The Association worked with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to change the medical standards for individuals with diabetes who wish to work as fire fighters.
Diabetes is no longer considered an automatic disqualifying condition, but rather, any disqualification because of diabetes or insulin use must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The standard contains a requirement that a person with diabetes have an A1C below 8% or else require further medical evaluation - something the Association strongly opposes.
NFPA 1582: Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, 2022 edition, may be ordered or viewed for free through the NFPA website.
The diabetes standard can be located in:
- Chapter 9: Occupational Medical Evaluations–Medical Conditions Involving the Endocrine System and Metabolic Function—section 9.8
- Annex A: Explanatory Material—section A.9.8
