Certified Medical Examiners of the current physical qualifications standard and advisory criteria concerning the respiratory system, specifically how the requirements apply to drivers that may have obstructive sleep apnea.” But for now, whether or not school bus drivers are required to be screened still comes down to state regulations. Texas, for example, requires that school bus drivers undergo yearly medical physicals. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, these medical screenings are the same for both commercial drivers and school bus drivers. When asked if a law was passed requiring truckers to undergo apnea screening would apply to school bus drivers, the answer was one word: “Yes.” No one is disputing the fact that sleep apnea is dangerous. Studies


have shown that the risk of someone being involved in a motor vehicle accident is seven times greater if the driver has sleep apnea. Basically, sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep because the throat is blocked when the tongue and muscles relax. Te tell-tale signs are heavy snoring, snorting and pauses in breathing. OSA may result in extreme daytime sleepiness, and 90 percent of people with sleep apnea don’t know that they have it. FMCSA recognizes that sleepy drivers are dangerous, and it wants to screen workers based on their risk factors, such as being overweight, over 40 and having a large neck. While it’s absolutely clear that OSA is a danger to transportation


workers and that treatment for it is often very effective. What’s not clear is how to pay for it. Sleep studies and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines can be expensive, often costing $2,500 or more. Te 2013 law passed by Congress required a dis- cussion of these costs before enacting screening regulations. Because hearings are now required before sleep apnea screening


rules are enacted, the public allowed to comment through June 8. What remains unclear is how these rules, if passed, will affect school bus personnel. Because physical examination requirements vary from state to state, some bus drivers might not be affected. But bus drivers in states that require the same type of physicals for both commercial and school bus drivers will be. Another gray area involves school bus contractors. According to Anne Ferro, former FMCSA administer, school bus contractors who transport students across state lines are subject to the “full range of our safety rules.” Does this mean that they will be screened for sleep apnea? For most people who object to sleep apnea screening, cost is the primary roadblock. Who will pay for it? State transportation agencies? School districts? Will drivers themselves be required to pay for expensive sleep studies? Te National School Transportation Association is wary of this


proposed rule, as are its school bus contractor members. School districts also bristle. Ronald Henry, head of transportation for the Stephenville ISD in Texas, a district of approximately 3,600 students located about halfway between Abilene and Dallas, said he sees both sides of the issue but also wonders about funding. Henry has a military background and is familiar with the sleep apnea issue.


A 2013 study showed a high rate of insomnia and sleep apnea among soldiers. So he said he understands the dangers. “I get it,” said Henry, “but it comes down to cost-effectiveness. I’ve got a lot


School bus driver’s suspected of suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea have quite the contraption to look forward to for testing, not to mention who will pay for it or for potential treatment.


of folks driving who are senior citizens.” Like many of his peers, Henry wondered aloud how Stephenville might pay for these ex- pensive studies. He added that he doesn’t believe the requirement will cause driver shortages if a way can be found to pay for testing and treatment. At this report, a review of public comments submitted to the


federal register mostly by physicians indicate they are in favor of screening based on body mass index and neck size. Others, such as truck drivers, oppose the proposed regulations. Te primary concern is financial. Te worry is that drivers


who are singled out for testing will not be allowed to drive until physicians sign off on their treatment plans. In addition, drivers worry that their insurance companies won’t cover the cost of the expensive treatment. Even some who agree with the sleep apnea screening, in principle, question the cost. “Who is going to pay for all this testing?” one commenter said.


“Tere is already a huge shortage of drivers; what’s going to happen when there is a mass-exodus of drivers due to yet more intrusive government over-regulation?” Another added: “Rules and regulations are great, but when


a government agency starts telling you what medical tests you should have due to the size of your neck or your weight, that is morally wrong.” l


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