New York State DMV Issues Reminder on Bus Driver Medical Policies

This August, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminded bus carriers and certified examiners about policies pertaining to bus drivers’ Federal Medical Examination Forms and an update to Article 19-A diabetic follow-up examinations.

The DMV stated that bus carriers must keep a copy of drivers’ original Article 19-A examination forms on file. However, if the original copy is held by the medical professional who conducted an exam, a copy of the form may be used as a substitute, so long as the copy includes mention of the original document’s location. The medical examiner’s certificate is not enough to supplant the original or an approved copy.

Further, it is important for bus carriers to know that the only health care professionals who may carry out a regulation medical examination for Article 19-A are those who are physicians, certified nurse practitioners or registered physician assistants who are not acting on behalf of the bus driver. Chiropractors cannot perform these medical examinations, even if they are part of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Finally, a new policy was put into effect regarding a six-month follow-up examination for bus drivers who have diabetes. The current policy states that the follow-up appointment may be completed by a bus driver’s personal healthcare provider as long as the examiner is a certified nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

The DMV also noted that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to revise the medical forms pertaining to Article 19-A examinations, and will release new versions at an unspecified date in the future.

Bus carriers and examiners are responsible for disseminating this information to employees, as appropriate. If you would like to know more about these changes or the Article 19-A physical examinations required for New York bus drivers, please contact Partners In Safety today.