The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is proposing to expand its sleep apnea screening and treatment to its entire system. The program will now screen Long Island Rail Road train engineers and conductors, New York City Transit subway train operators and conductors, and bus operators for New York City Transit and the MTA Bus Company.
Pending the approval of the MTA Board, MTA will become the first public transportation agency to systematically screen employees for obstructive sleep apnea and offer treatment to employees.
“Safety is our top priority and MTA is going further than any other transportation agency in the country to prevent the risks of apnea,” stated Thomas F. Prendergast, MTA chairman and CEO. “With this proposal, we are not just working to implement industry best practices, the MTA is defining best practices. Sleep apnea is a serious illness and treatment will improve the quality of life for those who have it, and help them live longer.”
Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that results in insufficient sleep. Left untreated, someone with the disorder functions with reduced alertness and may involuntarily fall asleep.
The MTA is using a similar method to Metro-North Railroad’s sleep apnea screenings. Employees who are deemed at risk based upon the screening will be referred for further testing and potential diagnosis and treatment. Those referred for more testing will be given an overnight sleep test. Based on the results, some employees may be required to undergo medical treatment for sleep apnea.
MTA is proposing the use of four separate firms to administer screenings, conduct sleep studies and make physician referrals in order to maximize capacity.