CDME Module 1: Overview-July 26, 2007

July 26, 2007

Pdf Summary

The Medical Review Board (MRB) of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held a public meeting on July 26, 2007. The board unanimously approved a recommendation that commercial drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus be allowed to drive if they meet certain criteria. They also recommended that all drivers with diabetes mellitus, regardless of treatment, undergo annual re-certification. The board also approved a recommendation to increase the MRB's membership from five to seven members. The meeting also discussed evidence-based research on seizure disorders and commercial driving. The findings indicated that individuals with seizure disorders have an increased crash risk, but the risk is reduced if a driver has a reliable aura before a seizure occurs. The likelihood of seizures among those on anti-epileptic drugs is significantly reduced after eight seizure-free years. Incidence of seizures following epilepsy surgery declines over time. The risk of additional seizures among drivers who have had only one seizure is significantly reduced after the first year. The risk of seizures and anti-epileptic drug therapy compliance showed conflicting results. Two small studies suggested a negative effect of anti-epileptic drug therapy on driving skills, but more research is needed. The Medical Expert Panel on seizure disorders is developing specific recommendations on allowing individuals with well-controlled seizure disorders to drive commercial vehicles. Public comments expressed concerns about the restriction on insulin-treated drivers and suggested developing standards for evaluation and certification based on individual assessments.

Keywords

Medical Review Board

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

insulin-treated diabetes mellitus

commercial drivers

annual re-certification

seizure disorders

evidence-based research

anti-epileptic drugs

driving skills