DOT Medical Examiner Administrative Assistant (MEAA) Training
Streamline the DOT physical exam process by screening drivers who need additional paperwork prior to their exam, assisting with portions of the exam, and submitting exams on behalf of the examiner.ย
- ๎ณThe ONLY MEAA course created by a member of the original DOT Training Development Team
Contact us about clinic and group registrations
Training Videos
Two training modules, each less than an hour in length.
FREE 60-Day Subscription to DOT Exam Expert
The all-in-one resource for medical examiners and staff.
TeamCME Medical Examiner Reference Manual
Use as an in-office quick reference during exams.
Guide to MEAA Registration
Step-by-step instructions for registering as an MEAA on the National Registry
FMCSA Documents
Every useful federal document that could possibly be used during an exam.
What you’ll learn
- ๎Differentiating regulations vs guidelines
- ๎Understand the role of Certified Medical Examiners
- ๎Understand FMCSA reporting and certification process
- ๎Application of regulatory guidelines for driver certification
- ๎Accurate evaluation techniques for DOT physicals
- ๎Effectively communicate with drivers and motor carriers regarding FMCSA medical standards
Curriculum
Module 1 – 48 minutes
Regulations vs. Guidelines
- Regulations:
- Legally binding under FMCSA authority.
- Key focus: physical qualifications of CMV drivers.
- Guidelines:
- Advisory and best practice recommendations.
- Role of the FMCSA Medical Examiner Handbook.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
- Who Must Be Medically Certified:
- CMV drivers operating under various classifications (Class A, B, C).
- Drivers with specific conditions (e.g., diabetes, alternate vision standard).
- CMV Definitions:
- Weight and passenger capacity thresholds.
- Hazardous materials transport requirements.
Medical Examination Certification Processes
- Interstate vs. Intrastate Certifications:
- Interstate drivers must meet FMCSA medical requirements.
- Intrastate certifications may include state-specific variances.
- Driver Self-Certification:
- Non-excepted vs. excepted operations.
Driver Demands and Physical Standards
- CMV Driver Physical Tasks:
- Coupling trailers, loading/unloading, and equipment operations.
- Emphasis on strength, coordination, and endurance.
- Common Disqualifying Conditions:
- Diminished vision, epilepsy, insulin use, etc.
Exemptions and Variances
- Federal Exemptions:
- Hearing and seizure-related exemptions.
- Application process and ME responsibilities.
- Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE):
- Eligibility for drivers with fixed physical deficits.
Reporting and Recordkeeping
Specialized Forms and Evaluations
- Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form (MCSA-5870):
- Use and documentation requirements.
- Vision Evaluation Report Form:
- When these are required and how they assist qualification determinations.
- Driver Medication Form (MCSA-5895):
- Optional tool for medication assessments.
Key Reminders for Medical Examiners
- Determination Pending:
- Criteria for delayed certification decisions.
- Timeline limitations and documentation requirements.
- Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance:
- Importance of detailed, complete reporting.
Module 2 – 59 minutes
Pulse and Blood Pressure Evaluation
- Pulse Assessment:
- Strength (0/4 to 4/4 scale).
- Normal and abnormal pulse rates.
- Blood Pressure Measurement:
- Proper techniques (e.g., correct cuff size, arm position).
- Hypertension guidelines and certification criteria.
Urinalysis and Laboratory Considerations
- Urine Analysis Parameters:
- Normal and abnormal ranges for protein, glucose, and specific gravity.
- CLIA Waiver:
- Guidelines for in-office testing requirements.
Vision and Hearing Standards
- Vision Requirements:
- Visual acuity and color perception standards.
- Steps for monocular vision certification.
- Hearing Standards:
- Whisper and audiometric tests.
- Hearing aid and cochlear implant considerations.
Diabetes Management in Drivers
- Non-Insulin-Treated Diabetes:
- Evaluation criteria and certification duration.
- Insulin-Treated Diabetes:
- Recordkeeping and compliance requirements.
- Severe hypoglycemia protocols.
Sleep Disorders and Pulmonary Function
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
- Risk factors and treatment compliance criteria.
- Pulmonary Function Testing:
- Indications for testing and normal values.
Seizures, Medications, and Drug Testing
- Seizure Standards:
- Disqualification and exemption processes.
- Medications:
- Schedule I-V drugs and their impact on certification.
- DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing:
- Requirements and employer responsibilities.
Administrative Requirements
- National Registry Account:
- Logging in, security protocols, and reporting exams.
- Designation Process:
- Steps for MEAA designation by medical examiners.
Get Your Training From the Source
TeamCMEโs founder, Dr. Michael Megehee, has been training medical examiner to perform DOT physical since 1996.ย He was one of the medical practitioners tasked by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create the curriculum and write test questions for the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME).
In 2012, he was designated as an NRCME Champion by the chief administrator of FMCSA, Anne S. Ferro.
This course was co-developed by Dr. Megehee and Dr. Carlson. Together they have trained thousands of medical examiners.
FMCSA Accreditation
TeamCME was one of the first training organizations to receive accreditation from the FMCSA. However, FMCSA stopped accrediting NRCME training institutions several years ago.
We have developed a close relationship with FMCSA, including the Chief Medical Officer choosing our training above all others for his recertification.
Articles
FAQs
What is a MEAA?
An MEAA, or medical examiner administrative assistant can help the medical examiner streamline the DOT physical exam process. They can complete certain portions of the exam and they can submit the completed exam on behalf of the medical examiner.
How long is NRCME certification good for?
Certified Medical Examiners (MEs) are certified for 10 years from the original certification date. During their ninth year of certification, they must take a recertification training and pass the National Registry certification test.
There is also a required 5-year periodic training which the FMCSA provides online at no cost. This is made available for free online through the medical examiners National Registry account. This must be completed during the fourth year of certification.
What is included in the MEAA training?
The MEAA training program was developed by an FMCSA-appointed Original Subject Matter Expert.
It consists of 2 learning modules. Our video lecture format is easy to follow and guides you through everything you should know as an MEAA.ย
Upon completion, the trainee can download and print a certificate of completion.
Training Includes:
- 2 training videos
- 60-day free trail ofย DOT Exam Expert
- TeamCME Medical Examiner Reference Manual
- Step-by-step guide to MEAA registration
- FMCSA documents
How long is the MEAA training course?
There are 2 video modules equaling just over 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Can I stop and start the training as needed?
Yes. The course and all its content is available at any time. When you pause your training, the course will keep track of where you left off. Even after completion, you can go back and review the material.
Can I review the material multiple times?
Yes. Your training is valid for one year. All of the material including video modules and documents can be reviewed as often as needed.
What equipment is needed to perform a DOT physical exam?
The following equipment is needed:
- The ability to measure height and weight
- A finger pulse oximeter
- A stethoscope
- 2-3 different sizes of blood pressure cuffs
- A Snellen eye chart
- An eye occluder
- An ophthalmoscope and otoscope
- A reflex hammer
- Urinalysis supplies