Important Medical-Program-related Regulation Published in Federal Register

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), published on December 1, 2008, proposes to establish and maintain a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to ensure that physical qualification examinations of interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers are performed by qualified medical practitioners and are administered in a uniform and consistent manner. Medical examiners would be required to complete certain training concerning Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration physical qualification standards, pass a test to verify an understanding of those standards, and maintain competence by periodic training and testing.

We encourage you to review the NPRM and comment on this important proposed change to 49 CFR Parts 390 and 391. Comments should be submitted by January 30, 2009.