DID YOU KNOW?
The nature of DOT physical exams have historically led to delays in medical certification due to Complexity and Ambiguity
COMPLEXITY
For example, in order to receive a certificate from a Medical Examiner (ME), a driver with a medical history of recent MI or heart attack must (among other requirements):
- Get a clearance letter from their treating provider;
- Must get an Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT);
- Must get an electrocardiogram (ECG);
- Fulfill a two month waiting period; and
- Confirm current medications with dosages for the ME.
AMBIGUITY
For example, there is no FMCSA regulation regarding sleep apnea evaluation and the basic assessment parameters are subject to interpretation. Subsequently, motor carriers and drivers face:
- An ME whose job it is to determine fitness for duty, not to diagnosis;
- A possibility an ME will send a driver to see a specialist absent the appropriate support.
