The DC and the DOT Manual
A Clinical Reference Manual and Business Guide
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How would you handle the following "difficult" cases if they came into your office?
Scenario #1:
The driver presenting himself for a physical today has a history of severe depression and infact, attempted suicide 9 months ago. Would you be able to certify him following a release by his psychologist?
ANSWER: NO. An individual would need to be absent from driving for at least one (1) year from the date of the suicide attempt prior to recertification.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE: 2-1:11 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual.
Scenario #2:
The driver reports ten (10) weeks post MI. He is absent of angina and has been cleared by a cardiologist. Can you certify him? If so, how long is the certification?
ANSWER: YES. Certification is annual and the driver MUST have an ETT (Exercise Tolerance Test) every 2 years.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE 5-1:7 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual.
Scenario #3:
The driver has a history of COPD and recently had a physical examination performed by a specialist. As part of that physical a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) was performed where his Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) registered at 55%. Should you certify him?
ANSWER: NO. To be certified, a driver must have an FEV of at least 65% on his PFT.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE 5-1:12 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual.
Scenario #4:
The driver has a history of Migraine headaces and is taking Topamax, an anti-seizure medication, to treat his headaches. Should the driver be disqualified from driving because he is taking this medication?
ANSWER: NO. The driver may be qualified while taking this medication so long as he is not taking as a treatment for seizure disorder.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGES 2-7:9 & 7-1:9 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual.
Scenario #5:
The driver you are performing a physical on is taking lithium, an antipsychotic medication. His psychiatrist has provided information that the driver has been consistent with taking his medication and is well adjusted and stable. It is his written opinion that the driver should be certified to drive a CMV. Should he be certified?
ANSWER: YES. The driver may be certified.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE 2-1:14 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual
Scenario #6:
The driver has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease but he shows only a very slight intention tremor, appears in overall good health, otherwise, and his neurologist feels that he can drive. Can he be certified?
ANSWER: NO. The driver is automatically disqualified. If he is stable, under treatment, and compliant with no on/off phenomena, no side effects, and no mental impairments, he may "appeal" the decision.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE 7-1:9 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual
Scenario #7:
The driver has suffered a case of Benign Positional Vertigo 2 weeks ago following a bad cold. During his exam, no abnormalities are discovered. Should he be certified?
ANSWER: NO. The driver must wait a period of 2 months following his most recent episode prior to being certified.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE 7-1:9 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual
Scenario #8:
You control the drug/alcohol testing program for a large, local trucking company. Their HR Representative calls and is concered about one of his mechanics and wants you to perform a "Just Cause" drug test. He asks you how long marijuana and cocaine stay in a person's system.
ANSWER: Marijuana, Casual Use, stays in one's system between 1-4 days; Chronic users up to 14 days. For Cocaine, it stays in the system for up to 72 hours.
ANSWER FOUND ON PAGE 9-1:10 of the "DC and the DOT" Manual
THE DC AND THE DOT: A CLINICAL REFERENCE MANUAL AND BUSINESS GUIDE
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