Sleep Apnea

I didn't know about the registry. Thanks for that telling us about that. I don't have sleep issues.

 

“FMCSA regulations do not currently address sleepapnea” This is why you’re not seeing it in the handbook.

Basically, Sleep Apnea is disqualifying under fmcsa…and not a requirement to be tested for it.
This is where the physicians use their own discretion to test you or not and they have independent guidelines to go by. This is the Dr’s covering their own behinds from a potential lawsuit and loss of license.

Once they order you to take a test you have to get cleared every year to drive. From my understanding if you have sleep apnea you start with a one month card, then a 3 month and finally a one year med card.
Has nothing to do with the fmcsa since they’ve taken a back seat on the subject. This is purely between you and your physician that ordered the test to begin with.

Read CPAP and compliance recommendations

https://www.concentra.com/-/media/p...irements-for-sleep-apnea.pdf?t=20200920015020

 

This is one of those deals where if you have a machine, you need to be using it.

Myself, I use it every night for the full night. When the DOT doc saw that on my machine report, he positively commented on my usage numbers. It’s proof for them to be confident in the driver doing what they should be doing. Still, a 1yr card is all he issues, when on a CPAP. My previous employer, who conducts their own DOT physicals, is the same. I feel like they’d issue 2yr cards, if it were possible.

 

You’re not going to lose your CDL over a correction. However, there’s a possibility to snag a violation, depending on questions #25-#27. If you’re on a CPAP and answered “no” to any of those, it’s a violation. If answering “yes” to those, then, based on the rest of us, you should be on a 1yr card. However, maybe, you got lucky with a 2yr card. What does your long form show for your answers?

 

You’re in clear violation. You need to get that corrected, when possible. This isn’t about worrying should you get stopped and inspected; it’s about protecting yourself should you suffer an unfortunate accident that results in an investigation. During that investigation, you will be found negligent and charged. And, your employer will be wondering why you didn’t have yourself squared away. In our litigious society, you have to make sure you’ve got yourself covered, in every way possible. I’d suggest you seek guidance from your safety department, so your employer is aware of the situation, too.

 

Get it fixed, beforehand. That way, the forms you turn into the new employer are as they should be. You don’t want to start work, then, have to go back and fix stuff. It’ll delay you making money.

You need to swing by your machine’s supplier (Rotech supplied my machine and reports) or primary doctor’s office and get a 90-day report, so you can prove to the DOT doctor you’re legit. Also, you may ask your primary doctor for a letter stating he/she is confident in your CPAP usage and health. Some DOT doctors like to see that, as confirmation.

 

I would tell/show your employer & explain u made an honest mistake & then the DR.