CDME Module 0: Introduction-0-7: Draft 2022 ME Handbook

0-7: Draft 2022 ME Handbook

Pdf Summary

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released the 2022 edition of the Medical Examiner's Handbook, which provides guidance to Medical Examiners (MEs) who perform physical qualification examinations of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The handbook covers regulations, medical certification processes, physical qualification standards, driver examination forms, privacy considerations, and compliance with FMCSA requirements. MEs must assess various medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, vision and hearing impairments, diabetes, respiratory dysfunctions, and mental disorders, to determine drivers' physical qualification. The handbook outlines specific criteria and evaluations for each condition. MEs must also evaluate the driver's use of medications, alcoholism, and any drug or substance abuse. The handbook emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment and the ME's discretion in making determinations. MEs must accurately record examination results on the Medical Examination Report Form and may grant medical variances, such as exemptions and SPE certificates, in certain cases. MEs should adhere to FMCSA guidelines and regulations when conducting examinations.

Keywords

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Medical Examiner's Handbook

Medical Examiners

physical qualification examinations

commercial motor vehicle drivers

regulations

medical certification processes

physical qualification standards

driver examination forms

privacy considerations