New rule establishes database of certified CMV medical examiners

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on April 18 published a final rule (.pdf file) that requires interstate truck and bus driver medical examiners to be trained, tested and certified on the physical qualifications of commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Upon completion of the training, medical examiners will be placed into a national online database of certified examiners. All certified medical examiners must be in the database by May 21, 2014, according to a Department of Transportation press release. Additionally, CMV drivers are required to receive an exam from a certified professional.

“Truck and bus drivers deserve highly trained medical examiners that think safety first,” FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro said in the press release. “By holding medical examiners accountable to high standards of practice, we raise the bar for safety and save lives through increased commercial driver and vehicle safety.”