NRCME Frequently Asked Questions

 Stay Legal, Stay Employed.

 Is American Medical Review listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners?

Dr. G. A. Vercellotti, the owner of American Medical Review, is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.  His National Registry Number is 6183236347.

 What is the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry)?

The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) is a Federal program that establishes requirements for healthcare professionals who perform physical qualification examinations for truck and bus drivers. To become a certified medical examiner (ME) and be listed on the National Registry, healthcare professionals must complete training and testing on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) physical qualifications standards and guidelines. The National Registry website is accessible to carriers, drivers, enforcement officials, and the general public.

All healthcare professionals whose scope of practice authorizes them to perform physical examinations, as defined by the State in which they practice,and who intend to  perform physical examinations and issue medical certificates for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to meet the requirements of Section 391.41 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) must be certified and listed on FMCSA’s National Registry by May 21, 2014.

 Why is the National Registry necessary?

The National Registry is necessary because information from NTSB crash investigations indicates that improper medical certification of CMV drivers with serious disqualifying medical conditions has directly contributed to fatal and injury crashes.

 Who is impacted by this program?

The program impacts medical examiners who need to obtain certification in order to continue issuing medical certificates for truck and bus drivers, CMV drivers who need to obtain medical certificates from examiners on the National Registry, motor carriers who must ensure their interstate drivers have been medically certified by an examiner on the registry, and training and testing organizations that will deliver these aspects of the program.

 Are there any National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations related to the establishment of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) program?

Yes. There are several open NTSB recommendations to FMCSA to develop a comprehensive medical oversight program for interstate drivers that includes the following elements:

  • Individuals performing medical examinations for drivers are qualified to do so and are educated about occupational issues for drivers (H-01-017);
  • A tracking mechanism is established that ensures that every prior application by an individual for medical certification is recorded and reviewed (H-01-018);
  • Medical certification regulations are updated periodically to permit trained examiners to clearly determine whether drivers with common medical conditions should be issued a medical certificate (H-01-019);
  • Individuals performing examinations have specific guidance and a readily identifiable source of information for questions on such examinations (H-01-020).

FMCSA staff will meet with NTSB staff to provide a briefing on the rule. The Agency will provide any additional technical assistance necessary for the NTSB to determine whether the recommendations have been satisfied through the rulemaking.

 What impact does the National Registry have on CMV drivers and motor carriers?

As of May 21, 2014, interstate CMV drivers are required to obtain physical examinations and a medical examiner’s certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

 Is this program applicable to both interstate and intrastate CMV drivers?

No, this program is only applicable to interstate drivers. Intrastate drivers must follow State requirements concerning medical certification.

 How is the medical certificate issued by an ME on the National Registry different from the current medical certificate?

The new medical certificate will contain the same information as the current medical certificate, but will now include the ME’s National Registry number.

 Will the ME inform the State driver licensing agency that I have passed the physical examination?

No, it is up to CMV drivers, who are required to have a CDL, to provide the medical certificate to the State agency issuing the license. Contact your State driver licensing agency for information about how to provide your medical certificate. As of May 21, 2014, States will be required to enter the National Registry number from the medical examiner’s certificate into CDLIS for each non-excepted interstate CDL driver. A driver’s medical certificate is valid until it expires. If the expiration date is after May 21, 2014, the driver must obtain a medical certificate from an ME listed on the National Registry.

 Will FMCSA transmit the medical certificate information for interstate CDL drivers to the State driver licensing agencies?

Not at this time. The final rule provides for reporting to FMCSA by the MEs of medical certificate information for all interstate CMV drivers. The Agency is considering a new rulemaking to require more frequent submission of medical certificate information by the MEs, and for FMCSA to transmit to the SDLAs information for interstate CDL drivers required to have a medical certificate.

 Will the medical examination reports be entered into the National Registry?

No. The FMCSA will not collect or store medical examination reports (i.e, the long form.)

 If I lose my medical card, can I get a replacement copy from the National Registry?

No, the National Registry is not intended to serve as a medical certificate database for drivers or carriers. To get a copy of your signed medical certificate, you must contact the ME who issued it.

 If a driver receives a medical certificate from an ME who is later removed from the National Registry for fraudulent activities, is the medical certificate still valid?

Yes. However, FMCSA may exercise its authority to review the ME’s report (long form) and discuss the matter with the individual driver to make an individual determination whether to void the certificate.

 What happens to an ME who inappropriately or fraudulently certifies a driver?

Errors, omissions, or other indications of improper certification by an ME of a driver in either the completed Medical Examination Reports or the medical certificates may result in FMCSA initiating action to remove the ME from the National Registry. The final rule provides due process for addressing the removal of MEs from the National Registry.

 I prefer going to my doctor for my CMV physical exam. Can I still go to him or her once this rule is implemented?

Yes, provided he/she is listed as a certified medical examiner on the National Registry.

Did you know?

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