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Session Evaluation

AOHC 2025

Work Fitness and Disability Management

214 - Occupational and Impairment Implications of Race-neutral Spirometry Reference Values: Engaging Occupational Medicine in Vital Discussions

Monday, April 28, 2025
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CT
Location: Lone Star Salon G
Claim 1.0 CME
In 2023, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommended that spirometry testing results should be interpreted using a race-neutral approach. Spirometry has multiple applications in occupational safety and health and the evaluation of disability and impairment, with comparison to specific reference values, often by regulation. Citing cases, existing literature, and present unknowns, this session will examine the implications of the use of race-neutral spirometry predictive values in occupational applications, such as eligibility for duty, medical surveillance standards, and determination of impairment in workers' compensation and disability systems. The session will launch discussions on steps the occupational medicine community can take to engage meaningfully in conversations surrounding this topic.

Learning Objectives:

  • List at least three reasons why the American Thoracic Society recommends use of race-neutral spirometry equations.
  • Describe how changes to reference values will impact classification of normal or abnormal lung function among different racial groups.
  • Describe how changes to classification of lung function may impact determinations of fitness for duty, impairment, and eligibility for compensation and benefits in workers' compensation and disability systems.
Disclosure(s):
Douglas W. Martin, MD: No financial relationships to disclose
Stella Hines, MD, MSPH: No financial relationships to disclose