Diabetic Truckers May See Relaxed Medical Rules in U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering whether to amend its medical qualifications standards to allow drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to operate commercial trucks in interstate commerce. Truckers whose physical conditions are adequate to allow them to operate safely and without deleterious effects on their health may soon find it easier to haul out-of-state, according to Today’s Trucking. Currently, drivers with ITDM are required to obtain exemptions to operate heavy trucks in interstate commerce. FMCSA may eliminate the exemption requirement for three years of trucking experience while being treated with insulin. Any action to revise the current standard would be made in conformity with the changes in FMCSA’s existing authority to establish, review, and revise physical and medical qualification standards for drivers made by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act with the assistance of expert medical advice. Some of the changes to the exemption program FMCSA is considering include the elimination of the requirement for three years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin.