CDL drivers who take insulin

Today, the FMCSA will publish in the Federal Register a new final rule regarding the diabetes standard for commercial drivers. The rule is 165 pages long and I have a lot of reading to do, but here is the nitty-gritty:

FMCSA revises its regulations to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Previously, ITDM individuals were prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA. This rule enables a certified medical examiner (ME) to grant an ITDM individual a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), MCSA 5876, for up to a maximum of 12 months. To do so, the treating clinician (TC), the healthcare professional who manages, and prescribes insulin for, the treatment of the individual’s diabetes, provides the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (ITDM Assessment Form), MCSA-5870, to the certified ME indicating that the individual maintains a stable insulin regimen and proper control of his or her diabetes. The certified ME then determines that the individual meets FMCSA’s physical qualification standards and can operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

So if you or someone you know is an insulin dependent diabetic CDL driver, call our office to schedule your physical. If you have any questions regarding this rule change feel free to callDr. Kevin E. Crowley at 859-635-6666.Our office is conveniently located in Alexandria, Ky. in Campbell County.
DATES: This final rule is effective November 19, 2018.