Summary for the July 20, 2006, MRB Operations Teleconference

Summary

Maggi Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, opened the teleconference. The purpose of the operations meeting was to discuss preparations for the meeting in Washington, DC August 29-31, 2006. FMCSA and MRB members discussed Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, administrative issues, the Board's advisory role, public participation, and next steps.

MRB members have received conflict-of-interest packets from FMCSA's lawyer, who will attend a portion of the August 2006 meeting to answer questions. MRB members accepted draft bylaws with no changes at this time. The Agency intends to appoint the first chairperson; a memo to the Office of the Secretary on this issue is in review and will be ready prior to the August meeting.

FMCSA explained that the MRB will be an independent advisory group, with support from FMCSA, which will provide oversight. MRB members asked about their input and responsibilities with the FMCSA Medical Research Panels, which investigate specific medical issues and develop consensus reports. Board members will review and have input in the panel work, but will not be involved in rulemaking. The MRB will incorporate information from the panels in its recommendations on medical standards. The first two issues panels will address are 1) diabetes and 2) drugs (Schedule II).

The initial priority is to review current physical qualifications for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Once that is done, the MRB will be involved in setting priorities. MRB members requested a work flow diagram of FMCSA's medical program and how the Board fits in, as well as a sampling of work, research methodology, and preliminary reports to be presented at the August 2006 meeting.

The group discussed logistics for the August 2006 meeting, which will include a truck demonstration to give them an understanding of the work environment and the power of a truck. The public portion of the meeting will be held August 31 at DOT from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Comments will be limited to relevant topics and may be limited in time, depending on the number of people who wish to participate. Oral comments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. MRB members requested a spreadsheet on any written comments submitted in advance so the doctors can anticipate issues to be addressed. A public listening session with FMCSA staff will be held after the public meeting, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. the same day. All media questions for MRB members are to be directed to FMCSA. The MRB will meet August 29-31, 2006, in Washington, DC.

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