Editing error delays approval of Insulin-Treated Diabetes Assessment Form

An editing error that added a month to the public comment period on a rule that loosened regulations for insulin-dependent diabetics. That has led the Office of Management and Budget to withdraw approval from the new Insulin-Treated Diabetes Assessment Form, the FMCSA confirmed to Land Line.

However, the agency said the rule is still set to go into effect on Nov. 19.

In September, FMCSA announced a final rule that no longer requires insulin-dependent truck drivers to acquire an exemption to operate in interstate commerce. The agency was required to provide a 30-day public comment period until Oct. 19 on the new Insulin-Treated Diabetes Assessment Form (MCSA-5870). However, an editing error established Nov. 19, which also is the rule’s effective date, as the final day of the public comment period.

To make sure everyone who planned to submit a comment on the form has time to do so, OMB withdrew its approval of the form. OMB will act on the form after Nov. 19.

Until OMB approves the form, FMCSA cannot require its use by drivers wishing to qualify to drive under the revised diabetes standard.

Drivers who voluntarily wish to use the draft form may do so, the agency said. FMCSA added, however, that newly received comments could result in “cosmetic” changes to the form’s appearance and to the information being collected.

A final version of the diabetes form will be posted on the FMCSA website and any changes will be noted, the agency said.