Final Rule · FR 2018-20161

Qualifications of Drivers; Diabetes Standard

Published Sep 19, 2018 at 83 FR 47486. A plain-English summary, key dates and a link to the official text.

Data as of: Oct 16, 2026 5:00 PM PDT

02 / In plain English · Medical certification

What this rule does.

Allowed drivers with properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes on a stable insulin regimen to drive in interstate commerce without an FMCSA exemption. The treating clinician fills out the ITDM Assessment Form, and the medical examiner can then issue a certificate for up to 12 months.

  • No exemption needed for stable, well-controlled insulin-treated diabetes.
  • Treating clinician completes Form MCSA-5870 for the examiner.
  • Medical certificate is good for up to 12 months.
Official summary from the Federal Register
FMCSA revises its regulations to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Previously, ITDM individuals were prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA. This rule enables a certified medical examiner (ME) to grant an ITDM individual a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), MCSA-5876, for up to a maximum of 12 months. To do so, the treating clinician (TC), the healthcare professional who manages, and prescribes insulin for, the treatment of the individual's diabetes, provides the Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (ITDM Assessment Form), MCSA-5870, to the certified ME indicating that the individual maintains a stable insulin regimen and proper control of his or her diabetes. The certified ME then determines that the individual meets FMCSA's physical qualification standards and can operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

Our summary restates the rule’s official abstract. It is not legal advice; the rule text (83 FR 47486) and any later amendments control.

03 / Key dates

Dates to know.

Published
Sep 19, 2018
Effective
Nov 19, 2018

04 / The record

Document details.

Federal Register document number
2018-20161
Document type
Final Rule
Docket IDs
Docket No. FMCSA-2005-23151
Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
2126-AA95

05 / Official source

Read the original.

Read the full text and details of this final rule at the Federal Register.

View on FederalRegister.gov (opens in a new tab)

This page provides structured facts from the official Federal Register document. It does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with official sources and consult qualified professionals.

06 / Calendar

Keep the dates in view.

Important dates from this document are included in the regulatory calendar and iCalendar feed.

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