Have you experienced any "sleep disorders, pauses in breathing while asleep, daytime sleepiness, loud snoring?"
This single question is currently the extent of identifying commercial drivers with sleep apnea.
This is why federal safety officials announced last month an aggressive new stance in identifying sleep apnea that would affect CDL drivers.
In a letter to the FMCSA, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that the agency implement a program to identify commercial drivers at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The NTSB also recommended that drivers be required to provide evidence that they've been evaluated for OSA and treated if necessary.
The NTSB also wants the FMCSA to distribute guidance to commercial drivers, employers and physicians on identifying and treating OSA.
The FMCSA is already considering a rule to tighten its standards for medical certification of commercial drivers.
Last year, the FMCSA Medical Review Board recommended the FMCSA require screening for OSA for drivers with a Body Mass Index over 30, but the agency has not acted on it.
It is unclear how soon the changes in regulations might take place or how such changes might be received by the trucking industry.