[New York] MTA Expands Sleep Apnea Program Systemwide

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
D.H.
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[New York] MTA Expands Sleep Apnea Program Systemwide

Post by D.H. » Fri Jan 27, 2017 5:11 pm

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is screening all conductors and engineers for Sleep Apnea. This is in the aftermath of several train accidents traced to Sleep Apnea. This is long overdue!

However, the screening will be by body mass Index, neck circumference, and a medical questionnaire. I think a number of cases will be missed with such screening. I fear that many will answer the questionnaire in a way to avoid a diagnosis, fearing job loss and just not considering the safety ramifications.

Also, there is the issue of compliance monitoring and the issue of having to furlough employees upon diagnoses until confirmation of successful treatment. Then there's the issue of what to do about employees who can't use CPAP or still have significant issues despite compliance.

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JDS74
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Re: [New York] MTA Expands Sleep Apnea Program Systemwide

Post by JDS74 » Sat Jan 28, 2017 1:34 pm

Screening by questionaire is always an issue as the answers that indicate apnea are readily available on line.
As to the other screening criteria, some will surely be missed but not all.

The proposed program is better than what is in place right now.

For employees who can't or won't adapt to CPAP usage, I don't think that the MTA owes them employment when such employment is a risk to passengers and others.

For the period of time in which identified sleep apnea sufferers are establishing that they are being successfully treated, assigning extra personell to assist and monitor their performance is a small price to pay during the transition.

At some point, a real polysomnogram will/should be required for future employment as a screening tool.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: [New York] MTA Expands Sleep Apnea Program Systemwide

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:46 pm

And said test cannot be conducted at home, where a ringer could be substituted.

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avi123
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Re: [New York] MTA Expands Sleep Apnea Program Systemwide

Post by avi123 » Sun Jan 29, 2017 1:05 pm

Elaine Chao may not agree to do it.

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D.H.
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Re: [New York] MTA Expands Sleep Apnea Program Systemwide

Post by D.H. » Sun Jan 29, 2017 10:01 pm

chunkyfrog wrote:And said test cannot be conducted at home, where a ringer could be substituted.
Presumably, this would be a felony for both the ringer and the ringee. It's fraudulent impersonation!

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