Occupational Medicine

Maintaining Your DOT Medical Examiner Certification in 2023

Max Lebow, MD, MPH, FACEP, FACPM

Section Editor, Occupational Medicine

FMCSA has announced plans to step up enforcement of the rules and regulations that govern the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Certified Medical Examiners should regularly visit the FMCSA CME website to ensure that their account and personal information is up to date, and that they stay current with FMCSA communications.

DOT Certified Medical Examiners should take several steps now and in early 2023 to remain fully compliant with FMCSA.

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1) Create An Account with Login.gov –

  • According to FMCSA, “Effective immediately, all medical examiners listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (ME) must create an account with login.gov to access their National Registry account.”
  • Once you set up an account on gov, go to https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and sign in. Answer a few questions and you’re ready to go.
  • Helpful Hint: Always login to your gov account before going to the National Registry sign-in page. Even after you have set up your account, you will always have to be on login.gov to enter the FMCSA National Certified Medical Examiner sign-in page.

 

2) Update your Profile Page on the NRCME Website

Visit https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/ regularly to keep your account active and up-to-date.

  • Initially, and on an annual basis, the ME must agree to the National Registry’s terms of use.
  • Your ME profile must be updated, within 30 days, to reflect any changes to address, phone number, or email address.
  • ME must update medical license information upon renewal or change in status.
  • Not updating your profile is grounds for removal from the National Registry.

 

3) Maintain Periodic Training and Recertification – 5-Year Periodic Training Requirement

If your initial certification was in 2018 or earlier, you are now eligible to take the FMCSA Periodic Training and Recertification course that is available without cost on your FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner profile page. The process is simple:

  • There are four modules – read and study each.
  • Upon completion, print the Certificate of Completion at the end of Module 4.
  • Save a copy of the Certificate on your computer for upload to your National Registry account.
  • Return to the periodic training menu item in your National Registry account to attest that you have completed the training and to upload your Certificate of Completion.

 

4) Maintain Periodic Training and Recertification – 10-Year Periodic Training Requirement

Beginning in January 2023, the 10-year periodic training and recertification will be available for those who have had at least nine years after the date of issuance of the initial Medical Examiner certification credentials.

  • It will be necessary to take a third-party training course and be issued a certificate of completion similar to the initial certification process.
  • Once completed, the ME will need to take the CME exam at a testing center similar to initial certification.
  • This is our current understanding. We suggest that you check the FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner website regularly to see if there are any updates.

 

You can reach Dr. Lebow at:

Max Lebow, MD, MPH, FACEP, FACOEM

Medical Director | Board Certified in Occupational Medicine and Emergency Medicine

(o) 310.215.6020

mlebow@reliantuc.com | www.ReliantMedicalCenter.com