FMCSA: Medical Examiner Requirement Going Into Effect SOON!

Beginning May 21, 2014, all driver medical examinations must be performed by a doctor on the FMCSA’s Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

“To keep America’s interstate CMV drivers healthy and our roads safer, all interstate CMV drivers will soon be required to have their medical examinations performed by a Certified Medical Examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners,” the FMCSA said in a press release.

Currently, all CDL holders are required to have a valid medical certificate that is signed by their doctor. The only change that that now, when a driver’s medical card expires, he or she must be examined by a certified examiner.

Prior to this rule, there was no required training program for medical examiners who conducted physical exams on CDL holders. “The former rules required that any medical professional licensed by his or her State to conduct physical examinations could conduct driver medical certification exams. No specific knowledge of the Agency’s physical qualification standards was required or verified by testing,” the FMCSA states.

The FMCSA feels that some of the medical professionals who were conducting the physical exams might have been unfamiliar with the FMCSA’s physical qualification standards.

“These professionals may also be unaware of the mental and physical rigors that accompany the occupation of CMV driver, and how various medical conditions (and the therapies used to treat them) can affect the ability of drivers to safely operate CMVs,” the FMCSA states.

The FMCSA has created on online database of all certified medical examiners. The site features a map that helps you located certified examiners in your area. In addition, the site offers detailed information for examiners and for drivers.

FROM FMCSA:

Attention Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers and Carriers:

Did you know an important law affecting you goes into effect May 21, 2014?

To keep America’s interstate CMV drivers healthy and our roads safer, all interstate CMV drivers will soon be required to have their medical examinations performed by a Certified Medical Examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

If you’re an interstate CMV driver, you already need a valid medical certificate signed by a medical examiner. The only change is that after May 21, 2014, you’ll need to go to a certified medical examiner for your medical certificate. If you’ve already had an exam and have a current certificate that certificate will be valid until its regular expiration date.

You can find certified medical examiners in your area—or anywhere in the country—easily by following

1. Visit the National Registry Web site and search by Zip Code, State, or examiner name.

2. Choose a certified medical examiner from the list and call to make an appointment.

3. If your preferred health care professional isn’t on the list, simply refer him or her to the Certified Medical Examiners page to learn more about getting certified.

Please spread the word and encourage your fellow CMV drivers to find a Certified Medical Examiner by May 21st. They can find more information in the Fact Sheet for Drivers or by going to the National Registry Web site, so pass it along!

Thank you for keeping America moving and for your commitment to safer roadways.