VA-Providers Added to Perform DOT Physical Exam for Vets

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a House Bill that will allow additional Certified Medical Examiners to provide a CDL physical exam to veterans who are commercial drivers.  Vets will be allowed to choose a Doctor of Chiropractic, Medical or Osteopathic Doctor,  Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant and other medical professionals to perform their CDL physical exam. With VA staff already fully utilized, this will give greater and swifter access to a CDL physical.  An uncharacteristic 409-0 passing vote sends the bill over to the U.S. Senate.

A BILL
To expand the Department of Veterans Affairs medical professionals who may qualify to perform physical examinations
on eligible veterans and issue medical certificates required for operation of a commercial motor vehicle, and for other purposes.

QUALIFIED EXAMINER.—The term ‘qualified examiner’ means an individual who—
(A) is employed in the Department of Veterans Affairs as an advanced practice nurse, doctor of chiropractic, doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant, or other medical professional;
(B) is licensed, certified, or registered in a State to perform physical examinations;
(C) is familiar with the standards for, and physical requirements of, an operator required to be medically certified under section 31149 of title 49, United States Code; and
(D) has never, with respect to such section, been found to have acted fraudulently, including by fraudulently awarding a medical certificate.’’

This bill allows Doctors of Chiropractic and other providers to perform the CDL along with Medical and Osteopathic Doctors.  given that many VA facility providers are fully utilized, this should allows for Vets to get their CDL in a more timely way.