Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate Application Form Page 24

ADVERTISEMENT

23, etc. The examiner should not use only sibilants (s sounding
materials). The opposite ear should be tested in the same manner. If the
individual fails the whispered voice test, the audiometric test should be
administered.
If an individual meets the criteria by the use of a hearing aid, the
following statement must appear on the Medical Examiner's Certificate
"Qualified only when wearing a hearing aid."
(See Hearing Disorders and Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers at:
)
Drug Use
§391.41(b)(12)
A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that
person:
Does not use a controlled substance identified in 21 CFR 1308.II.
Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug.
Exception: A driver may use such a substance or drug, if the substance or
drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who is familiar with
the driver's medical history and assigned duties; and has advised the
driver that the prescribed substance or drug will not adversely affect the
driver's ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
This exception does not apply to methadone. The intent of the medical
certification process is to medically evaluate a driver to ensure that the
driver has no medical condition which interferes with the safe performance
of driving tasks on a public road. If a driver uses a Schedule I drug or
other substance, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-forming
drug, it may be cause for the driver to be found medically unqualified.
Motor carriers are encouraged to obtain a practitioner's written statement
about the effects on transportation safety of the use of a particular drug.
A test for controlled substances is not required as part of this biennial
certification process. The FMCSA or the driver's employer should be
contacted directly for information on controlled substances and alcohol
testing under Part 382 of the FMCSRs.
The term "uses" is designed to encompass instances of prohibited drug
use determined by a physician through established medical means. This
may or may not involve body fluid testing. If body fluid testing takes place,
positive test results should be confirmed by a second test of greater
specificity. The term "habit-forming" is intended to include any drug or
medication generally recognized as capable of becoming habitual, and
which may impair the user's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle
safely.
The driver is medically unqualified for the duration of the prohibited
drug(s) use and until a second examination shows the driver is free from
the prohibited drug(s) use. Recertification may involve a substance abuse
evaluation, the successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program, and
a negative drug test result. Additionally, given that the certification period
is normally two years, the examiner has the option to certify for a period of
less than 2 years if this examiner determines more frequent monitoring is
required.
(See Conference on Neurological Disorders and Commercial Drivers and
Conference on Psychiatric Disorders and Commercial Drivers at:
)
Alcoholism
§391.41(b)(13)
A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that
person:
Has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism.
The term "current clinical diagnosis of" is specifically designed to
encompass a current alcoholic illness or those instances where the
individual's physical condition has not fully stabilized, regardless of the
time element. If an individual shows signs of having an alcohol-use
problem, he or she should be referred to a specialist. After counseling
and/or treatment, he or she may be considered for certification.

ADVERTISEMENT

00 votes

Related Articles

Related forms

Related Categories

Parent category: Business