What happens if a driver is not truthful about his/her health history on the medical examination form?

The FMCSA medical certification process is designed to ensure drivers are physically qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely. Each driver is required to complete the Health History section on the first page of the examination report and certify that the responses are complete and true. The driver must also certify that he/she understands that inaccurate, false or misleading information may invalidate the examination and medical examiner's certificate.

FMCSA relies on the medical examiner's clinical judgment to decide whether additional information should be obtained from the driver's treating physician. Deliberate omission or falsification of information may invalidate the examination and any certificate issued based on it. A civil penalty may also be levied against the driver under 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(b), either for making a false statement of for concealing a disqualifying condition.

Is the employer legally responsible for paying for the DOT medical examination?

The FMCSRs do not address this issue.

I operate a CMV in the United States but reside outside of the United States. Can I use my foreign medical certificate?

Yes, if you are a resident of Mexico or Canada. Drivers certified in Canada are certified to drive in the United States, providing they meet U.S. requirements. For Mexican drivers, the medical examination is part of the Licencia Federal. It is not necessary for Mexican drivers to carry a separate medical certifying document.

A CMV operator from Canada or Mexico who has been issued a valid commercial driver’s license by a Canadian Province or the Mexican Licencia Federal is no longer required to have a medical certificate. The driver’s medical exam is part of the driver’s license process and is proof of medical fitness to drive in the United States. However, Canadian and Mexican drivers who are insulin-using diabetics, who have epilepsy, or who are hearing-and-vision impaired are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Furthermore, Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Similarly, Mexican drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provision of The Licencia Federal de Conductor but who have been issued a waiver by The Licencia Federal de Conductor are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.

How long does it take to get my medical certificate once my medical examination is complete?

The FMCSRs do not specify that the Medical Examiner must give a copy of the Medical Examiner's Certificate to the driver immediately following the examination. The Medical Examiner may require additional medical tests or reports from your treating physician.

Are there duties related to the FMCSA medical certification?

No, the FMCSA does not have duties. The Medical Examiner is required to know the FMCSA driver physical qualification standards, medical guidelines, and advisory criteria. The examiner should understand the mental and physical demands of operating a CMV.

How can I get a copy of my medical evaluation file?

You can contact the Medical Examiner that conducted your evaluation for a copy of your medical certification examination.

May I request reconsideration if I am found not qualified for a medical certificate?

The decision to qualify a driver to operate a CMV in interstate commerce is the sole responsibility of the Medical Examiner. The driver may discuss the basis for the disqualification with the Medical Examiner and explore options for reconsideration.

What is medical informatics?

Simplistic definition: Computer applications in medical care
Better definition:
   Biomedical Informatics is an emerging discipline that has been defined
   as the study, invention, and implementation of structures and
   algorithms to improve communication, understanding and management of
   medical information.  The end objective of biomedical informatics is
   the coalescing of data, knowledge, and the tools necessary to apply
   that data and knowledge in the decision-making process, at the time
   and place that a decision needs to be made.  The focus on the
   structures and algorithms necessary to manipulate the information
   separates Biomedical Informatics from other medical disciplines where
   information content is the focus.