Rules to change for commercial drivers with diabetes

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Rules to change for commercial drivers with diabetes

Oct. 26, 2018

More information:

  • FMCSA Medical Programs: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical
  • Commercial Drivers who have questions about the status of a current diabetes state waiver:
  • Visit OregonDMV.com, call a local DMV office, or call 503-945-5000.
  • News media: David House, 503-945-5270 or david.j.house@odot.state.or.us

 

SALEM – An upcoming change in federal rules will make it more convenient for commercial driver license holders who use insulin to control diabetes to meet medical requirements.

If you have questions about the federal medical requirements, contact a Certified Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry or FMCSA Medical Programs:

  • Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical
  • Email: FMCTECHSUP@dot.gov

 

CDL holders who pass their medical examination after Nov. 19, 2018, will no longer need a federal exemption or state waiver. Instead, they will use a glucometer device that measures their blood sugar level daily and stores the results for the medical provider who manages their diabetes.

Each driver’s current waiver or exemption will remain valid until its expiration date, but after Nov. 19 CDL holders can switch anytime to the new process by getting a new medical examiner’s certificate. A copy of the new medical certificate still must be filed with DMV anytime one is issued.

Once a CDL holder with a waiver or exemption gets a new medical certificate under the new rules, it is important for the driver to inform DMV when filing their new certificate.

Drivers need to send their new certificate to DMV in one of two ways:

  • Email a photo of the new certificate with “Waiver Clerk” in the subject line, name and license number to dsmec@odot.state.or.us.
  • Mail a copy to: DMV – DSU Waiver Clerk, 1905 Lana Ave. NE, Salem OR 97314.

To switch to the new method, a medical provider must fill out an assessment form from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Form 5870 will be available at the FMCSA medical site here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical

The driver’s medical provider who manages their diabetes will need 90 days of test results to complete the assessment. CDL holders are encouraged to start working with their medical provider before their current waiver expires because of the 90-day period.

A 90-day medical examination certificate may be issued if the driver is unable to start the new method in time to provide 90 days of test results and otherwise meets CDL medical requirements. A CDL holder who uses insulin for diabetes can then accumulate the needed test results to qualify for the one-year certificate.

Drivers who wish to change their driving type to non-excepted interstate after they get a new medical examination certificate can do so by visiting their local DMV office.

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