WASHINGTON – Arguably another signal that U.S. regulators are nearing a sleep apnea testing proposal, former Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration administrator John Hill has joined SleepSafe as a senior advisor for regulatory affairs.

SleepSafe Drivers is a national provider of sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment programs.

Hill was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as administrator of the FMCSA in 2006 and previously served as FMCSA’s chief safety officer and assistant administrator.

"Trucking industry leaders are continuing to invest their own resources to better understand, recognize and finally treat sleep apnea issues with their drivers," Hill stated in a press release. "This is an important initial step before the government regulates the issue.

"My experience in working with safety issues with motor carriers has taught me the importance of providing solutions to owners and drivers which are proven, cost effective and flexible."

Hill says that the agency will soon issue guidelines to medical examiners that will identify and treat sleep apnea in commercial vehicle drivers.