Replacement long form physical

I dont know if the employer has a right to see the long form but Im pretty sure you need it on hand to show a DOT if asked.

 

You got it backward, the enforcement officer does not have the right to see the long form, they have to accept the short form or the CDLIS record. The court if needed can ask for it if there is a legitimate reason like a lawsuit.

The employer is supposed to keep a copy of the long form in the driver's package (or jacket as we call them). There are no HIPAA protections that are applied to the carrier before someone brings that up, HIPAA only covers medical professionals.

 

The dot sees it in the database.

You DO have to take every physical to the DMV. Or your cdl gets downgraded.

 

I think there is a date coming in 2025 ( I think ) where ALL state DMVs are going to be required to get physical information from the CDLIS who in turn gets it from the FMCSA. After this date, drivers will no longer be required to carry a physical card OR report a physical to their state DMV. Beware though, if you are operating a none CDL CMV YOU STILL have to have the medical card on you! Some people are still getting confused by this. This is why if you DO NOT have a CDL and operate a non CDL CMV vehicle you MUST inform the Medical Examiner to give you the documents!

Because the FMCSA is adding so much crap into the Federal Register I stopped attempting to keep up with this medical certification area.

 

Incorrect. The employer is not required to keep a copy of the long form in the driver qualification folder. All the employer is currently required to keep is a copy of the certificate for the first 15 days after obtaining a new medical exam and then the CDLIS abstract showing the certificate is properly recorded on the driver's CDL and proof they verified the medical examiner is still active on the National Registry.

As an employer there is no legal requirement for you to have a copy of the long form. It is none of your business. 391.51 (text below) only requires the certificate as required in 391.43(g), which is not the long form. The only person required to maintain a copy of the long form is the medical examiner.

Federal Register :: Request Access
391.51
(6)

(i)The medical examiner's certificate as required by § 391.43(g) or a legible copy of the certificate.

(ii) For CDL holders, beginning January 30, 2012, if the CDLIS motor vehicle record contains medical certification status information, the motor carrier employer must meet this requirement by obtaining the CDLIS motor vehicle record defined at § 384.105 of this chapter. That record must be obtained from the current licensing State and placed in the driver qualification file. After January 30, 2015, a non-excepted, interstate CDL holder without medical certification status information on the CDLIS motor vehicle record is designated “not-certified” to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. After January 30, 2015, and through June 22, 2025, a motor carrier may use a copy of the driver's current medical examiner's certificate that was submitted to the State for up to 15 days from the date it was issued as proof of medical certification.

(iii) If that driver obtained the medical certification based on having obtained a medical variance from FMCSA, the motor carrier must also include a copy of the medical variance documentation in the driver qualification file in accordance with paragraph (b)(7) of this section;​

(7)

A Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate issued by FMCSA in accordance with § 391.49; or the Medical Exemption document issued by a Federal medical program in accordance with part 381 of this chapter; and​

(8)

(i) For drivers not required to have a CDL, a note relating to verification of medical examiner listing on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners required by § 391.23(m)(1).

(ii) Through June 22, 2025, for drivers required to have a CDL, a note relating to verification of medical examiner listing on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners required by § 391.23(m)(2). ​

 

Yes, June 23, 2025 is supposed to be the date the medical certificate goes all digital for CDL drivers, only requiring you to carry a paper copy for 15 days after exam date, although non-cdl drivers will still need to carry a copy of their current medical certificate on them. Also after this date the carrier will no longer need to verify the examiner is currently listed on the national registry, it will be presumed they are valid and authorized if they were able to upload the medical exam results to the system.

 

If I were a betting man I would be willing to bet this date gets slipped back. Just like the REAL ID compliance dates kept getting pushed back. Just as sure as the grass is green some state somewhere won't have their systems up.

 

I've yet to see an employer not ask for a copy of the long form.

 

Call the doctor's office that gave you the DOT exam.