New certification for medical examiners
NRCME Initial Certification
The Certified Medical Examiner
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) identify a person who is eligible to be an ME by two criteria: professional licensure and scope of practice that includes performing physical examinations.
An ME is a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical examinations. The ME is deemed qualified to conduct physical qualification examinations by being certified by FMCSA and listed on FMCSA’s National Registry. The term includes advanced practice nurses, doctors of chiropractic, doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and other medical professionals authorized by applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical examinations.
An ME must be knowledgeable of the specific physical and mental demands associated with operating a CMV and of the requirements and related guidance for the physical qualification standards in the FMCSRs. An ME must also use and be proficient in the medical protocols necessary to adequately perform the required examination of a CMV operator (see 49 CFR 391.43(c)). Only MEs who are certified and listed on FMCSA’s National Registry are allowed to conduct physical qualification examinations and issue Medical Examiner’s Certificates, Form MCSA-5876, to qualified individuals.
The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) was developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to improve highway safety and driver health by requiring that medical examiners be trained and certified to effectively determine whether a CMV driver meets FMCSA’s physical qualification standards. The goal of the National Registry program is to promote and preserve the highest level of professional standards of training and care among medical examiners. To further that goal, the National Registry program requires that medical examiners performing CMV driver examinations be trained and certified.
Certification Will:
- Improve highway safety and driver health.
- Ensure that medical examiners understand FMCSA medical standards and guidelines, and how they apply to CMV drivers.
- Maintain ongoing competency of medical examiners through training and recertification.
- Promote confidence in the quality of the physical examinations of CMV drivers.
- Establish an online list of certified medical examiners
Certification Requirements
- You must be a licensed, certified, or registered to perform medical examinations in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations.
- Complete a training program (such as this one).
- Pass the FMCSA medical examiner certification test administered by PSI or Prometric.