211 - Commercial Driver Medical Certification - where we came from, where we are and where we are going?

Session Description: There have been many changes in the commercial driver medical certification process over the past 50 years. For many years, the guidance available to medical examiners increased, although as not "official" was not consistently considered across examiners. Most recently, with the 2024 Medical Examiner Handbook, and little actual guidance with objective criteria, there is even more inconsistency. This session will use a combination of didactic discussion, case reviews and panel point-counterpoint discussions. Faculty will include Dr. Natalie Hartenbaum and Dr. Kurt Hegmann, both recognized thought leaders in Commercial Driver Medical Certification

Educational Gaps: 1. Understanding the evolution of the commercial driver medical certification process
2. Recognizing the difference between requirement and guidance (both official FMCSA and other and how that currently impacts certification determinations
3. Developing awareness of challenges which may arise with future changes in NRCME resources

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: Transportation

Has this session previously been presented?: not exactly. In 2016, there was a session on the History of the commercial driver medical certification program but a great deal has occurred in the past 10 years, making it more difficult for examiners to know what the right determination might be

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: Commercial driver certification based on scientific evidence, promotes a healthy driver population and supports that only those drivers who are not at an unacceptable risk of sudden or gradual impairment or incapacitation are on the road