New Rule for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers with Diabetes Controlled by Insulin

Premier Pulse     December 2018

On November 19, 2018, a new rule went into effect that no longer contains a blanket exclusion from driving a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce for individuals with diabetes whose treatment plan includes insulin. This includes most truck and bus drivers, delivery vehicles, and many more. It also covers commercial drivers who cross state lines.

What you should know about the new rule:

  • Individuals must provide the treating clinician with at least the preceding three months of electronic blood glucose records while being treated with insulin.
  • The treating clinician will complete the MCSA-5870 Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (newly updated form).
  • The treating clinician must certify that the individual has a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes.
  • Within 45 days of completion of the MCSA-5870 form, the individual with diabetes must be medically examined by a medical examiner who will complete the medical certification process. 
  • The new rule contains no hemoglobin A1c requirement.
  • Disqualifying complications of diabetes: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and others if it impairs an individual’s ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.
  • Recertification is required every 12 months.

Where to find additional information:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/rulemaking/2018-20161

diabetes.org/CDL

Your Premier Health Diabetes Education experts:

premierhealth.com/Diabetes-Services/

Source: Federal Register/Vol 83, No. 182/Wednesday, September 19, 2018/Rules and Regulations.

Back to the December 2018 issue of Premier Pulse

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