|
What Would You Do? |
This recurring newsletter is designed to keep your mind sharp and
well-informed about DOT regulations and guidelines.
Stay informed! Stay compliant!
|
Scenarios:
1. When does a driver qualify for the seizure exemption for single seizure vs epilepsy? How long can they be certified for?
2. A driver presents for an exam with a completed Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870).
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion:
1. The first step is to differentiate between a provoked seizure, unprovoked seizure, or epilepsy. The second step is to determine if the driver is taking an anticonvulsant for the purpose of controlling seizures or how long has it been since they stopped taking the medication.
For an individual who is currently taking an anticonvulsant medication, the only option they have for certification is to apply for a seizure exemption. Following a single seizure, they must be seizure-free for at least 4 years. Individuals with epilepsy must be seizure-free for a minimum of 8 years.
A seizure exemption is not required when the individual with a single unprovoked seizure has been seizure-free and off anticonvulsants for a minimum of 5 years. Those who have suffered from epilepsy do not need a seizure exemption if they have been seizure-free and off anticonvulsants for at least 10 years.
If a seizure occurred from a known cause (provoked seizure) such as a metabolic disturbance, high temperature, acute infectious disease, drug reaction, etc., the individual can be certified if seizure recurrence is unlikely, medication is not needed, and they have fully recovered.
Note: When it is determined that an individual can be certified, those who have endured a single seizure can be certified for up to 2 years, and individuals with epilepsy can be certified for up to 1 year.
|
Watch the Conditional Algorithms video to see how Simple Physical guides the ME through the
decision-making process.
|
2. The Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870) is handled differently than the hearing and seizure exemptions. The box on the form and certificate that indicates certification must be accompanied by a waiver or exemption SHOULD NOT be marked, as it is not considered a waiver or exemption.
In the determination section, select the bullet “Meets standards, but periodic monitoring required”. Then in the space provided, write “insulin-treated diabetes”.
On the next line, select that the driver is qualified for 1 year.
|
|
|
Conclusion:
1. All information is provided in the discussion.
2. The ME should confirm that it has not been more than 45 days since the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment form was completed. If there is nothing on the form that would preclude the driver from operating a CMV, the ME should perform the DOT exam and if otherwise qualified, certify the driver for 1 year. The report should indicate that
If this is not the case, or if the HbA1c demonstrates uncontrolled blood sugar, the driver should only receive a temporary certificate of 3 months.
However, if the report indicates that the driver has experienced a severe hypoglycemic episode in the preceding 3 months or if they have either proliferative diabetic retinopathy or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the driver should be disqualified.
|
|
|
|
|
