CDME Module 1: Overview-January 20, 2012

January 20, 2012

Pdf Summary

The Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) and Medical Review Board (MRB) discussed recommendations for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) regulatory guidance during a meeting in January 2012. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requested input on developing regulatory guidance for motor carriers, commercial vehicle drivers, and medical examiners on OSA and whether drivers with this condition should be medically certified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. <br /><br />The discussions covered several key questions, including the increased risk for motor vehicle crashes for individuals with OSA, disease-related factors associated with crash risk, the awareness of these factors among individuals with OSA, screening and diagnostic tests, treatments to reduce crash risk, the length of time required for treatment to permit safe driving, and the impact of non-compliance with treatment on driver safety.<br /><br />The committees made several recommendations for FMCSA OSA requirements, including criteria for conditional certification, referral for sleep studies, methods of diagnosis and severity, treatment options, compliance standards, and follow-up testing. They also addressed frequently asked questions relating to potential FMCSA OSA requirements, such as the criteria for treatment, the role of DOT physicians in diagnosing sleep apnea, the validity of negative sleep study results, compliance standards, and alternative treatments.<br /><br />Overall, the discussions emphasized the importance of addressing OSA risks among commercial vehicle drivers to enhance public safety and reduce crash risk associated with this respiratory disorder.

Keywords

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee

Medical Review Board

obstructive sleep apnea

regulatory guidance

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

motor carriers

commercial vehicle drivers

medical examiners

interstate commerce

motor vehicle crashes