Drivers are required to carry a medical certificate if they operate a vehicle transporting more than 15 passengers for interstate commerce, if they drive a vehicle that weighs more than 10,001 pounds for interstate commerce or if they transport hazardous materials.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has set certain medical requirements for commercial drivers. Commercial drivers’ license (CDL) holders must have 20/40 vision in each eye that can be corrected with contacts or glasses. Diabetics who take oral medication can obtain a CDL, but diabetics who inject insulin can’t drive commercial vehicles. –A driver’s blood pressure must be under 160/100 or managed by medication. Commercial drivers are forbidden from using amphetamines or other Schedule 1 drugs.
Any driver who shows evidence of cardiovascular disease must provide the medical examiner with results of a stress test performed in the last year. The applicant’s doctor must also sign a release stating that he or she is able to drive a commercial vehicle without restrictions. Drivers with diagnosed sleep apnea, hernias or recent surgery also need clearance from a doctor to drive a commercial vehicle.
A DOT physical must be conducted by a medical doctor (MD), physician assistant (PA), chiropractic doctor (DC) or other licensed medical examiner. Ask your primary care doctor if he or she conducts DOT physicals in Bossier City, LA. If not,find a medical examiner who specializes in “Occupational Health.” A doctor or nurse who practices occupational health will conduct a physical exam and fill out a report for you to give to your employer.
Results from DOT physicals in Bossier City, LA are usually good for 24 months. If you have asthma, high blood pressure or another medical condition that needs to be monitored, the examiner may issue a certificate for less than 24 months.
Small transportation companies may not have the money or resources to manage DOT compliance paperwork, including medical certificates. That’s where Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services (DATCS) can help. Our staff will manage all DOT compliance issues, including background screenings, drug and alcohol test results and certificates from DOT physicals in Bossier City, LA. DATCS offers DOT bundled packages at low cost to conduct and/or manage all screenings for potential employees, including medical examiner results. Call our Bossier City location at (318) 678-5568 Monday through Friday to learn more about our DOT compliance services. We also have offices or collection locations in Wichita Falls, TX, Longview, TX, Tyler TX, Texarkana TX and Texarkana AR.
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