CDME Module 7: Psychological-Ad Hoc Committee Report on Psychiatric Disorders and CMV Driver Safety

Ad Hoc Committee Report on Psychiatric Disorders and CMV Driver Safety

Pdf Summary

The Ad Hoc Committee on Psychiatric Disorders and CMV Driver Safety presented proposed recommendations for the evaluation and certification of commercial drivers with chronic psychiatric disorders. The committee suggests a matrix be adopted for evaluating drivers with different psychiatric conditions, with the type of examiner based on the severity of the disorder. The matrix includes categories for psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders, with different levels of severity determining the qualifications for driving. The committee also recommends that the duration of certification be a maximum of one year for mild conditions and six months for moderate conditions. Additionally, the committee proposes that CMV drivers taking anti-convulsant medications for non-epileptic conditions should be evaluated by the prescribing healthcare providers, with a supportive opinion regarding driving safety obtained before considering CMV operation. The committee also suggests that further research be conducted into the effects of psychiatric disorders and medications on CMV safety. During discussions, concerns were raised about the certification cycle for individuals with mild psychiatric disorders and for those taking anti-epileptic medications. Suggestions were made to shorten the certification cycle and to require evaluation by mental health professionals. The committee agreed on the proposed recommendations, with revisions made based on the discussions. The MRB unanimously approved the recommendations, including the revisions.

Keywords

Psychiatric Disorders

CMV Driver Safety

evaluation

certification

commercial drivers

matrix

severity

qualifications

medications

safety