Notable Changes to FMCSA Guidelines Coming from their 5-Year Refresher Training

On 7/14/2022, all Certified Medical Examiners who have been certified for 5+ years received an email notification regarding the new FMCSA 5-Year Refresher Training.


The entire refresher training is material that is already covered in our course, except for the following key points:
(We are in the process of adding these key points to our training)

TIA/Stroke

There are no specific waiting times required after a TIA or stroke.

"FMCSA does not regulate when a driver can return to work after experiencing a TIA or stroke. The certifying ME evaluates the status of the medical condition and determines if the driver is safe to operate a CMV. The ME may consult with specialists and request additional evaluation to assist the ME in making a physical qualification determination."

Stress Tests

Stress Testing (ETT) is not required for any cardiac condition.

"The FMCSRs do not require cardiac stress testing for interstate CMV drivers. The ME may consult with specialists and request additional evaluation to assist the ME in making a physical qualification determination."

Cardiac Aneurysm

There is no longer any recommendation on the size of the aneurysm.

"The ME may consult with specialists and request additional evaluation to assist the ME in deciding whether a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, can be issued. Certifying MEs consider the medical history of the driver, the driver’s response to treatment, current medication regimen, the applicable regulations, current clinical best practices, and knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of commercial driving decide on a case-by-case basis whether the driver should be medically certified."

Vision (Do not use Determination Pending with the Alternate Vision Standard for monocular vision)

Any individual who fails the vision screening should be disqualified (not be placed in determination pending). This applies to the following individuals:
  • New drivers
  • Drivers who do not have a current medical certificate
  • Individuals who first learn they may not satisfy the vision standard during the examination
  • Individuals who have a known vision deficiency that cannot be corrected
  • Individuals who need evaluation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to correct a refractive error

"The ME should instruct the individual to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist to have a vision evaluation. When the ME believes it is likely that the individual may be physically qualified under the alternative vision standard... the ME should instruct the individual to have the ophthalmologist or optometrist complete the Vision Evaluation Report, Form MCSA-5871. After the vision evaluation, the individual can obtain a new physical qualification examination."

Insure you have a good handle on all of the current and upcoming changes by attending our seminar in Orlando on October 15th and 16th.