Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to Allow Insulin Requiring Diabetics to Drive Commercial Vehicles

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new regulations today that permit drivers with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Previously, insulin requiring diabetics were prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA, an arduous process. In order to qualify under the new rule, insulin-treated drivers need to record their blood sugar levels electronically and have their treating clinicians complete a form for a Department of Transportation (DOT) certified medical examiner to review. The change takes effect November 19, 2018.

According to Russell Kamer, MD, experienced DOT medical examiner and medical director of the Occupational Health Provider Partners in Safety, this change is overdue. “In 2015, The Medical Review Board of FMCSA noted that insulin treated drivers are as safe as other drivers when their condition is well-controlled. The key point is that the drivers should be stable and closely monitored.”