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FMCSA Webinars Discuss Driver Examination Forms

The FMCSA has hosted a series of webinars focusing on the implementation and use of driver examination forms. The webinars are free and are hosted by FMCSA representative. Contact FMCSA for details. In the webinar on 6/26/17 the following information was discussed.

Since the online form on the NRCME site – 5850 – cannot be edited, if driver certification information changes a new online form must be completed.

Until June 22, 2018 Medical Examiners are required to provide medically qualified CMV drivers with a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certification form, Form MCSA-5876. As of June 22, 2018, it will no longer be necessary to give a medical certification card to drivers qualified for interstate commerce, but it will still be necessary to give drivers a card who are non-CDL holders.  After that date, the medical examiner’s certificate information for CLP/CDL applicants/holders will be electronically transmitted from the National Registry to the State Driver’s License Agencies, eliminating the need to issue a paper certificate to those drivers.  Medical Examiners will still be required to provide the MEC, Form MCSA-5876 to non-CLD drivers and requesting employers. Medical examiners will be required to report the results of driver examinations to the FMCSA by midnight local time of the next calendar day following the examination.

Determination Pending status allows the ME up to 45 days to obtain additional medical information and/or examination results in order to make a determination as to whether or not the driver is physically qualified to drive a CMV in accordance with § 391.41(b). If used the ME is required to inform the driver that:
• Additional information must be provided or further examination must be completed within 45 days.
• The Determination Pending status will be reported to FMCSA. The driver may continue to operate a CMV if he/she has a current valid MEC. If the requested information and examination results are not completed and provided to the ME within 45 days:
• The examination will no longer be valid.
• The driver is required to obtain a new examination in order to obtain a MEC, Form 5876.

Medical Examiners may use forms from a variety of sources, including outside vendors. However, the Medical Examiner is responsible for assuring that the forms used are current and in compliance with FMCSA requirements.

The driver’s address on the medical certification documentation may be different from what is on the driver’s driver’s license, and may be a post office box.

The FMCSA again emphasized that Medical Examiners may perform drug and alcohol testing (and other types of testing as well) as part of the certification examination. However, since such testing is not required, it should not be performed using FMCSA forms and the driver should be informed that the testing is not being performed as a FMCSA requirement.

The FMCSA recommends that the Medical Examiner ask the driver what type of certification is required – i.e., CDL, intrastate only, etc. Medical Examiners must be familiar with the state requirements for driver certification for each state that the Medical Examiner performs intrastate driver examinations.

The FMCSA performs random audits and spot checks. If forms are not completed correctly the Medical Examiner, the Medical Examiner will be subject to disciplinary action which may include removal from the National Registry.

Medical Examiners can download current DOT FMCSA NRCME Medical Examiner applications and forms here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/medical-applications-and-forms

Enroll in the NRCME Training Institute today or purchase our $99 NRCME Exam Reference Materials. Call us at (941) 600-8411 for more program information and for any current single provider enrollment discounts.

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10-Year Recertification Notice

Certified Medical Examiners on the National Registry are required to be recertified no sooner than 9 years and no later than 10 years from the date of issuance of their medical examiner certification credential. Recertification requires that providers complete an accredited training program such as ours and pass the in-person national NRCME certification examination.

Call (941) 600-8411 for a single-provider discount.