Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are required to undergo specific medical evaluations to ensure they can safely operate vehicles on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has designed several forms to facilitate these evaluations and track the medical fitness of CMV drivers. In this article, we will provide an overview of five essential FMCSA forms: Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870), Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA-5875), Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) (MCSA-5876), Vision Evaluation Report (MCSA-5871), and the optional 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form (MCSA-5895).
1. Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form, MCSA-5870
The Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form is used to evaluate and monitor CMV drivers who are treated with insulin for diabetes mellitus. This form collects information about the driver's diabetes management, including blood sugar monitoring, insulin regimen, and any history of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hypoglycemia unawareness. The form must be completed by the driver's healthcare professional (usually a treating endocrinologist) and submitted to the FMCSA for review during the medical certification process.
2. Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
The Medical Examination Report (MER) Form MCSA-5875 documents the results of a comprehensive medical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME). This examination includes a review of the driver's medical history, general physical examination, urinalysis, vision and hearing tests, and an assessment of any current physical conditions or medications that may affect the driver's ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The completed MER form serves as an essential record of the driver's medical fitness for duty and must be maintained in the driver qualification file.
3. Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
The Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) is a critical document issued by a certified medical examiner (CME) after completing a medical examination of a CMV driver. If the examiner determines a driver is medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle, they issue an MEC. The driver must carry a copy of the MEC whenever operating a CMV, as it serves as proof of medical qualification.
4. Vision Evaluation Report, Form MCSA–5871
The Vision Evaluation Report documents the results of a specialized eye examination for commercial vehicle drivers who do not meet the standard vision requirements for the FMCSA. A licensed eye-care professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, completes this form. Drivers with vision deficiencies may be granted a vision exemption, allowing them to operate a commercial vehicle as long as they meet specific conditions.
5. 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form, MCSA-5895 (optional)
The 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form is an optional form that healthcare providers can use to document the prescription medications a CMV driver is taking. This form also allows healthcare providers to certify that they have discussed with the driver the potential risks and side effects of these medications, and that the driver's use of these medications will not adversely affect the driver's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.
6. MCSA 5889 - Motor Carrier Records Change Form
7. MCSA-5850 - CMV Driver Medical Examination Results Form
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Navigating the medical requirements for commercial vehicle drivers can be complex, but these essential forms help streamline the process and ensure the safety of all road users. Familiarizing oneself with these forms and their purposes can provide valuable insights and understanding of the medical qualifications necessary for operating commercial vehicles.