If you have an opinion about or wish to learn more about obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll have three opportunities in May.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration holds three listening sessions next month to gather input on a potential sleep apnea rule. They will be held:
- Thursday, May 12 in Washington, D.C., at the offices of the National Association of Home Builders
- Tuesday, May 17 in Chicago at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown/River North
- Wednesday, May 25 in Los Angeles at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites
All sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m. local time.
Each session is open to the public, and the FMCSA asks speakers to limit their comments to 3-5 minutes. Those who cannot attend the meeting in person can view a live webcast and will be given a chance to submit comments online that will be read aloud at the sessions. FMCSA will post specific information on how to participate via the webcast at this link ahead of the sessions.
The agency published in March a “pre-rule” intended as a data collection effort. The pre-rule was a questionnaire for industry stakeholders, requesting feedback on the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea, the cost and benefits of treatment, screening procedures and diagnostics, medical personnel qualifications and restrictions and treatment effectiveness. Comments on the rule can be made until June 8 and can be submitted here.
The FMCSA is also requesting information on the potential costs and benefits from possible regulations that address the safety risks that go along with truck drivers who have obstructive sleep apnea.
