ARA Seeks Comment on Ag Driver Sleep Apnea Issue

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are seeking public input on the impacts of screening, evaluating, and treating rail workers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The joint Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) is the first step as both agencies consider whether to propose requirements specifically on OSA.

For any CMV drivers who are detected to have a respiratory dysfunction, such as OSA, FMCSA currently recommends that medical examiners refer them for further evaluation and therapy.

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In January 2015, FMCSA issued a bulletin to remind healthcare professionals on the agency’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners of the current physical qualifications standard and advisory criteria concerning the respiratory system, specifically how the requirements apply to drivers that may have obstructive sleep apnea. Click here for a copy of the FMCSA bulletin.

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ARA is concerned about inconsistent sleep apnea screening procedures being imposed by certified medical examiners and the costs involved with sleep apnea tests. ARA members have been experiencing issues when their drivers go to renew their DOT medical cards.

On many occassions the certified medical examiners are requiring the drivers to go for a sleep apnea evaluation due to their neck size, even though they have not experienced any previous health or sleep problems.

The comment period closes on Friday, July 8, 2016. ARA is asking members to please take a few moments to submit comments to FMCSA.

Click here to log in and send your message.

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