FMCSA Denies Narcolepsy Exemptions

The FMCSA last week announced the agency has denied three individual’s applications who were seeking exemptions from provisions that prohibit drivers from operating a CMV in interstate commerce if they have a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or “a mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle safely.”

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that inhibits the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may experience frequent or excessive daytime sleepiness or disrupted nighttime sleep.

According to the FMCSA, the agency concluded that the applicants did not demonstrate whether or not they could achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or grater than, the level of safety of current regulations.

Follow this link to read the FMCSA’s statement on the denial of the exemption.