FMCSA improves medical requirements for drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has taken new steps toward improving standards and setting uniform requirements for medical examiners. It is finalizing a streamlined process for combining the commercial driver license (CDL) and medical certificate records for commercial truck and bus drivers.

FMCSA has issued a final rule that will require states to merge the CDL and the driver’s medical examination certificate into a single electronic record.

When fully implemented by the states in three years, the new combined CDL will streamline recordkeeping obligations for the states and CDL holders, while providing instant electronic access to the CDL holder’s medical certificate by state and federal enforcement officials.

FMCSA has also issued a related rulemaking that would establish a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to ensure that physical qualification examinations of CDL holders are performed by qualified medical practitioners and are administered in a uniform and consistent manner.

The rulemaking would create certification standards, including a training and testing program, and a National Registry of medical examiners who are qualified to conduct examinations of interstate truck and bus drivers.

The actions are part of the FMCSA’s "continuing commitment to ensure that only medically qualified individuals are allowed to operate an interstate truck or bus," said FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill.