CDME Module 5: Rheumatic, Arthritic, Orthopedic, Neuromuscular and Vascular and Limb loss or impairment (2025)-Opinions of Expert Panel Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Opinions of Expert Panel Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety

Pdf Summary

In September 2009, a Medical Expert Panel (MEP) presented opinions on Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and their impact on Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver safety to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The panel, comprising experts in neurology, biostatistics, and occupational medicine, assessed whether existing medical guidelines for certifying drivers with these conditions needed updates.<br /><br />For Parkinson’s Disease, the panel noted that although PD typically precludes unconditional CMV certification, in certain cases where individuals show mild symptoms, they may be considered fit to drive. Key criteria for such certification include mild disease stage, absence of significant cognitive or motor issues, and well-managed medications without side effects that impair driving. Re-evaluations for these individuals should occur twice yearly.<br /><br />Similarly, MS was considered a disqualifier for unconditional driving certification due to its progressive nature. However, individuals showing stable symptoms and minimal cognitive or physical impairments might be provisionally certified. These individuals must also meet specific criteria, such as no recent disease relapses and well-managed conditions without detrimental medication side effects. Reassessment should occur semi-annually.<br /><br />The panel stressed that FMCSA should develop a comprehensive, functional assessment framework applicable to various conditions affecting driving capabilities. Such a framework would include cognitive, motor, and psychiatric evaluations, addressing not only known conditions like PD and MS but extending to less-studied neurological and psychological conditions.<br /><br />Overall, the expert panel urged for nuanced, condition-specific guidelines that account for symptom variability and progression, emphasizing regular reassessments to ensure driver safety. The panel called for continued research to refine these guidelines and foster evidence-based evaluations for certifying commercial drivers with complex medical conditions.

Keywords

Medical Expert Panel

Parkinson's Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

Commercial Motor Vehicle

driver safety

neurology

medical guidelines

certification criteria

functional assessment

FMCSA