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WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dr. Elliott J. Alpher, Diplomate to and representing the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for the 114th Congress met today to ask her support on proposed rulemaking for screening, diagnosing, treating and tracking compliance of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in individuals occupying sensitive positions in highway and rail transportation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have requested data and information concerning the prevalence of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among individuals occupying safety sensitive positions in highway and rail transportation, and on its potential consequences for the safety of rail and highway transportation.
Many mental functions are reduced when an individual experiences fatigue and sleepiness. It is estimated that 20% of accidents are caused by drivers’ inattention and sleepiness, and the occurrence of drowsiness when driving is a major risk factor for dangerous accidents. Chronic excessive sleepiness and sleep-disordered breathing are common in commercial vehicles drivers.
“OSA is a prevalent disorder among workers, which increases the risk of occupational accidents and has a significant impact on public safety. Fortunately, many of these accidents could be prevented by screening and treating sleep-disordered breathing with the resources and technology available…we are grateful to have Congresswoman Eshoo’s support on this matter,” says Dr. Alpher.
Dr. Alpher, one of the District’s most experienced specialists for sleep and jaw disorders, on staff at George Washington University Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital, has been known as a leader in the treatment of sleep disorders and jaw pain for 25 years. Dr. Alpher has pioneered a conservative, non-invasive approach utilizing computerized and verifiable diagnostic methods to treat TMD, snoring and sleep apnea. This method of treatment has proven to be greatly successful and is highly regarded as the first method of choice by physicians and patients.
Dr. Alpher was also recently responsible for heading a delegation to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Medical Advisory Board (MAB) to introduce the new technology of compliance chips in oral appliances to treat and monitor sleep apnea and snoring of truckers and other transportation personnel. In addition, he earned the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine in October 2013 and serves as a board member. Dr. Alpher is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, Life Member of both the American Dental Association and the District of Columbia Dental Society. Dr. Alpher is also a board member and Diplomate to the Board of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy https://asba.net
View Comments for FMCSA-2015-0419
“In the Matter of Medical Certifi cation of Transportation Workers in Safety Sensitive Positions; Individuals Exhibiting Risk Factors for Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea”
https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FMCSA-2015-0419