CDME Module 1: Overview-January 28, 2008

January 28, 2008
Pdf Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a meeting of the Medical Review Board (MRB) to discuss medical standards and guidelines for sleep apnea and seizure disorders. The MRB reviewed evidence and made recommendations for the certification and monitoring of commercial drivers with these conditions. <br /><br />For sleep apnea, the MRB recommended that individuals with untreated sleep apnea be precluded from obtaining an unconditional certification to drive. However, certification may be possible if the individual has mild sleep apnea, shows no daytime sleepiness, or is effectively treated. The MRB also recommended annual recertification for individuals with sleep apnea who meet the criteria. <br /><br />For seizure disorders, individuals with epilepsy were recommended to be precluded from obtaining an unconditional certification to drive. However, conditional certification may be possible if the individual has been seizure-free for 8 years or on a stable medication regimen for 2 years. Individuals with a single, unprovoked seizure may be conditionally certified if they have been seizure-free for 4 years or on a stable medication regimen for 2 years. <br /><br />The MRB also recommended more stringent assessment and individualization of time restrictions for individuals with provoked seizures caused by structural brain lesions. Individuals with single episodes of drug toxicity may be treated less restrictively, depending on the outcome of a neurological consultation. <br /><br />The MRB approved these recommendations, taking into account the comments and concerns expressed by members of the public. These recommendations aim to balance the safety of commercial drivers and the public with the individual needs of drivers with sleep apnea and seizure disorders. The full meeting summary is available on the MRB website.
Keywords
FMCSA
sleep apnea
seizure disorders
certification
commercial drivers
epilepsy
seizure-free
medication regimen
provoked seizures
public safety