Changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements for medical certification of commercial drivers.

Beginning April 20th the FMCSA is requiring the use of a new exam form and medical certificate. We are aware FMCSA’s significant change will be a challenging and perhaps confusing time for drivers and companies.  Cascade Health Solutions will continue to collaborate with drivers and companies to help commerce flow safely.

The implementation of the new forms (MCSA-5875 and MCSA-5876) was postponed from December 2015 to April 20, 2016 so FMCSA could refine the forms and electronic interfaces.

There are several changes in the new form.

•  The new exam form uses a more detailed medical history, and signed statements by the driver.
•  There are separate certification sections for interstate and intrastate drivers.
•  All exams initiated must be reported to a national FMCSA centralized database. (Including incomplete and determination pending exams)
•  Temporary cards can no longer be issued pending additional information. (i.e., “extensions” to card are not permitted.  Only complete new exams are permitted.)
•  Exams where the examiner requires additional information before making final decisions on certification now need to be placed on “Pending Determination” status.  This is for a maximum of 45 days, and they can be amended in the database within this 45-day period.  Once an examiner obtains the requested information, a final decision is made and the amended report is uploaded.
•  If a “Pending Determination” is not completed within a 45-day period, the exams are invalidated by FMCSA. FMCSA will notify the driver and examiner, and a new exam will be required for certification.
•  “Pending Determination” status does not extend the driver’s current certification. The driver can only drive commercially until the current medical certification expires or until the 45-day pending determination period is up (whichever comes first).
•  If the driver’s current certification is going to expire, but the examiner considers the driver can drive safely, a certification may be issued. (As an example though, if a 3 month card is given, a completely new exam is needed when the driver returns for clearance beyond that initial 3 months.)
•  Exams interrupted or incomplete must be reported, and cannot be continued or amended in the database at a later time. A new exam for the medical certification of the driver is required.
•  Intrastate commercial drivers are subject to the same certification rules and any additional state requirements that might apply.

Drivers with known medical conditions are encouraged to schedule their exams well in advance of their expiration date.  This will allow time for them to gather information about their medical condition, while still being certified.  They are encouraged to bring a recent note from their treating physicians on their known conditions, results from relevant medical test/ labs, and updated printouts/ reports on medical devices they use.   This may expedite their certification.