Latest news with #ELP
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will Texas Enforce FMCSA English Proficiency Rules for Intrastate CDL Drivers?
In Texas, drivers who cannot read or speak English may still be issued commercial driver's licenses if they operate solely within the state's borders. This policy is not new. Per Texas Transportation Code § 522.043(b), the state prohibits requiring English language proficiency for intrastate-only CDL holders. The Texas Administrative Code and the official Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook support this stance, noting that ELP only applies to interstate drivers. But a new enforcement directive from FMCSA, effective June 25, states that any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver failing to meet the English proficiency standard under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) will be placed out of service if operating in interstate commerce. The issue? Texas isn't enforcing this for intrastate fleets and never really has. Federal Funds at Risk? MCSAP Says Maybe This enforcement discretion may violate the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), a federal grant program that gives states funding for enforcement in exchange for aligning with FMCSA safety regulations. 49 CFR 350.305 outlines the limited list of allowable state-level variances. English proficiency isn't one of them. So, unless Texas has formally petitioned FMCSA for a variance – and DPS leadership confirms the state hasn't – Texas' refusal to enforce this could jeopardize MCSAP funding. TDPS Says No to ELP Enforcement, But FMCSA Says That's Changing The Playbook directly messaged leadership at Texas DPS, and the agency stated that it does not have a formal FMCSA-approved exemption. However, historically, FMCSA has turned a blind eye. That leniency may be coming to an end. Texas never enforced English proficiency for Intrastate drivers before the 2014-2015 FMCSA enforcement directive and still hasn't. But now, with FMCSA saying ELP violations will result in out-of-service orders, the conversation is shifting. Texas may be forced to act if FMCSA chooses to enforce funding eligibility under MCSAP. What's at Stake for Fleets? For now, fleets operating intrastate in Texas may continue employing non-English-speaking drivers with a restricted CDL if they stay within the state. But carriers need to be extremely careful: Interstate operations are subject to federal ELP enforcement. That includes for-hire and private carriers operating across state lines or hauling loads that begin or end outside Texas. MCSAP enforcement could force Texas to revise its policies or risk losing significant federal funding. Border state complications may emerge. As a border state, Texas is uniquely exposed to federal scrutiny, especially given the broader political climate and FMCSA's evolving enforcement stance. Compliance Is No Longer Optional The key takeaway? Carriers must evaluate whether their drivers are genuinely intrastate and ensure their CDL designations, load documentation and operational areas support that claim. The days of looking the other way on English proficiency may be numbered. As the FMCSA steps up enforcement and grant eligibility becomes more stringent, states like Texas may be forced to close the gap between state law and federal expectations or risk the financial and regulatory fallout. The post Will Texas Enforce FMCSA English Proficiency Rules for Intrastate CDL Drivers? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: After PGI, Project Sarathi to be implemented in 1,467 hospitals
Project Sarathi, a student volunteer initiative to help patients in hospital navigation, which was launched at PGIMER, Chandigarh, last year, will now be expanded to 34 states and Union Territories. PGIMER deputy director (administration) Pankaj Rai detailed that with the joint backing of the Union ministries of health and family welfare, and youth affairs and sports, a total of 1,467 hospitals had been approved for the project under 'Seva Se Seekhen', an experiential learning programme (ELP) in health, modelled on the concept of PGIMER's Project Sarathi, as listed on the MyBharat portal. As per the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports, the following states and UTs have either completed or have programmes ongoing based on the project's concept: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Of the 1,467 hospitals, implementation of ELP has been completed at 551 hospitals between September 17, 2024, and May 31, 2025. ELP is currently ongoing at 95 hospitals of which 81 are permanent health ELPs. Launched on May 5, 2024, Project Sarathi is a community service initiative aimed at improving patient experience by deploying student volunteers to assist in managing daily crowds, guiding patients within the hospital and easing OPD operations. The initiative involves 6,444 volunteers nationwide. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, including 10 colleges and eight schools, have contributed over 50,340 hours in providing hospital navigation and support services at PGIMER. These efforts have led to the reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, according to a post-implementation impact study by PGIMER's department of community medicine.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
PGI's Project Sarathi to be adopted by 1,467 hospitals in 34 states and UTs
In a significant leap towards healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, Project Sarathi, an innovative hospital navigation and patient support initiative launched by the PGIMER Chandigarh on May 5, 2024, has now expanded its reach across 34 states and Union Territories (UTs). With the joint backing of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, a total of 1,467 hospitals have been approved under the Seva Se Seekhen — Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals, as listed on the MyBharat portal. Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER, expressed his enthusiasm about the nationwide replication of the Project Sarathi model. 'Launched with the twin objectives of simplifying hospital navigation for patients and channelising the energy of India's youth towards meaningful social contributions, Project Sarathi has evolved into a distinctive model of community engagement. It aims to create a hospital environment where patients and their attendants feel guided, supported, and well-informed from the moment they arrive. At the same time, it offers students a structured platform to embrace social responsibilities during their formative years, thereby fostering greater civic consciousness and empathy,' Lal said. Lal further added, 'As envisioned under the leadership of Union Health Minister, Project Sarathi was launched as a modest yet confident step toward enhancing patient facilitation through volunteer engagement, and it has now blossomed into a nationwide movement with over 50,000 volunteer service hours logged at the PGIMER alone'. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (Administration), PGIMER, added that 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs have been approved under the Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Health, on the Portal/Website, which is modelled on the concept of PGIMER's Project Sarathi. Of these, implementation of ELP has been completed in 551 hospitals from September 2024 till May, 2025 and in 95 hospitals, ELP is currently ongoing in the health sector out of which 81 are permanent health ELPs. The initiative actively involves 6,444 student volunteers nationwide, while work is progressing in the remaining 821 hospitals. 'Initially launched as a pilot to meet the rising demand for hospital navigators and patient support, Project Sarathi aimed to train and deploy student volunteers to help patients navigate complex hospital environments. Its early success, reducing patient confusion, improving time efficiency, and enhancing overall hospital experience, garnered the attention of other hospitals, medical colleges, and policymakers alike,' Rai said. At the PGIMER, a total of 816 students from 18 institutions have contributed over 50,340 hours of hospital navigation and support services. These efforts have led to measurable improvements, such as a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, improved staff efficiency, and students assume non-clinical support roles.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Project Sarathi expands footprint in hospital navigation, patient support nationally
Chandigarh: Project Sarathi, the groundbreaking hospital navigation and patient support initiative pioneered by PGIMER, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its innovative model across 34 states and Union territories of India. This nationwide rollout underscores a major leap in healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, with the backing of the ministries of health and family welfare and youth affairs & sports. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI, said, "A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative under the 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' listed on the MyBharat portal." He added, "The 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs are now onboarded for the experiential learning programme in health, modelled on the successful framework of PGI's Project Sarathi." The implementation of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) showed remarkable progress. From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, ELP was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals. Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services. These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth. From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale. The ministry of youth affairs and sports has confirmed that various states and UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have either completed or have ongoing programmes based on the Project Sarathi concept. BOX KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024 A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative Chandigarh: Project Sarathi, the groundbreaking hospital navigation and patient support initiative pioneered by PGIMER, has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its innovative model across 34 states and Union territories of India. This nationwide rollout underscores a major leap in healthcare facilitation and youth engagement, with the backing of the ministries of health and family welfare and youth affairs & sports. Pankaj Rai, deputy director (administration), PGI, said, "A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative under the 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' listed on the MyBharat portal." He added, "The 1,467 hospitals across 34 states and UTs are now onboarded for the experiential learning programme in health, modelled on the successful framework of PGI's Project Sarathi." The implementation of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) showed remarkable progress. From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, ELP was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals. Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024. A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services. These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth. From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale. The ministry of youth affairs and sports has confirmed that various states and UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have either completed or have ongoing programmes based on the Project Sarathi concept. BOX KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Sarathi was formally inaugurated on May 5, 2024 A total of 816 students from 18 institutions, comprising 10 colleges and eight schools, collectively contributed over 50,340 hours of invaluable hospital navigation and support services These efforts led to measurable and significant improvements, including a reduction in average patient wait time from 4.2 hours to 2.8 hours, increased patient and attendant satisfaction, enhanced staff efficiency as students took on non-clinical support roles, and the productive engagement of youth From its beginnings as a local pilot, Project Sarathi blossomed into a national initiative of immense scale From Sept 17 last year to this May 31, 'Seva Se Seekhen – Experiential Learning Programme in Hospitals' was successfully completed in 551 hospitals. At present, 95 hospitals are actively running the ELP, with 81 of these designated as Permanent Health ELPs. This vast undertaking actively involves 6,444 dedicated student volunteers across the nation, with work steadily progressing in the remaining 821 approved hospitals A total of 1,467 hospitals have now received approval to implement this impactful initiative
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
New DOT rule could worsen trucker shortage, cause delivery delays
The United States does not have enough truck drivers. A report from altLine, a factoring service, revealed recently that the country is short as many as 24,000 truckers. This comes at a huge cost. There are so many trucks sitting idle because of driver shortages that altLine reports the freight industry is losing an estimated $95.5 million every week. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The lack of qualified drivers impacts not just trucking industry profits, but also consumers. It's a simple fact that when there are too few drivers, this leads to both delivery delays and higher freight costs, as a low supply and high demand inevitably drive up shipping prices. Related: Huge trucking company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy 'The trucking shortage isn't an isolated labor issue; it's a national economic challenge. Billions in potential revenue are being lost in just the freight industry, and the consequences for businesses and consumers further down the chain are immeasurable but undeniably significant,' altLine reported. Now, the Department of Transportation has announced a new rule that's going into effect, which could potentially make the situation worse. New DOT rule could lead to worsening truck driver shortage On May 20, the Department of Transportation announced a new rule that could reduce the number of truckers available to fill all the vacant jobs. It could also reduce the number of truckers who are able to continue driving their current routes. A statement on the DOT website explained the new requirement, stating, 'Under the new guidance, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who fail to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) longstanding English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements will be placed out-of-service.' Related: Another major trucking company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Drivers who are placed out of service are no longer legally allowed to drive until they correct the issue - which means, in this case, being able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language. The DOT statement explained that the move had been made to put President Trump's April 2025 Executive Order into effect. That executive order directed the Department of Transportation to rescind guidance that was in place during the Obama administration and which relaxed the language fluency requirements for drivers. English proficiency requirements exist, but haven't been enforced The Trump Administration did not create the idea of English language requirements. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules governing truckers make clear that drivers who don't read or speak English well enough to understand highway traffic signs and signals are not qualified to be commercial motor vehicle operators. Related: Major trucking company files Chapter 11 bankruptcy However, in 2016, the Obama Administration instructed officials that drivers should not be prevented from driving if they fail to demonstrate the required language knowledge. It is this directive that the DOT is reversing, with the stated goal of improving safety. 'America First means safety first, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. 'Americans are a lot safer on roads alongside truckers who can understand and interpret our traffic signs. This common-sense change ensures the penalty for failure to comply is more than a slap on the wrist.' Some professional groups support change The American Trucking Association, which had raised this issue as a point of concern in an April letter to the Secretary of Transportation, supports the change made by the Administration and issued a statement expressing gratitude. However, some opponents of the move question whether it will worsen the already-problematic trucker shortage, both by taking current drivers off the road and deterring some foreign-born drivers from trying to qualify for commercial driving positions. More Economic News: Tesla, Elon Musk make drastic decision amid U.S.-China trade warMajor U.S. automaker makes harsh decision in the wake of tariff tussleTariffs will devastate this entire industry An estimated 3.8% of the CDL workforce is reportedly limited in their English proficiency, according to an analysis of DOT data conducted by the Women of Trucking Advisory Board. FTR Intelligence also reported an estimated 15,200 English language proficiency violations in the two years prior to March. That's a significant number of workers. If thousands are put out of service and more potential drivers don't enter the profession, truckers could become even more scarce. With trucks carrying around 72% of freight in the U.S., this will inevitably have consequences, including more lost revenue and a greater likelihood of shipping delays as trucks sit idle. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
