Important Drug Related Information for Medical Examiners
Reviewing the medications a commercial motor vehicle driver takes is one of the key responsibilities you’ll shoulder as an NRCME certified medical examiner.
As you’re performing driver physical exams, you’ll tap into your knowledge of medications — their prescribed uses, potential side effects, harmful interactions, etc. — to ensure every driver meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) criteria for certification. Here are six things to remember:
1. Why Reviewing Medications is Important
Understanding the medications a driver takes is an important factor in determining if they are fit for the road. Some medications, like opioids or antihistamines, can impair a driver’s focus and reflexes by causing drowsiness, slower reaction times, or dizziness.
In addition to the required patient history and medication information each driver provides on the Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875), you can also use the CMV Driver Medication Form (MCSA-5895)., but it’s recommended to make a thorough examination of any driver on prescription medication.
Send a PDF copy of the driver medication form to the driver in advance of their exam appointment so it can be completed by a prescribing clinician. Failure to do so before the exam can cause significant delays, which will not sit well with the driver and, more importantly, the company paying for the examination.
2. Uncover Why Specific Medications are Indicated
Once you’ve identified the medications a driver is taking, it’s important to ask for details:
- Why are you taking the medication?
- How long have you have been taking it?
- Have you experienced any side effects?
You are permitted by law to contact the treating provider to gather more information if needed. It’s crucial to evaluate any side effects of a driver’s medications, as they could increase the risk of accidents and endanger others on the road.
3. Understand Medicated Patient Stability
The efficacy of some medications is relevant to the length of the time they’ve been administered. To ensure a driver has been taking the medication long enough for them to be stable, you can request a medication stability release from the treating provider. This release ensures the driver is medically cleared to perform their duties.
4. Look Carefully for Drug Interactions
Some drivers take multiple medications, which can lead to chemical interactions or side effects that reduce focus or alertness. Consider potential interaction of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to assess potential risks. For example, combining medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and anxiety could result in dizziness or confusion, creating dangerous driving conditions.
5. Be Mindful of Regulatory Compliance Issues
The FMCSA has strict guidelines on medications that could disqualify a driver unless a doctor certifies that they are stable enough to drive safely. You must ensure drivers comply with these regulations by assessing whether medications, like opioids, are disqualifying, or if further documentation is needed.
6. Work to Prevent Medication Misuse
Misuse of prescription medications is a growing concern. Evaluate whether drivers are following their prescribed treatments and taking correct dosages. Over medicating or improper dosing could impair driver performance.
In Summary
A thorough understanding of a driver’s medications allows you to evaluate general safety, verify that chronic conditions are adequately managed, and ensure regulatory compliance. By doing so, you help keep drivers and others on the road safe, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting safer highways for everyone.
The form is not voluntary. It is required for every driver evaluation.
We reviewed the form and there is a section where it says the use is voluntary. Mark also reviewed this. Maybe I was using the incorrect form? I’ll send it to you.