When Do you disqualify a driver with Sleep Apnea?
Regarding screening for sleep apnea in DOT physicals. From my understanding, if I order a sleep study, the patient is temporarily disqualified until the study is complete. If they have obstructive sleep apnea found during testing, they must wait 1 month after CPAP treatment or 2 months after surgery.I have read other providers giving temporary DOT certification until testing is complete or between a patient having testing and having CPAP treatment. Is this allowed?
The DOT driver only needs to be disqualified for sleep apnea if s/he:
- Has been involved in a crash due to falling asleep
- Has excessive daytime sleepiness affecting the ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle
- Has sleep apnea and is non-compliant with treatment
In most cases the DOT driver can be given a “determination pending” or short term certification pending further evaluation. See below for full details and how you can learn about proper duration of treatment before certifying, certification duration/intervals, how to interpret compliance reports, and much more:
Learn More About Sleep Apnea in DOT Commercial Drivers Here!
Drivers, if you need a low cost sleep study, sign in here:
[popup type=”” link_text=”Sign in Here for a Sleep Study” link_class=”button”][display_form id=16][/popup]
Refer the driver to their personal provider, make an appropriate short term certification or determination pending until you get the results