recommended changes to the exception for the use of Schedule II medications.<br /><br />During public comment, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) requested the ban on insulin use for commercial drivers to be lifted. The MRB agreed that this issue would be addressed and a recommendation would be made at the July 2007 meeting.<br /><br />It is important to note that any proposed changes to current standards and guidance will undergo a public notice-and-comment and regulatory process.

Keywords

Medical Review Board

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

public meeting

medical qualifications

commercial drivers

guidelines for diabetes

sleep disorders

seizure disorders

neuromuscular disorders

cardiovascular disease