has any one ever heard ther doc say this could effect your drivers liecense
 can anyone tell me how true this is !
what do they do call dmv and say u have sleep apnea and to restricte your licence

I live in Ontario Canada.  I was diagnosed almost 6 years ago.  At that time the Sleep Specialist told me that he was required, by law, to write to the Dept of Motor Vehicles and tell them that I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea but that, in his medical opinion, I could still drive a car because I was using cpap.  In other words, I was controlling the condition.  I have a copy of the letter he sent in my files  --somewhere. He was also required, by law, to give me a copy of the letter he sent.
Don't know if that's the law in the US or and other places in Canada for that matter.  I assume that if he felt I was not able to drive because of the condition, the letter would have said that!
I also don't know if the law has changed or not in 6 years.

There are a few states that either do require Dx'd & untreated OSA to be reported or are considering such legislation.

Knowingly driving w/Dx'd but untreated OSA is no different than getting behind the wheel when drunk. One is as selfish, inconsiderate and possibly fatal as the other.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

It depends upon what state you live in.  In Illinois, any condition that would cause a lost of conciousness is to be reported to the DMV.  If you are falling asleep at the wheel, and the doctor reports you , you might just lose your licsence.  I have a seizure disorder,  I need to be seizure free for 6 months if I would want to apply for a driver's liscence, I suppose it would be the same thing for any other condition that impairs driving. Bottom line, get your apnea treated, and you will still be able to drive.  I think most doctors will just tell you to stop driving until you get your sleep act together, and will give you a bit of time before they report to the dmv.  Virginia


_________________
Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA

I don't believe that in California there are requirements that all of you mention above. There is a requirement that if you have a history of passing out, fainting, etc, that the DMV be notified, but not for S/A per say.

I do agree with Crohnie that not choosing to treat your S/A and getting behind the wheel is a selfish act that endangers the public, very like drunk driving. How to enforce such a law...that I have no idea.

Neil

jpanotes wrote:

has any one ever heard ther doc say this could effect your drivers liecense
 can anyone tell me how true this is !
what do they do call dmv and say u have sleep apnea and to restricte your licence

Yes, it is very true.

Obviously depending on what state or country you live in.

In the UK, on diagnosis you must return your driving licence to the DVLA and cease driving. On completion of a medical form by your specialist your situation is reviewed. I believe that something like 95% of licences are passed on first application. Reviews of anything from 3 to 10 years are required. For commercial drivers an annual review is required (I believe a letter from the sleep specialist is sufficient.........confirming that symptoms are under control).

Recently in Ireland (in line with proposed new EU guidelines) the RSA (Road Safety Authority) are looking at the whole area of driver fatigue and expect to be introducing legislation).

Some time back (I think on this forum) there was mention of legislation in Pennsylvania which called for sleep specialists to report newly diagnosed sleep apnoea cases to the Driving Licence Authority. I beloeve that other states have similar legislation.

There have been reports of drivers, having been diagnosed with OSA and not using cpap, involved in RTAs (road traffic accidents) where others have been killed, receiving jail sentences and substantial fines. In these cases their medical records have been subpoened.

All in all, if symptoms (such as EDS) prevail........OSA sufferers should not drive.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

What would this do to insurance rates for everyone with OSA?

Heaven only knows given the situation of insurance in the USA today. Corporate greed has taken over this country and our government.

One would THINK that an OSA Dx should NOT affect your ability to get insurance AS LONG AS IT IS BEING TREATED.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

has any one heard of that in new jersey  or does any one have sleep apnea in nj
and has there doc told them the the samething!

Reportable condition means your doctor has to report the diagnosis to Motor Vehicles Branch
I was diagnosed in Manitoba in 93, reportable condition
moved to Alberta in 01, not reportable condition there
moved to Saskatchewan in 04, reportable condition
moved back to Manitoba in 08, still reportable condition


_________________
Remstar Auto with CFlex (not M series) since Sept 05
Adams Circuit pillows
CPAP since Feb 23 '93, only slept one night without since (by accident)

I dont think theres any reporting of sleep disorders in australia but they are strict with insulin using diabetics

I personally have no sympathy for apnea sufferers who refuse treatment and continue to drive


_________________
resmed S6 lightweight, respironics comfort gell mask using CPAP since 1995, no humidifier
during my many years of severe fatigue, no doctor ever asked me if I snored

I'm with you 100%, Lynn!!! No sympathy at all. Get adequately treated or stay the heck off the road and from behind the steering wheel!


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I was told by my PCP not to drive until my sleep apnea was successfully being treated. My doctor told me it was a reportable condition in Ontario but as far as I know he didn't make a report.