CDME Module 3: Cardiovascular, Hypertension-Module 3 Update (READ THIS FIRST)

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The Addendum Module 3 for the ACOEM Commercial Driver Medical Examiner Training Program in 2022 focuses on cardiovascular health. The course meets the initial and recertification requirements for the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), but does not meet the Periodic Training requirement. The module emphasizes that significant changes may be required once the ME Handbook is finalized, and addendums will be provided to address those changes.<br /><br />Regarding Module 3, there were not many significant changes. However, the 2022 Draft ME Handbook includes content from a 2013 Medical Expert Panel Report on Cardiovascular Disease and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety. Medical Examiners (MEs) should consider this report as additional guidance for assessing the fitness for duty of commercial drivers.<br /><br />The update introduced several guidance statements for medical examiners assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in commercial drivers. Key points from these statements include determining if the driver has a CVD or combination of disorders that increase the risk of sudden incapacitation or death. Disqualification from driving may be based on specific disorders, such as an ejection fraction below 40%, regardless of the presence of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.<br /><br />The effect of CVD on driving should be considered in relation to the driver's overall health, acknowledging the presence of other medical conditions that may exacerbate the CVD condition. If multiple conditions are present, each condition should be considered separately and in combination when determining medical fitness to drive.<br /><br />The module also emphasizes that being cleared by a specialist does not mean the specialist is making a determination regarding the driver's medical fitness to drive. The medical examiner should use the specialist's documentation as part of their own assessment.<br /><br />In addition, the module highlights the importance of compliance with medical or treatment protocols for maintaining good health in certain CVD diagnoses. Medical examiners should assess the driver's compliance when assessing their medical fitness to drive.<br /><br />Resources and links to source material for this module can be found in the Medical Examiner Physical Qualification Standards and Clinical Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety – Attachment 3-1.

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Keywords

Addendum Module 3

cardiovascular health

National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

ME Handbook

Medical Expert Panel Report

Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

CVD

disqualification

implantable cardioverter defibrillator

compliance