Martin Duke, MD, MROFebruary 20, 2014

IntroductionWho can be a Medical Examiner?Medical Examiner Training and CertificationMedical Examiner RequirementsEmployer Responsibility

Federal Register – April 10, 2012Final Rule for National Registry of Certified ME

Compliance Date – May 21, 2014Where employer information available

National Registry of Certified ME 49 CFR 390.101- 390.115 Subpart DDriver and employer instructions 49 CFR 391.23, 49 CFR 391.42-43, 49 CFR 391.51

Doctor of Medicine – MDDoctor of Osteopathy – DODoctor of Chiropractic – DCAdvanced Practical Nurse - APNPhysician Assistant – PAAny Health Care Professional permitted by their state to perform physical examinations

Complete Training for CDLCourse must meet core curriculum specifications established by FMCSA

ME Training & Certification

Core Curriculum Specifications

Background, rationale, mission and goals of the FMCSA medical examiner’s role in reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities involving CMVFamiliarization with the responsibilities and work environment of CMV operationsIdentification of the driver and obtaining, reviewing, and documenting driver medical history, including prescription and OTC medicationsPerforming, reviewing and documenting the driver’s medical examination

Core Curriculum Specifications

Performing, obtaining, and documenting diagnostic tests and obtaining additional testing or medical opinion from a medical specialist or treating physicianInforming and educating the driver about medications and non-disqualifying medical conditions that require remedial careDetermining driver certification outcome and period for which certification should be validFMCSA reporting and documentation requirements

Satisfactorily pass certification exam approved by FMCSA

Certification exam based on FMCSA regulations and guidelines

Be issued a FMCSA certification credential and unique number

ME Training & Certification

Initial CertificationRetraining

Every 5 years to continue certificationRetesting

Every 10 years to maintain certificationRecord Retention

Minimum of 3 years required by Federal GovernmentState laws may require longer than 3 years

ME Certification & Requirements

After Driver ExaminationIf fully qualified, driver must be told results and given copy of “Medical Examiners Certificate.” If conditionally qualified, must be told how to achieve full qualification and time frame.If permanently disqualified, must be told why.

Monthly Electronic TransmissionsAll driver examinations performed during the preceding month MUST be electronically transmitted to the Registry

May refer the employee to a Certified ME in the local area or employee may see his/her own private physician as long as the examiner is certified. A list of certified examiners can be found at FMCSA registry – http://nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov

Must verify that the ME who issued the medical certificate is certified on the National Registry http://nrcme.fmcsa.dot.govMust obtain a copy of the medical certificate

from the Driver (49 CFR 391.23) ORfrom the Medical Examiner. The ME must provide copy to employer if requested (49 CFR 391.43)

Must put a note in driver’s qualification file indicating that review was performed(49 CFR 391.51)

Recent Changes by FMCSA

January 14, 2014 – Drivers must continue to carry the Medical ExaminersCertificate on their person until January 30, 2015

February 12, 2014 – National Drug and Alcohol Testing Clearinghouse Notice of Proposed Rulemaking information release(publication date TBA)

Would require employers to check clearinghouse beforehiring and annually thereafter.

Questions?