This release was issued under a previous government.
Drivers with well-managed diabetes no longer have to provide annual driver medical reports, pending the approval of their physician.
The new rules reflect changes recommended at the national level by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and take effect immediately. The changes will save time and money for individuals with diabetes and will allow physicians to provide more focused care for their patients.
The most significant changes are the elimination of annual driver medical reports for:
- commercial drivers holding a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence with Type 2 diabetes treated with diet and oral medication; and,
- non-commercial drivers holding a Class 5, 6 or 7 licence with Type 1 diabetes treated with insulin.
Driver medical reports will continue to be required:
- at the onset of the disease;
- when the status of the condition has changed, as determined by a physician or reported by the individual;
- for individuals with both acute and chronic complications of the disease;
- when an individual has suffered a severe hypoglycemic episode or an episode of hypoglycemic unawareness as determined by a physician or reported by the individual; and,
- at the standard operator’s licence renewal cycle based on the age or Class of licence.
More information about medical conditions and safe driving is available online at www.transportation.alberta.ca/542.htm.
Backgrounder: Questions and answers
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Martin Dupuis
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-1938
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Backgrounder
Questions and answers: Changes to diabetes medical reporting
How common is diabetes in Canada?
It is estimated that approximately five per cent of Canadians aged 20 years and older have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is somewhat more prevalent in males and overall it increases with age.
The Canadian Community Health Survey, 2010 reported that in Alberta 5.4 per cent of the population, or over 165,000 residents, indicated they had diabetes. Of those, 98,000 were males and 67,000 were females.
Why is this change being made now?
The revised Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators Medical Standards for Drivers relaxes the requirement for periodic reporting for Alberta licensed drivers with diabetes. The relaxed reporting provisions apply to individuals who are in one of the two following categories:
- commercial drivers with Type 2 diabetes treated with diet and oral medication holding a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence; and,
- non-commercial drivers with Type 1 diabetes treated with insulin holding a Class 5, 6 or 7 licence.
The drivers must understand their condition, follow their physician’s instructions and have their disease under control. Drivers in the above categories will be given a full licence term (e.g. 40-year-old driver who holds a Class 5 licence and has no medical complications receives a five-year licence term) and no longer require annual driver medical reporting because of their disease. These changes reflect advancements in medicine, education and self monitoring tools that enable people to maintain better control of their disease.
Will relaxing reporting requirements for Alberta licensed drivers with diabetes increase the risk for other users on the road?
No. British Columbia and Saskatchewan already implemented these changes and road safety has not been adversely affected. Also, these changes are made in light of the advancements in medicine, education and self-monitoring tools that enable people to maintain better control their disease.
What do the changes in the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators Medical Standards for Drivers mean to average Albertans?
For Albertans who do not have diabetes the regular medical standards still apply. There are no changes made to the driver’s licence application and renewal process.
When do the changes take effect?
Implementation of the revised medical standards will be effective immediately.
Will the changes cost me more money?
No. Persons with diabetes, their families, medical professionals and government agencies will benefit from this change through saving time and money as the requirements of medicals will be less frequent.
How long is the term of renewal for driver licences for drivers with diabetes?
The term of renewal for drivers with diabetes is based on the review of the last medical report at the time of renewal.
If a driver has other medical conditions besides diabetes, how often do they have to provide a medical report?
Depending on the severity of the driver’s diabetic condition and the nature of other condition(s), medical reports may be required more frequently. The frequency is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Before the changes to the medical standards, I submitted my medical report and got approval for licence renewal from Alberta Transportation. How can I get a longer licence term? Who do I contact in case I have questions?
Drivers will have the opportunity to apply for a longer/full licence term (depending on the current status of their diabetes and class of operator’s licence) by submitting a written request to Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring Section. Questions or concerns about these changes can be directed to Alberta Transportation’s Driver Fitness and Monitoring Section:
Alberta Transportation
Driver Fitness and Monitoring
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 - 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 2X3
780-427-8230 (Office) - To call toll-free within Alberta, dial 310-0000
780-422-6612 (Fax)
Are other jurisdictions changing their driver medical standards as well?
Yes, the implementation of the revised Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators Medical Standards for Drivers in September 2011 is a national initiative across Canada.
What is the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA)?
The CCMTA is the official organization in Canada for coordinating all matters dealing with the administration, regulation and control of motor vehicle transportation and highway safety. The CCMTA incorporates members from all Canadian governments (Provincial/Territorial/Federal) as well as associate members from transportation related organizations.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Martin Dupuis
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-1938
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.