Medical examiners often grapple with waiting periods, navigating rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) versus discretionary guidelines. The relevant rules for subdural hematoma are 49CFR391.41(b)7, regarding neuromuscular and vascular disease, and (b)8, seizure disorders. Neither of these, or any of the rules, say anything about waiting periods.
Whether you’ve had an occupational medicine program or planning to add these services, you know the “customer” you are serving is not the individual patient. Of course, you are always going to take great care of the patient.
FMCSA has issued an extended Emergency Declaration covering multiple regulations, including a deferral for medical certification examinations for drivers performing essential pandemic-related services.
Obesity is an epidemic in commercial drivers. As a group, they are also getting older, are sedentary, smoke, have poor eating habits, have multiple medical problems including cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea, and are unhealthier than the general population.
When should blended clinics be considered? Opportunities differ in every market. Careful market analysis is recommended to identify opportunities for the blended model either OHP and UC, OHP and Primary Health, OHP and women’s health, and OHP and rehab are examples of the blended models.
A waiver is temporary regulatory relief from one or more of the FMCSRs given to a person subject to the regulations, or a person who intends to engage in an activity that would be subject to the regulations. A waiver provides the person with relief from the regulation for up to three months. 49 CFR 391.64 provides waivers to CMV drivers who were in the initial vision and insulin programs in the early 1990’s.