New Requirements for Medical Examinations

If you or one of your drivers need a new medical examination for a CDL, the doctor who performed your last medical exam might not be qualified to perform a new one.  New rules adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provide that DOT physical examinations must be performed by a qualified health professional (generally a medical doctor, chiropractor, osteopath, nurse practitioner, or a physician's assistant.)  The important point is that a qualified health professional is an individual who has taken the required training, passed a certification test, and is certified by the FMCSA.


Its easy to make sure that your health professional is authorized to administer a DOT medical exam, and to find a health professional who is qualified to give the medical exam.  FMCSA maintains an easy-to-use website that locates qualified health professionals by city and state, or by zip code.  The website also gives map results, contact information, and other helpful information.  Just go to http://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov to get started.

Medical examiners on the National Registry are required to maintain and demonstrate their competence and familiarity with DOT medical qualification requirements through periodic training and recertification testing.  Be sure to check the registry before any future medical exam.

For more information, call Bob Rothstein at 703-573-0700.
rrothstein@transportationlaw.net