Page 36 - ATR 2 2014 web

SLEEP,
Continued from page 22

down to rest, they’ve lost 50 minutes,
not 30.
“What we know, we know from
our survey data collection on what driv-
ers are telling us, that they are in many
cases more fatigued as a result of these examiNers typically flag driVers wheN
rules changes,” she said. the Neck size is 17.5" or larger, body
Brewster took issue with the mass iNdex is 35 or greater or haVe a
FMCSA’s study that the two rest periods coNditioN like diabetes, hyperthyroid or
are reducing driver fatigue. She said
the agency studied a small group of high blood pressure.
drivers operating under the new rules.
Moreover, the differences between the
two groups of drivers was small enough
that some have questioned if it’s a valid
finding.
Additionally, the industry is just
weeks away from the deadline for truck-
ers who may be at risk for sleep apnea have one of the aforementioned condi- record for average medical examiner
to be tested and treated to be medically tions and haven’t been tested. To avoid performance, OOIDA said.
certified by FMCSA-approved examin- this he recommended drivers be proac- The group also argued that many
ers. tive about getting tested so they can drivers won’t be able to find registered
FMCSA’s National Registry for bring test results or proof of treatment examiners to certify them before their
Certified Medical Examiners rule goes to the medical examiner when they go prior certification expires or will face
into effect May 21, and after that date in for medical certification. burdens such as having to travel farther
all drivers must use an examiner from Drivers can get tested at any clinic to find an examiner.
the agency’s registry when renewing or or testing service they’d like — those In response to OOIDA’s petition,
first obtaining medical clearance. examiners don’t have to be certified by FMCSA said it is “closely monitoring the
Speaking at the Mid-America Truck FMCSA, McDermand said. Drivers only growing list and locations of certified
Show last month, Greg McDermand need to be able to show their FMCSA- medical examiners to ensure that an
of Phoenix Sleep Solutions said that approved examiner documents show- adequate number are registered by the
because the agency doesn’t have formal ing they’ve been tested and are being May 21 deadline,” and also emphasized
rules regarding sleep apnea testing or treated, if they tested positive. that most drivers will not need a new
criteria for testing, medical examin- The Owner-Operator Independent physical exam immediately following
ers must use criteria that increase risk Drivers Association (OOIDA) has the May deadline as certificates remain
of apnea occurrence, like weight and requested a delay on the FMCSA rule. As valid until the expiration date.
underlying medical conditions, as a of March 28, there were 10,223 regis- The American Trucking
means to relieve themselves of liability tered medical examiners, which “is little Associations (ATA) supports the nation-
in case of a crash. more than half of those that would be al registry as a way to ensure all drivers
“Examiners are getting very aggres- needed under FMCSA’s most optimistic are medically qualified. "However, we
sive because of liability,” McDermand (although unsupported by the record) are concerned with the relatively slow
said. “They’re not comfortable letting estimate that 20,000 would be a suf- pace at which medical professionals are
[at risk] people walk out.” ficient number of medical examiners being certified by FMCSA,” ATA said in
Examiners typically flag drivers to perform all of the examinations response to the OOIDA petition. “We
when the neck size is 17.5" or larger, required by the regulated community,” continue to work with FMCSA and our
body mass index is 35 or greater or have OOIDA said in its petition. state association partners to identify
a condition like diabetes, hyperthyroid Based on the assumption that 2.6 underserved areas and we encourage
or high blood pressure. million annual examinations are need- FMCSA to be flexible in addressing any
McDermand said he’s hearing fre- ed, the average examiner would need to shortcomings."
quently of drivers who say the examin- perform 130 certifications per year – far
ers aren’t renewing med cards if they more than FMCSA’s expectations in the

36 aRkaNSaS tRuckiNg RepoRt | issue 2 2014