CDME Module 1: Overview-July 18, 2008

July 18, 2008

Pdf Summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a Medical Review Board (MRB) meeting on July 18, 2008. The MRB consists of board members, FMCSA staff, FMCSA contractors, and members of the public. The meeting discussed several topics, including the fitness for duty standard for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, the evaluation of fitness for duty, and the certification of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CMV driver safety. <br /><br />The MRB made several recommendations, including changing the fitness for duty standard to require CMV drivers to have the physical and mental fitness to safely operate a CMV. They recommended that drivers with multiple medical disorders and/or taking certain medications may pose increased risks for crashes. The MRB also recommended that FMCSA require screening for CKD for drivers with risk factors such as personal history of potential CKD, age over 65, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and proteinuria. They suggested regular screening based on the stage of CKD, with more severe cases requiring more frequent screening. The MRB also recommended that drivers in Stage 4 CKD be recertified every 6 months and receive an annual cardiovascular evaluation. <br /><br />The MRB discussed the lack of data on CKD and driver safety and recommended further research on the association between CKD and CMV driver crashes. <br /><br />The meeting also included updates on Agency activities, such as the proposed National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, which will list certified medical examiners who understand FMCSA's medical standards for CMV drivers, and the merging of the medical certificate and the commercial driver's license. The MRB plays a crucial role in developing recommendations based on evidence reports and medical expert panel reports. The Agency considers these recommendations in developing guidance and rules. <br /><br />Overall, the MRB meeting covered various topics related to CMV driver safety and medical standards, with recommendations made to improve fitness for duty standards and screening for CKD.

Keywords

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Medical Review Board

fitness for duty standard

commercial motor vehicle drivers

evaluation of fitness for duty

certification of individuals with chronic kidney disease

CMV driver safety

screening for CKD

driver crashes