What must a Medical Examiner do to become a certified ME?

To become a certified ME, a ME must complete the necessary training and pass the certification test required by FMCSA. In order to take the FMCSA certification exam, the ME must first register through the National Registry website and receive a unique identification number. The ME will then provide ME’s unique identification number to the testing organization selected from the list of approved testing organizations on the National Registry website. Beginning May 21, 2014, CMV drivers in interstate commerce must use certified MEs listed on the National Registry to obtain a medical certificate. Medical certificates issued prior to this date are valid until the expiration date.

Who can perform FMCSA medical examinations for CMV drivers?

FMCSA’s current regulations require that all MEs be licensed, certified, and/or registered in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical qualifications regulations to perform physical examinations. This includes but is not limited to doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and doctors of chiropractic and advisory criteria and pass the NRCME certification exam to be listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). ME’s must be knowledgeable of the specific physical and mental demands associated with operating a CMV and the requirements of Section 391.43(c), including the medical advisory criteria prepared by the FMCSA as guidelines to aid the medical examiner in making the individual determination whether a driver should be issued a medical certificate, and be proficient in following the medical protocols necessary to adequately perform the medical examination. Beginning May 21, 2014, all MEs who wish to conduct medical examinations for interstate CMV drivers must (1) complete training about FMCSA’s physical qualifications regulations and advisory criteria, and (2) pass the FMCSA certification test to be listed on the National Registry. All medical certificates issued on or after this date must be issued by certified MEs listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

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

The National Registry final rule addresses four NTSB recommendations on a comprehensive medical oversight program for interstate drivers that include the following elements: Individuals performing medical examinations for drivers are qualified to do so and are educated about occupational issues for drivers. A tracking mechanism is established that ensures that every prior application by an individual for medical certification is recorded and reviewed. Medical certification regulations are updated periodically to permit trained MEs to clearly determine whether drivers with common medical conditions should be issued a medical certificate; and Individuals performing examinations have specific guidance and a readily identifiable source of information for questions on such examinations.

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 certified MEs on the National Registry, motor carriers who must ensure their interstate drivers have been medically certified by a certified ME on the National Registry, and training and testing organizations that will deliver these aspects of the program.

Why is the National Registry necessary?

The National Registry is necessary because information from the NTSB crash investigations indicates that improper medical certification of CMV drivers with serious disqualifying medical conditions has directly contributed to fatal and injury crashes. The FMCSA developed the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners final rule as part of the agency’s commitment to enhancing the medical oversight of interstate drivers, and preventing commercial vehicle-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. The final rule addresses four NTSB recommendations on a comprehensive medical oversight program for interstate drivers.

What is the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners?

The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) is a Federal program that establishes requirements for healthcare professionals that 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. 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 must be certified and listed on FMCSA’s National Registry.

FAQs - NADME NRCME online DOT certification training

(855) 695-0688 Opt. 1

REGISTER TODAY

MEMBER LOGIN

Member Login

Join Thousands of Satisfied Customers

100% Online, Self-Guided, and Fully Accredited NRCME Online Training

FMCSA DOT NRCME TRAINING | HEALTHCARE SECURITY | DRIVER TRAINING

The National Academy of DOT Medical Examiners (also known as NADME) was founded in 2005 by Occupational-Medical Physicians and transportation industry experts with the goal of providing the most effective and highest quality training courses to over 25,000 DOT NRCME certified medical examiners.

Online Courses

Quick Links

The National Academy of DOT Medical Examiners (NADME)
6341 Stewart Rd #302
Galveston, TX 77551
support@nadme.org
855-695-0688 Ext. 1

Having trouble using this site? Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements.
Privacy Policy | Disclosure & Copyright Statement | Refund Policy

Online Courses

Quick Links

The National Academy of DOT Medical Examiners (NADME)
6341 Stewart Rd #302
Galveston, TX 77551
855-695-0688 Ext. 1

Having trouble using this site? Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements.
Privacy Policy | Disclosure & Copyright Statement | Refund Policy