New FMCSA Rule Institutes Electronic Medical Certificates
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Federal trucking regulators have implemented a rulemaking that creates a new digitalized system to replace outdated medical examiner paper documents, modernizing how driver medical certification information is shared with a secure electronic transmission.
Officials said the new rule, effective June 23, enhances data accuracy, improves enforcement efficiency and significantly reduces the risk of fraud.
The program will now electronically integrate Medical Examiner’s Certificate information on commercial vehicle drivers to state driver’s license agencies (SDLAs).
“By integrating electronic medical certification records directly into state-managed systems, the medical examiner’s certification integration rule helps ensure only qualified drivers are on our roads while giving our state and enforcement partners the real-time information needed to do their jobs more effectively,” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Chief Counsel said. “Implementation of this rule embodies FMCSA’s commitment to common-sense, efficient and effective solutions that enhance safety and accountability.”
FMCSA Chief Counsel Jesse Elison says "efficient and effective solutions" would result from the rule's implementation. (Department of Transportation)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “This new digitalized system will make life easier for lawful truck drivers and harder for bad actors who want to commit fraud. It will also enhance safety on our roads and ensure law enforcement has access to the real-time data they need to do their jobs.”
Initially published in 2015, the rule mandates that certified medical examiners use specific forms to document physical qualification examinations and issue medical certificates to qualified commercial motor vehicle drivers.
“A significant aspect of the ... rule is the requirement for medical examiners to electronically submit examination results to FMCSA’s National Registry by midnight of the next calendar day following the examination,” FMCSA said.
FMCSA integrates electronic medical certification records directly into state-managed systems with implementation of rulemaking. Learn more in our latest press release: — FMCSA (@FMCSA)
Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Missouri have been early adopters of the rule. As of today, 37 states are fully compliant with the new rule, and the remaining states are expected to meet all requirements in the coming months.
Among Changes to the New Process
- FMCSA will electronically transmit examination results (medically qualified, medically unqualified and voided) from examinations performed for commercial learner’s permit applicants and holders from FMCSA’s National Registry to state driver licensing agencies.
- FMCSA will electronically transmit medical variance information (medical exemptions and skill performance evaluation certificates) for commercial learner’s permit applicants and commercial driver license holders from the National Registry to the SLDAs.
- SDLAs will post on the the driver’s examination results and restriction information received electronically from FMCSA.
- Medical examiners will no longer be required to issue the original/paper , to CLP applicants and CDL holders.
- CLP applicants and CDL holders will no longer be required to submit a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, to their SDLA.
- Motor carriers will no longer be required to verify that a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, issued to a CLP applicant or CDL holder was issued by a medical examiner on the National Registry.
- Motor carriers may no longer use the paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, as proof of a CLP applicant or CDL holder’s medical certification. Instead, motor carriers must use the CDLIS driver MVR obtained from the current licensing state. The motor carrier must verify and document in the driver qualification file that the driver has a valid medical examiner’s certificate and any required medical variances before allowing the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
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