New DOT Medical Certificate Requirements

Some of you may be aware of the significant changes that will take place concerning the administering and recording of DOT physicals that will go into effect on May 21, 2014. Below is a copy of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) bulletin with the link to the national registry website for your reference along with a copy of the frequently asked questions concerning the implementation of this rule.

The short version is that ALL DOT medical examinations, both initial and renewal, must be done by a medical provider listed on the National Registry on or after May 21, 2014, for the physical to be valid and in force.

If your drivers HAVE a current physical, that physical will still be good until the expiration date when the driver will fall under the requirements of this new rule. You as a carrier, are REQUIRED to verify that physicals on or after May 21, 2014, have been performed by a medical provider listed on the registry and to note that on the physical form.

This leads to the next issue. Due to the increasing complexity of the medical portion, we need to remind you that you need the physical long form and not just the medical card on new hires and renewal physicals. In fact the FMCSA prefers (read that "wants to see") the physical long form with the CDL file when they come to audit.

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:

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!

Update 4/10/2014