OPAM Workshop: DOT FMCSA NRCME Course-263074

263074 - Article 12

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The document from the American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventive Medicine outlines guidelines and criteria for determining the medical fitness of commercial drivers with various psychological disorders and substance abuse issues. The focus is on ensuring the safety of commercial driving by evaluating drivers' mental health conditions, treatment compliance, and the effects of medications.<br /><br />Disqualifying factors for all psychiatric conditions include active psychosis, compromised judgment, attention difficulties, suicidal behavior, and treatment side effects affecting safe driving. Specific guidelines are provided for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, personality disorders, substance abuse, and related psychotic disorders.<br /><br />For qualification, drivers must demonstrate treatment compliance, no disqualifying side effects, and undergo evaluations by mental health professionals familiar with the demands of commercial driving. A symptom-free waiting period is often required for diagnoses like bipolar disorder and major depression before certification or recertification.<br /><br />Special emphasis is placed on drug and alcohol abuse. Drivers must complete rehabilitation programs and demonstrate a history free of alcohol-related disorders or substance abuse before certification. However, ongoing self-help group attendance for recovery maintenance is encouraged and not regarded as disqualifying.<br /><br />The document also provides specific scenarios exemplifying the application of these guidelines, highlighting situations where certification should or should not be granted based on an individual's mental health and substance use history. For example, drivers with a history of schizophrenia are not certified, while those with controlled bipolar disorder might receive a one-year certification.<br /><br />Overall, the guidelines emphasize thorough evaluation, treatment stability, medication effects, and symptom-free periods to ensure drivers' capability to operate commercial vehicles safely.

Keywords

medical fitness

commercial drivers

psychological disorders

substance abuse

safety

mental health

treatment compliance

certification

rehabilitation programs

evaluation