Greg McDermand, RT of Phoenix Sleep Solutions, guides commercial truck drivers and fleet managers in the testing, treatment, and ongoing management of obstructive sleep apnea, fostering mutual understanding between the trucking and sleep medicine sectors.
Nearly three years after the enactment of the “sleep apnea bill” (Public Law #113-45) by President Obama, significant developments are being observed in the government’s initiative toward formal regulations for sleep apnea screening and treatment among truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators. While the 2013 law prohibited any informal guidance on sleep apnea within commercial transport, it was both welcomed for kicking off the rulemaking process and criticized for extending the timeline for actionable guidance.
It may take several years for new regulations to materialize, if they even do, but the rulemaking journey in 2016 has progressed through vital stages. In March, the FMCSA and the Federal Railroad Administration released an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), igniting public dialogue around sleep apnea in commercial transport. The agencies invited online feedback and hosted public forums. In August, the FMCSA’s Medical Review Board made formal recommendations, and public discussions regarding the effects of these recommendations on drivers were arranged.
For Greg McDermand, sleep apnea in trucking has long been a priority. A respiratory therapist since 1978, he explored the issue after being approached by a company in 2006. “At that time, few understood how to treat drivers or if regulations even existed,” he recalls. His concern grew as he noticed alarming messages in trucking publications such as “truckers with CPAP need not apply.” Thus, he founded Phoenix Sleep Solutions in 2006, merging his knowledge in sleep therapy with commercial transportation interests. Today, his company manages sleep apnea for numerous large fleets and many individual drivers, positioning McDermand as a dual advocate for drivers and sleep health.
Phoenix Sleep’s current initiative is the “FAST” campaign—“Fair Affordable Sleep Testing.” McDermand explains, “Our goal is to deliver cost-effective, high-quality sleep studies promptly.” During a recent interview, he shared insights on the evolving perceptions and awareness surrounding sleep apnea assessment and management in the trucking sector.
Greg expresses that while existing rules regarding sleep apnea—like CFR 391.43—have been somewhat vague, he advocates for more defined regulations to eliminate confusion. With rising attention on new guidelines, fleet safety directors are beginning to address sleep apnea more seriously. Drivers often reach out to Phoenix Sleep after being issued a limited Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, prompting them to act within a restricted timeframe to avoid losing their ability to drive.
Looking ahead, McDermand hopes for collaborative regulations accepted by all stakeholders in the transportation industry. “Sleep apnea is a pervasive issue, akin to high blood pressure or diabetes, that needs to be integrated into driver health assessments.” He emphasizes the importance of improving awareness and standardizing treatments to support the well-being of truck drivers.
