Dear Professional Driver,

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created a new Federal program establishing requirements for healthcare professionals whom perform DOT physical examinations on Interstate Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers. To continue performing DOT Physicals, Medical Examiners (ME’s) must now complete a comprehensive training and testing program on the FMCSA’s physical qualifications standards and guidelines. Upon successful completion, the ME will be listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This program becomes effective on May 21, 2014.

This new ruling mandates interstate CMV drivers who require a new medical card after 5/21/2014 the physical examination must be performed by a Medical Examiner listed on this newly created National Registry. The reason for creating this registry is due the FMCSA’s commitment to enhance the medical oversight of interstate drivers to help prevent commercial motor vehicle-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. The final ruling includes recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to assist with this commitment.

The ruling will require that your medical card include the Medical Examiner’s National Registry Number. Upon receipt of the new medical card you must provide the assigned National Registry Number to the State issuing your CDL. The State will then be required to enter that National Registry Number from the medical card into a CDL Database used by law enforcement authorities. As of now, the Medical Examiner will not inform the State issuing your CDL that you passed the physical examination. You will have to by submitting the proper paperwork to the Registry/DMV by visiting them or completing on-line.

If your medical card expires prior to 5/21/2014, I will schedule you an appointment with Sports Medicine North, Peabody MA to take your physical. You will then take your new card to the MA Registry or NH DMV completing the medical certification paperwork. After 5/24/2014, I will need to ensure you are seen by a Medical Examiner listed on the National Registry. I have been told that the Doctor we use at Sports Medicine will be on that list. Again, after you receive your new card, a visit to the MA Registry or NH DMV will be required.

The FMCSA will require you to self-certify, regardless when your medical card expires, by 1/30/2014 at the MA Registry or NH DMV. I provided a memo back on 05/18/2012 to you outlining this “Self-Certification” process. I have included a copy along with this letter for reference. MA’s Registry will start allowing MA CDL holders to start self-certifying this fall. NH has required, since 01/30/2012, that NH CDL holders keep a current and valid medical card on file with the DMV.

Be Safe!

Steve