FMCSA To Drivers: Certified Medical Examiner Rule Now In Effect

The FMCSA’s new Certified Medical Examiner rule went into effect today. The FMCSA issued a press release, reminding drivers that beginning today, all USDOT driver physicals must be performed by a doctor form the Certified Medical Examiner’s Registry.

“The new program, which was required by federal law and addresses four National Transportation Safety Board recommendations, sets baseline training and testing standards for medical professionals who perform commercial driver physicals and for tracking of driver medical certificates,” the FMCSA’s press release states.

The FMCSA says that as of today, 22,000 practitioners are listed on the National Registry and an additional 27,000 practitioners are in the certification process.

“We have certified thousands of health professionals to conduct driver exams – with more being added every day,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “The online database is easily searchable so drivers can schedule their medical certification exam with a qualified healthcare professional wherever they might be – coast to coast, including Hawaii and Alaska.”

Medical examiners will be monitored and will be required to “maintain and demonstrate competence through periodic training and recertification testing.” The FMCSA said that practitioners who fail to maintain the FMCSA’s standards will be removed from the registry.

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.