CDME Module 1: Overview-April 7, 2008

April 7, 2008

Pdf Summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a meeting of its Medical Review Board (MRB) in Arlington, Virginia to discuss medical standards and guidelines related to renal disease, vision, and musculoskeletal disorders. The MRB is tasked with providing recommendations based on scientific evidence to improve the medical fitness of commercial motor vehicle drivers. <br /><br />The meeting discussed various topics, including the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on driver safety. The evidence presented did not suggest that individuals with CKD are at an increased risk for crashes. However, further research is needed to determine the direct crash risk associated with CKD and the impact of different treatment methods.<br /><br />The meeting also discussed vision standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The evidence presented showed that individuals with monocular vision or red-green color deficiency may not necessarily be at an increased risk for crashes. However, restrictions on these conditions should remain in place. The MRB recommended the development of functional tests of capacity and fitness for duty to determine an individual's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.<br /><br />Additionally, the meeting covered the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on driver safety. The MRB recommended that the focus of evaluation should be on function rather than diagnosis. Functional tests and screenings should be developed to assess an individual's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.<br /><br />Overall, the meeting highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision making in determining medical fitness standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Further research and evaluation are necessary to ensure the safety of drivers and the general public.

Keywords

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Medical Review Board

renal disease

vision

musculoskeletal disorders

chronic kidney disease

driver safety

commercial motor vehicle drivers

crash risk