Accredited Drug Testing is proud to share important news for commercial drivers and employers across the country.
As of Monday, June 23, a long-anticipated federal rule is now in effect that significantly streamlines the medical certification process for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders and applicants.
Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) rule, paper Medical Examiner's Certificates (MECs) are no longer required to be submitted to state licensing agencies in most states. Instead, medical examiners are now required to electronically submit exam results directly to FMCSA by midnight the day after the exam. FMCSA will then securely transmit the data to state driver's licensing agencies.
This means:
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Drivers no longer need to submit a paper MEC to the state.
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Medical examiners no longer have to issue the original certificate to the driver.
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Motor carriers must now verify medical certification by reviewing the driver's Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) rather than collecting physical documents.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, this update replaces outdated, fraud-prone paperwork with a more efficient, secure, and driver-friendly digital process.
What This Means For Drivers:
If you're a CDL holder or applicant in one of the 37 compliant states, your medical examiner will now handle submission of your exam results electronically. You'll no longer need to worry about mailing or delivering your certificate to your state's licensing office.
However, accuracy matters. Drivers should:
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Ensure all personal information on the Medical Examination Report Form matches their driver's license exactly.
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Bring any supporting medical documentation to their appointment if they have a medical condition that may require review.
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Double-check that the examiner correctly entered all details- and ask to verify the information if the office allows it.
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Make sure the examiner makes a copy of your driver's license for reference, just in case of data transmission issues.
Motor Carrier Responsibilities:
Motor carriers must now:
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Obtain the driver's MVR from the state to confirm certification.
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Stop using paper MECs as verification.
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Maintain MVR documentation in the driver qualification file to confirm the driver holds a valid medical certification before operating a commercial vehicle.
What About Non-Compliant States?
Fourteen states are still in the process of implementing the NRII system. These include:
Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Drivers in these states must continue submitting paper certificates for now. If the state doesn't receive a valid certificate, the driver's status may be changed to 'not certified,' which could lead to license downgrades if not resolved within 60 days.
The FMCSA is providing ongoing support and resources for drivers, medical examiners, and state agencies during this transition. A detailed fact sheet and updates can be found on their official website.
At Accredited Drug Testing, we're committed to helping drivers and employers stay informed and compliant with evolving DOT regulations. Whether you need a DOT physical, drug and alcohol testing, or compliance guidance, our nationwide network is here to serve you.
Questions about how this change affects your next DOT physical?
Give us a call at 800-221-4291 or visit www.AccreditedDrugTesting.com to find a location near you.
Stay safe, stay certified- and let us help you drive forward.