FAA Proposes to Remove Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes as Disqualifying Medical Condition

Last week, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which would amend regulations to allow applicants with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) to apply for airman medical certification that may be issued at the time of their medical examination instead of requiring Special Issuance review by FAA.

Under current regulations in 14 CFR part 67, an applicant for medical certification who has an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (commonly referred to as diabetes) that requires insulin or any other hypoglycemic drug for control has a specifically disqualifying medical condition. These applicants must go through the FAA Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (hereafter referred to as “SI” process) under § 67.401, Special issuance of medical certificates. FAA proposes to amend §§ 67.113(a), 67.213(a), and 67.313(a), which provide the general medical standards for a first-class, second-class, or third-class airman medical certificate, to remove the phrase “or any other hypoglycemic drug” from these sections, thereby allowing persons with diabetes that can be controlled through the use of non-insulin medications who meet all other applicable medical qualifications to receive a medical certificate without having to go through the SI process.

NIDDM is routinely managed by primary care physicians today using a variety of treatments that may include one or a combination of oral or injectable medication(s). The availability of numerous new diabetes medication classes and other non-insulin treatments has substantially improved disease management. Diabetes is now more effectively controlled, resulting in a reduction in severe complications, including cardiovascular events, hypoglycemia, and other adverse outcomes. This level of disease management did not exist when the current regulatory language was adopted in 1959 and through the many ensuing years.

This rulemaking would allow medical certificate applicants with NIDDM to be evaluated by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) instead of being deferred to FAA for consideration of an SI from the Federal Air Surgeon.

You can view the NPRM here.