As of April 20, 2016, Medical Examiners who perform physicals on commercial truck drivers are now required to use the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Medical Examination Form (MSCA-5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MSCA-5876).
On April 11, 2016, CBS News reported, “The DOT says safety is its top priority and fraudulently obtaining a medical certificate is illegal.” The FMCSA’s new examination form encourages dialogue between drivers and examiners and encourages pro-active treatment and prevention.
The form features additional questions asking drivers to self-disclose physical and mental health histories. And, rather than disclosing medical history from the past 5 years, drivers must disclose complete medical history. Truck drivers should be prepared to disclose information about sleep disorders, sleep tests, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, brain injuries, blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, diabetes, eye or ear problems and drug use.
FMCSA spokesperson, Duane DeBruyne, who was quoted in the April 25, 2016 edition of Transport Topics, said, “It’s a way of keeping people honest. The history is more important than the actual exam, in my opinion.” He went on to note, “That there have been no changes to medical regulations, and the revised form is simpler and more efficient than the old form. The revised medical examination report form ‘reflects current medical terminology and examination components and is an encompassing, self-contained document that will be electronically transmitted to state agencies and provide cost savings to motor carriers, truck drivers, medical examiners, the states and to FMCSA.’”
According to Overdrive Magazine, “Also included in the new rule is a requirement of medical examiners to electronically submit on the National Registry the results of medical exams once a month. Until June 22, 2018, FMCSA says drivers only have to carry the exam certificate for 15 days after the physical for proof of medical certification. After that 15-day period, law enforcement will have the records in a database they can access at roadside.”
Furthermore, medical examiners must now take truck drivers’ blood pressure in a sitting position, rather than from a reclining position, as the readings are typically more accurate. Drivers must return after 90 days for a complete follow-up examination if their blood pressure readings are too high.
Beacon Transport is committed to hiring safe, qualified truck drivers who represent the company and its clients positively and professionally. Contact us to learn more about our hiring processes, team and services.
