FMCSA revises regulations for drivers with diabetes
Posted September 19, 2018
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a revision in federal regulations that permits individuals with properly managed diabetes to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
Previously, individuals with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) were prohibited from operating CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from the FMCSA. The revised rule now permits individuals with a stable insulin regimen and a properly controlled ITDM to operate CMVs interstate.
Under the ruling, a certified medical examiner (ME) can grant an individual with ITDM a medical examiner’s certificate, MCSA-5876, for up to 12 months. The treating clinician who manages and prescribes the insulin must provide the ITDM assessment form MCSA-5870 to the certified ME indicating a stable insulin regimen and control of the disease. The certified ME is also responsible for determining if the individual meets the FMCSA’s physical qualification standards.
FMCSA said the rule will save nearly 5,000 individuals with ITDM that currently have exemptions more than $5 million per year more than they would pay under the exemption program. The ruling is also estimated to save exemption applicants and motor carriers about $215,000 annually in opportunity and compliance costs related with the exemption program’s waiting period.
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