Extension of Compliance Dates for Medical Examiner's Certification Integration

Published date22 June 2021
Citation86 FR 32643
Record Number2021-13177
SectionRules and Regulations
CourtFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 117 (Tuesday, June 22, 2021)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 22, 2021)]
                [Rules and Regulations]
                [Pages 32643-32651]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2021-13177]
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                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
                49 CFR Parts 383, 384, and 391
                [Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0152]
                RIN 2126-AC18
                Extension of Compliance Dates for Medical Examiner's
                Certification Integration
                AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
                of Transportation (DOT).
                ACTION: Final rule.
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                SUMMARY: FMCSA amends its regulations to extend the compliance date
                from June 22, 2021, to June 23, 2025, for several provisions of its
                April 23, 2015, Medical Examiner's Certification Integration final
                rule. FMCSA issued an interim final rule (IFR) on June 21, 2018,
                extending the compliance date for these provisions until June 22, 2021.
                FMCSA published a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) on
                April 22, 2021, that proposed further extending the compliance date to
                June 23, 2025. This final rule will provide FMCSA time to complete
                certain information technology (IT) system development tasks for its
                National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry)
                and to provide the State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) sufficient
                time to make the necessary IT programming changes when the new National
                Registry system is completed and available.
                DATES: This final rule is effective June 22, 2021.
                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
                Medical Programs Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
                1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, (202) 366-4001,
                [email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting
                material to the docket, contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.
                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                 FMCSA organizes this final rule as follows:
                I. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
                II. Executive Summary
                III. Legal Basis
                 A. Authority Over Drivers Affected; Drivers Required To Obtain a
                Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
                 B. Authority To Regulate State CDL Programs
                 C. Authority To Require Reporting by MEs
                IV. Background
                V. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments
                 A. Background and Proposed Rulemaking
                 B. Comments and Responses
                V. Good Cause Exists
                VII. International Impacts
                VIII. Changes From the SNPRM
                IX. Section-By-Section Analysis
                X. Regulatory Analyses
                 A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 13563
                (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory
                Policies and Procedures
                 B. Congressional Review Act
                 C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (Small Entities)
                 D. Assistance for Small Entities
                 E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
                 F. Paperwork Reduction Act (Collection of Information)
                 G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
                 H. Privacy
                 I. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
                 J. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
                I. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
                 To view any documents mentioned as being available in the docket,
                go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2018-0152/document and
                choose the document to review. To view comments, click this final rule,
                and click ``Browse Comments.'' If you do not have access to the
                internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations
                in Room W12-140,
                [[Page 32644]]
                1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9 a.m.
                and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure
                someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or (202) 366-
                9826 before visiting Dockets Operations.
                II. Executive Summary
                 FMCSA adjusts the compliance date from June 22, 2021, to June 23,
                2025, for several provisions in the Medical Examiner's Certification
                Integration final rule (80 FR 22790, Apr. 23, 2015). Specifically, the
                Agency postpones to June 23, 2025, the provisions for: (1) FMCSA to
                electronically transmit, from the National Registry to the SDLAs,
                driver identification information, examination results, and restriction
                information from examinations performed for holders of commercial
                learner's permits (CLPs) or commercial driver's licenses (CDLs)
                (interstate and intrastate); (2) FMCSA to electronically transmit to
                the SDLAs medical variance information for all commercial motor vehicle
                (CMV) drivers; (3) SDLAs to post on the Commercial Driver's License
                Information System (CDLIS) driver record the driver identification,
                examination results, and restriction information received
                electronically from FMCSA; and (4) motor carriers to no longer be
                required to verify that CLP/CDL drivers were certified by a certified
                medical examiner (ME) listed on the National Registry.
                 The compliance date for these provisions was postponed previously
                from June 22, 2018, to June 22, 2021, by an interim final rule (83 FR
                28774). This final rule specifies that FMCSA now amends again the
                regulations adopted in the 2015 final rule and amended in the IFR to
                include a compliance date, generally, of June 23, 2025.
                III. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking
                 The legal basis of the 2015 final rule, set out at 80 FR 22791-
                22792, serves as the legal basis for this rule. Brief summaries of the
                relevant legal bases for the actions taken in this rulemaking are set
                out below.
                A. Authority Over Drivers Affected; Drivers Required To Obtain a
                Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
                 FMCSA is required by statute to establish standards for the
                physical qualifications of drivers who operate CMVs in interstate
                commerce for non-excepted industries (49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(3) and
                31502(b)). Subject to certain limited exceptions,\1\ FMCSA has
                fulfilled the statutory mandate by establishing physical qualification
                standards for all drivers covered by these provisions (49 CFR
                391.11(b)(4)). Such drivers must obtain, from an ME, a certification
                indicating that the driver is physically qualified to drive a CMV (49
                CFR 391.41(a), 391.43(g) and (h)). FMCSA is also required to ensure
                that the operation of a CMV does not have a deleterious effect on the
                physical condition of drivers (49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(4)).
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                 \1\ See 49 CFR 390.3(f) and 391.2.
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                Drivers Required To Obtain a CDL
                 The authority for FMCSA to require an operator of a CMV to obtain a
                CDL is based on 49 U.S.C. 31302, and the authority to set minimum
                standards for the testing and fitness of such operators rests on 49
                U.S.C. 31305.
                B. Authority To Regulate State CDL Programs
                 Under 49 U.S.C. 31311 and 31314, FMCSA has authority to prescribe
                procedures and requirements the States must follow when issuing CDLs
                (see, generally, 49 CFR parts 383 and 384). In particular, under
                section 31314, in order to avoid loss of certain Federal-aid highway
                funds otherwise apportioned under 23 U.S.C. 104(b), each State must
                comply with the requirement in 49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(1) to adopt and carry
                out a program for testing and ensuring the fitness of individuals to
                operate CMVs consistent with the minimum standards prescribed by FMCSA
                under 49 U.S.C. 31305(a) (see also 49 CFR 384.201).
                C. Authority To Require Reporting by MEs
                 FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31133(a)(8) and 31149(c)(1)(E)
                to require MEs on the National Registry to obtain information from CMV
                drivers regarding their physical health, to record and retain the
                results of the physical examinations of CMV drivers, and to require
                frequent reporting of the information contained on the MECs they issue.
                Section 31133(a)(8) gives the Agency broad administrative powers
                (specifically ``to prescribe recordkeeping and reporting
                requirements'') to assist in ensuring motor carrier safety and driver
                health (Sen. Report No. 98-424 at 9 (May 2, 1984)). Section
                31149(c)(1)(E) authorizes a requirement for electronic reporting of
                certain specific information by MEs, including applicant names and
                numerical identifiers as determined by the FMCSA Administrator. Section
                31149(c)(1)(E) sets minimum monthly reporting requirements for MEs and
                does not preclude the exercise by the Agency of its broad authority
                under section 31133(a)(8) to require more frequent and more inclusive
                reports.\2\ In addition to the general rulemaking authority in 49
                U.S.C. 31136(a), the Secretary of Transportation is specifically
                authorized by section 31149(e) to ``issue such regulations as may be
                necessary to carry out this section.''
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                 \2\ The provisions of section 31149(c)(1)(E) have been amended
                by section 32302(c)(1)(A) of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st
                Century, Public Law 112-141, 126 Stat. 405 (July 6, 2012).
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                 Authority to implement these various statutory provisions has been
                delegated to the Administrator of FMCSA (49 CFR 1.87(f)).
                IV. Background
                 This final rule follows an SNPRM published on April 22, 2021 (86 FR
                21259). The SNPRM relied upon the history of the regulations that FMCSA
                adopted in 2015 and the developments leading to the 2018 interim final
                rule (83 FR at 28776). The Agency also stated that it might further
                amend the provisions amended by the interim final rule (83 FR at
                28777). Since issuing the 2015 final rule, there have been ongoing
                challenges associated with launching a new National Registry system.
                Among those challenges was an unsuccessful attempt by an intruder to
                compromise the National Registry in December 2017. Although no personal
                information was exposed, FMCSA took the National Registry system
                offline until mid-2018 to ensure it was secure. This action and other
                related actions affected the schedule for implementing the provisions
                of the 2015 final rule, resulting in the postponement of the compliance
                date by the 2018 IFR.
                 Since the 2018 IFR's publication, additional setbacks in FMCSA's
                efforts to launch a National Registry replacement system require an
                additional delay. The Agency attempted to launch the first stage of a
                replacement system in May 2019 but the system's performance
                capabilities fell short of those needed to implement the 2015 final
                rule. After a detailed analysis of the functional requirements, the
                Agency issued a request for proposals to obtain the services of a new
                contractor and selected a vendor in December 2020 to develop a
                replacement system by early 2022. The work includes delivery of
                technical specifications to the SDLAs for use in implementing changes
                to their respective systems.
                 FMCSA anticipates that the SDLAs will need up to 3 years following
                the completion and release of the new National Registry system and its
                technical specifications to develop and implement those changes. This
                was the
                [[Page 32645]]
                same amount of time allowed for this activity in the 2015 final rule
                and the 2018 IFR.
                V. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments
                A. Background and Proposed Rulemaking
                 The SNPRM proposed delaying the compliance date through June 22,
                2025, specifically proposing that:
                 Certified MEs continue issuing MECs to qualified CLP/CDL
                applicants/holders;
                 CLP/CDL applicants/holders continue to provide the SDLA a
                copy of their MEC;
                 Motor carriers continue verifying that drivers were
                certified by an ME listed on the National Registry; and
                 SDLAs continue processing paper copies of MECs they
                receive from CLP/CDL applicants/holders.
                 In the previous 2018 IFR, FMCSA did not delay the requirement for
                MEs performing physical examinations of CMV drivers to report results
                of all CMV drivers' physical examinations to FMCSA by midnight (local
                time) of the next calendar day following the examination. MEs'
                submission of reports by midnight of the next calendar day also allows
                FMCSA to begin electronically transmitting this important safety data
                to each State when that State is ready to receive the information,
                thereby providing States additional flexibility to implement the
                provisions of this rulemaking at their own pace. In the SNPRM, FMCSA
                stated that it believed some States may be prepared to receive this
                data ahead of the June 23, 2025, date to take advantage of the
                efficiencies and added security the new process affords.
                 When FMCSA is ready to begin electronically transmitting MEC
                information from the National Registry, and an SDLA is ready to begin
                receiving this information electronically from the National Registry,
                FMCSA will work with the SDLA involved on the most appropriate means to
                use such electronic transmissions. In the SNPRM, FMCSA stated that,
                under such circumstances, electronic transmission of the MEC
                information may be an acceptable means for CDL and CLP holders to
                satisfy the requirement of providing the MEC to the SDLA. In order to
                avoid any uncertainty, provisions were previously added to the
                appropriate regulations stating that, in case of a conflict between the
                medical certification information provided electronically by FMCSA and
                information on a paper version of the MEC, the electronic record will
                be controlling. The provisions in the regulations governing the
                handling of these matters under the current procedures will remain in
                effect through June 22, 2025, to ensure continued compliance by SDLAs
                and other affected stakeholders until the electronic transmission of
                MEC information is operational for all SDLAs.
                 In the SNPRM, FMCSA stated that if any SDLAs begin receiving MEC
                information from FMCSA prior to June 23, 2025, FMCSA and the SDLAs will
                make every effort to advise all stakeholders when such transmission
                begins. MEs listed on the National Registry, employers, and enforcement
                personnel (both State and Federal) will need to be made fully aware
                that some SDLAs may be following procedures different from the
                remaining States.
                 In 49 CFR parts 383, 384, and 391, FMCSA proposed changing the
                compliance dates of the rules as shown in the table below.
                 Table 1--Date Changes
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                 Section to be changed (in Current compliance New compliance
                 Title 49 CFR): dates: dates:
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                383.71 (h)(1)(i)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.71 (h)(1)(ii)........... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.71(h)(3)(i)............. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.71(h)(3)(ii)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73 (a)(2)(vii)(A)....... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73 (a)(2)(vii)(B)....... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(b)(5)(i)............. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(b)(5)(ii)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(1)(i)............. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(1)(ii)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(2)(i)............. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(2)(ii)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(3)(i)............. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(3)(ii)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(4)(i)(A)(1)....... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(4)(i)(A)(2)....... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(4)(ii)(A)......... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                383.73(o)(4)(ii)(B)......... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                384.301(i).................. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                391.23(m)(2)(i)(B)(1)....... June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.23(m)(2)(i)(C).......... June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.23(m)(3)(i)(B)(1)....... June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.23(m)(3)(i)(C).......... June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.41(a)(2)(i)(A).......... June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.41(a)(2)(i)(B).......... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                391.41(a)(2)(ii)............ June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.43(g)(2)(i)............. June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                391.43(g)(2)(ii)............ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                391.43(g)(3)................ June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                391.45(g)................... June 22, 2021....... June 23, 2025.
                391.51(b)(7)(ii)............ June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
                391.51(b)(9)(ii)............ June 21, 2021....... June 22, 2025.
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                [[Page 32646]]
                B. Comments and Responses
                 FMCSA provided a period of 30 days ending May 24, 2021, for public
                comment regarding its intentions to finalize the compliance dates for
                the regulations listed above. FMCSA specifically sought input on
                whether the 3-year period for SDLA implementation is appropriate, or
                could even be reduced. In the SNPRM, the Agency stated its intention to
                publish the necessary final rule with the extended compliance dates as
                soon as feasible.
                 FMCSA received six comments on the SNPRM from the following
                parties: One anonymous individual; Mr. Dave Gray (who self-identified
                as the Past President of North American Transportation Services
                Association); the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
                (AAMVA); the American Trucking Associations (ATA); the National
                Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); and the Owner-Operator Independent
                Drivers Association (OOIDA).
                 Timeline. Most of the commenters discussed the timeline for
                implementation in their comments to the SNPRM. ATA accepted that there
                would be a delay, stating it was inevitable.
                 NTSB acknowledged that some delay was necessary, but said that the
                Agency should focus resources to implement the full system by ``at the
                latest . . . June 22, 2023.''
                 AAMVA supported the modified timeline and stated they would need
                more time to implement, listing activities and contracting concerns
                that would require at least 12 months ``from contract start.'' AAMVA
                also said that ``the time needed to make changes to the CDLIS record
                and history record messages should be considered.''
                 Response. FMCSA continues to believe that the delay is needed. It
                will provide the Agency time to complete the development of the
                National Registry replacement IT system, work with AAMVA and the SDLAs
                on the development of the interface to enable the electronic exchange
                of drivers' medical certificate information, and to establish that
                everything functions correctly. FMCSA is fully committed to dedicating
                resources to completing implementation of all remaining elements of the
                2015 final rule as quickly as possible.
                 FMCSA will continue to drive the effort, in consultation with
                AAMVA, to develop a system that is suitable to process the electronic
                transfer of certification results to the SDLAs, while focusing on the
                deadline. FMCSA will work with SDLAs that want to use the information
                exchange prior to the 2025 date. The Agency will likely utilize
                consultations with the CDLIS Working Group to identify the SDLAs that
                have such an interest.
                 Mr. Gray recommends in his comment that FMCSA establish an
                ``interim step'' to implement the transmission of medical certification
                information to the SDLAs. As explained above in the response to the
                comments from AAMVA, FMCSA will work with any SDLAs that want to
                implement the information exchange prior to the 2025 compliance date,
                if it is feasible to do so.
                 Communication. Several commenters, including ATA and OOIDA, asked
                for better communication and information from the Agency regarding
                future policy changes. ATA specifically requested that FMCSA notify
                SDLAs that they may implement the changes ahead of the deadline. AAMVA
                listed activities that it had concerns or questions about, and
                requested confirmation that the work their organization has done with
                FMCSA will be utilized.
                 Response. FMCSA will continue to provide guidance and updates
                available to SDLAs via bi-monthly CDL roundtable meetings. FMCSA also
                plans to increase communication upon the issuance of this rule by
                providing regular updates on the National Registry website regarding
                the rebuild of the National Registry and implementation of any interim
                electronic transmission of examination results to the SDLAs.
                Additionally, FMCSA plans to coordinate and work closely with AAMVA and
                its members to allay their concerns.
                 FMCSA assures AAMVA and its members that the past work will be the
                basis for the ongoing effort and that communication will be open. FMCSA
                plans to utilize the specifications previously developed, with input
                from AAMVA, to the fullest extent possible in the National Registry
                rebuild effort.
                 FMCSA agrees with ATA's comment and will ensure that SDLAs are
                aware that they may begin compliance voluntarily before the deadline
                with support of the Agency.
                 Safety. NTSB stated that the delay was negatively impacting safety,
                based on the fact that crashes they have investigated have been linked
                to medical issues.
                 Response. FMCSA assures NTSB that safety remains the Agency's
                primary focus. FMCSA emphasizes that this delay is primarily to allow
                the implementation with the SDLAs in the electronic transmission
                processes that will be available with the development and
                implementation of the robust National Registry system. The medical
                standards under 49 CFR part 391 for drivers are still required, and the
                Medical Examiners continue to examine and qualify or disqualify
                drivers, as appropriate. Though the full implementation of the rule
                will automate some data entry by the SDLAs that is currently manual,
                and will therefore minimize resources and make the process smoother,
                the system will still require the same medical qualifications for all
                commercial drivers. Prevention of fraud is an underlying purpose of the
                National Registry system, as modified by the 2015 final rule, which
                will be fully implemented as soon as possible.
                 The anonymous commenter suggested that ``A driver who does not pass
                a DOT physical . . . should have all remaining time on his/her current
                medical card be made invalid.'' The issue raised by this comment was
                covered in the final rule adopted in 2015. The regulations in 49 CFR
                391.41(g)(3) and 391.45(g) state that, if a driver is found not to be
                physically qualified upon examination by an ME, that determination is
                reported to FMCSA and any existing and unexpired certificates held by
                the driver are no longer valid. Such a determination, for CDL and CLP
                license holders, would then have to be electronically transmitted to
                the appropriate SDLA by FMCSA for action to indicate on the driver
                record that the driver is not certified and begin the license downgrade
                process under 49 CFR part 383. Because the IT infrastructure was, and
                is still, unavailable, these two provisions were among the many whose
                implementation was postponed from 2018 to 2021. These provisions are
                again postponed by this final rule.
                 Clarifications. AAMVA requested that FMCSA confirm that CDLIS/
                AAMVAnet should be used for transmission. AAMVA also ``request[ed]
                confirmation that no additional medical information'' needs to be
                posted to CDLIS.
                 Response. FMCSA confirms that it did not intend to introduce new
                substantive proposals in the SNPRM, as this proposal was intended only
                to delay the compliance date, and not to modify the April 23, 2015
                Medical Examiner's Certification Integration final rule. FMCSA will
                work with AAMVA to make the delay as seamless as possible for SDLAs.
                FMCSA does note that AAMVA indicates in its comments that it is
                changing or replacing some of the systems that it previously
                contemplated using to perform the information exchange with FMCSA.
                These actions may inhibit FMCSA's ability to utilize
                [[Page 32647]]
                processes previously developed for such exchange through AAMVANet.
                VI. Good Cause Considerations
                 Under the Administrative Procedure Act, upon a finding of good
                cause, the Agency may provide for a final rule to become effective less
                than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register (5 U.S.C.
                553(d)(3)). The necessary IT infrastructure to enable stakeholders to
                comply with the regulatory provisions involved will not be available on
                June 21, 2021. Under these circumstances, and in order to clarify the
                applicable regulatory requirements in a timely manner, FMCSA finds that
                there is good cause to issue this final rule with an immediate
                effective date. The time for comments ended on May 24, 2021. There
                remains insufficient time to prepare and publish this final rule to
                permit an effective date 30 days after publication. Therefore, the
                Agency makes this final rule effective immediately upon publication in
                the Federal Register.
                VII. International Impacts
                 Motor carriers and drivers are subject to the laws and regulations
                of the countries in which they operate, unless an international
                agreement states otherwise. Drivers and carriers should be aware of the
                regulatory differences among nations.
                VIII. Changes From the SNPRM
                 FMCSA moves forward with a final rule as proposed in the SNPRM,
                with no modifications.
                IX. Section-By-Section Analysis
                 This section-by-section analysis describes the proposed changes in
                numerical order.
                Parts 383, 384, and 391
                 In parts 383, 384, and 391, FMCSA modifies the compliance dates as
                stated in Table 1. FMCSA does not make any other changes in this final
                rule.
                X. Regulatory Analyses
                A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O.
                13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory
                Policies and Procedures
                 FMCSA has considered the impact of this final rule under E.O. 12866
                (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993), Regulatory Planning and Review, E.O. 13563
                (76 FR 3821, Jan. 21, 2011), Improving Regulation and Regulatory
                Review, and DOT's regulatory policies and procedures. The Office of
                Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) determined that this final
                rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of E.O.
                12866, as supplemented by E.O. 13563, and does not require an
                assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of
                that Order. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed it under these Orders.
                 The Medical Examiner's Certification Integration Final Rule,
                published April 23, 2015 (80 FR 22790), amended the FMCSRs to establish
                a streamlined process for SDLAs to receive CMV driver physical
                examination results from the MEs, via the National Registry. The 2015
                final rule estimated that the National Registry would be able to
                receive and transmit this information on a daily basis by June 22,
                2018, and established compliance dates for MEs, motor carriers, FMCSA,
                and the States accordingly. This final rule delays until June 23, 2025,
                the compliance date requiring (1) FMCSA to electronically transmit from
                the National Registry to the SDLAs driver identification information,
                examination results, and restriction information from examinations
                performed for holders of CLPs/CDLs (interstate and intrastate); (2)
                FMCSA to electronically transmit to the SDLAs medical variance
                information for all CMV drivers; (3) SDLAs to post driver
                identification, examination results, and restriction information
                received electronically from FMCSA; and (4) that motor carriers no
                longer would need to verify that their drivers holding CLPs or CDLs
                were certified by an ME listed on the National Registry. This action is
                being taken to ensure that SDLAs have sufficient time to make the
                necessary IT programming changes. Although this rule would impact the
                responsibilities of MEs, CMV drivers, motor carriers, SDLAs, and FMCSA,
                it is not expected to generate any economic costs or benefits.
                 The 2015 final rule accounted for costs associated with system
                development and implementation, and benefits associated with
                streamlined processes and reduced paperwork. These costs and benefits
                (anticipated under the 2018 IFR to be realized on the compliance date
                of June 22, 2021) would not be realized on that date. Therefore, the
                baseline against which to evaluate the impacts of this final rule is
                that the necessary systems will not be ready on June 22, 2021, and will
                instead be ready on June 23, 2025. This rule aligns the compliance date
                with the date when the systems will be ready and thus, when the costs
                and benefits estimated in the 2015 final rule can be realized.
                B. Congressional Review Act
                 Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808), OIRA
                designated this rule as not a ``major rule.'' \3\
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                 \3\ A ``major rule'' means any rule that the Office of
                Management and Budget finds has resulted in or is likely to result
                in (a) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (b)
                a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual
                industries, geographic regions, Federal, State, or local government
                agencies; or (c) significant adverse effects on competition,
                employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability
                of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based
                enterprises in domestic and export markets (49 CFR 389.3).
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                C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                 The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) (RFA), as
                amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
                1996 (SBREFA),\4\ requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of
                the regulatory action on small business and other small entities and to
                minimize any significant economic impact. The term ``small entities''
                comprises small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are
                independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields,
                and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000 (5
                U.S.C. 601(6)). Accordingly, DOT policy requires an analysis of the
                impact of all regulations on small entities, and mandates that agencies
                strive to lessen any adverse effects on these businesses.
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 \4\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, (Mar. 29, 1996).
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 FMCSA considers all of the 76,396 MEs who are certified and listed
                on the National Registry to be small entities.\5\ While this may be a
                substantial number of small entities, this rule does not impose any new
                requirements on MEs. MEs are already required, under the 2015 final
                rule, to report results of all CMV drivers' physical examinations
                (including the results of examinations where the driver was found not
                to be qualified) to FMCSA by midnight (local time) of the next calendar
                day following the examination. In addition, this rule does not result
                in additional costs or benefits, nor does it inhibit the realization of
                the cost savings identified in the 2015 final rule. The unanticipated
                National Registry outage and subsequent IT development issues have led
                to delays in the development of the process for the electronic
                transmission of MEC information and medical variances, and the final
                specifications have not yet been published and released to the SDLAs.
                This rule aligns
                [[Page 32648]]
                the compliance date with the date when the systems will be ready and
                thus, when the costs and benefits estimated in the 2015 final rule can
                be realized. As such, this rule will not result in a significant
                economic impact on the MEs.
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 \5\ 76,396 certified MEs were listed on the National Registry as
                of April 27, 2021.
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 CMV drivers are not considered small entities because they do not
                meet the definition of a small entity in Section 601 of the RFA.
                Specifically, CMV drivers are considered neither a small business under
                the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601(3)), nor are they considered a small organization
                under the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601(4){time} .
                 All motor carriers will likely be impacted by this rule; however,
                the rule would impose no new obligations. FMCSA does not know how many
                of these motor carriers are considered ``small.'' The U.S. Small
                Business Administration (SBA) defines the size standards used to
                classify entities as small. SBA establishes separate standards for each
                industry, as defined by the North American Industry Classification
                System (NAICS).\6\ This rule may affect many different industry
                sectors; for example, the transportation sector (e.g., general freight
                trucking industry group (4841) and the specialized freight trucking
                industry group (4842)), the agricultural sector (11), and the
                construction sector (23). Industry groups within these sectors have
                size standards based on the number of employees, or on the amount of
                annual revenue. Regardless of how many small entities are in this
                population, this rule is not expected to generate any economic costs or
                benefits. Therefore, FMCSA estimates that, while this rule as proposed
                may affect a substantial number of small entities, it will not have a
                significant impact on those entities.
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 \6\ Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and
                Budget (OMB). ``North American Industry Classification System.''
                2017. Available at: https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/2017NAICS/2017_NAICS_Manual.pdf (accessed March 20, 2018).
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 This rule directly affects the States through their SDLAs. Under
                the standards of the RFA, as amended by the SBREFA, the States are not
                small entities. States are not considered small entities because they
                do not meet the definition of a small entity in the RFA. Specifically,
                States are not considered small governmental jurisdictions under the
                RFA 5 U.S.C. 601(5), both because State government is not included
                among the various levels of government listed in Section 601(5), and
                because, even if this were the case, no State, including the District
                of Columbia, has a population of less than 50,000, which is the
                criterion for a governmental jurisdiction to be considered small under
                the RFA.
                 Consequently, I hereby certify that this action will not have a
                significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
                D. Assistance for Small Entities
                 In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory
                Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,\7\ FMCSA wants to assist small
                entities in understanding this final rule so they can better evaluate
                its effects on themselves and participate in the rulemaking initiative.
                If the rule will affect your small business, organization, or
                governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its
                provisions or options for compliance; please consult the person listed
                under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 \7\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, (Mar. 29, 1996).
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
                employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal
                regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and
                Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small
                Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these
                actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small
                business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of FMCSA, call
                1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). DOT has a policy regarding the rights
                of small entities to regulatory enforcement fairness and an explicit
                policy against retaliation for exercising these rights.
                E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
                 The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
                requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
                regulatory actions. The Act addresses actions that may result in the
                expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate,
                or by the private sector of $168 million (which is the value equivalent
                of $100 million in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 2019 levels) or more
                in any 1 year. Though this final rule would not result in such an
                expenditure, the Agency does discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
                in this preamble.
                F. Paperwork Reduction Act
                 This rule contains no new information collection requirements under
                the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
                G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
                 A rule has implications for federalism under section 1(a) of E.O.
                13132 if it has ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the
                relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
                distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
                government.''
                 FMCSA has determined that this rule will not have substantial
                direct costs on or for States, nor would it limit the policymaking
                discretion of States. Nothing in this document preempts any State law
                or regulation. Therefore, this rule does not have sufficient federalism
                implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Impact
                Statement.
                H. Privacy
                 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,\8\ requires the Agency
                to assess the privacy impact of a regulation that will affect the
                privacy of individuals. This final rule would not require the
                collection of personally identifiable information (PII).
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 \8\ Public Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, note following 5
                U.S.C. 552a (Dec. 4, 2014).
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies
                and any non-Federal agency that receives records contained in a system
                of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program.
                 The E-Government Act of 2002,\9\ requires Federal agencies to
                conduct a PIA for new or substantially changed technology that
                collects, maintains, or disseminates information in an identifiable
                form.
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 \9\ Public Law 107-347, sec. 208, 116 Stat. 2899, 2921 (Dec. 17,
                2002).
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 No new or substantially changed technology would collect, maintain,
                or disseminate information as a result of this rule. Accordingly, FMCSA
                has not conducted a PIA.
                I. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
                 This rule does not have Tribal implications under E.O. 13175,
                Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because
                it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian
                Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
                Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
                the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
                [[Page 32649]]
                J. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
                 FMCSA analyzed this final rule for the purpose of the National
                Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and
                determined this action is categorically excluded from further analysis
                and documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental
                impact statement under FMCSA Order 5610.1 (69 FR 9680), Appendix 2,
                paragraph (s)(7) and paragraph (t)(2). The Categorical Exclusion (CE)
                in paragraph (s)(7) covers requirements for State-issued commercial
                license documentation and paragraph (t)(2) addresses regulations that
                ensure States have the appropriate information systems and procedures
                concerning CDL qualifications. The content in this final rule is
                covered by these CEs and the final action does not have any effect on
                the quality of the environment.
                List of Subjects
                49 CFR Part 383
                 Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
                Highway safety, Motor carriers
                49 CFR Part 384
                 Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
                Highway safety, Motor carriers
                49 CFR Part 391
                 Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Drug testing, Highway safety, Motor
                carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Safety,
                Transportation.
                 In consideration of the foregoing, FMCSA amends 49 CFR subtitle B,
                chapter III, parts 383, 384, and 391 to read as follows:
                PART 383--COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND
                PENALTIES
                0
                1. The authority citation for part 383 continues to read as follows:
                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 521, 31136, 31301 et seq., and 31502;
                secs. 214 and 215 of Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766, 1767;
                sec. 1012(b) of Pub. L. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272, 297, sec. 4140 of
                Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1746; sec. 32934 of Pub. L. 112-141,
                126 Stat. 405, 830; secs. 5401 and 7208 of Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat.
                1312, 1546, 1593; and 49 CFR 1.87.
                0
                2. Amend Sec. 383.71 by revising paragraphs (h)(1) and (3) to read as
                follows:
                Sec. 383.71 Driver application and certification procedures.
                * * * * *
                 (h) * * *
                 (1) New CLP and CDL applicants. (i) Before June 23, 2025, a new CLP
                or CDL applicant who certifies that he/she will operate CMVs in non-
                excepted, interstate commerce must provide the State with an original
                or copy (as required by the State) of a medical examiner's certificate
                prepared by a medical examiner, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, and the
                State will post a medical qualification status of ``certified'' on the
                CDLIS driver record for the driver;
                 (ii) On or after June 23, 2025, a new CLP or CDL applicant who
                certifies that he/she will operate CMVs in non-excepted, interstate
                commerce must be medically examined and certified in accordance with 49
                CFR 391.43 as medically qualified to operate a CMV by a medical
                examiner, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5. Upon receiving an electronic copy
                of the medical examiner's certificate from FMCSA, the State will post a
                medical qualifications status of ``certified'' on the CDLIS driver
                record for the driver;
                * * * * *
                 (3) Maintaining the medical certification status of ``certified.''
                (i) Before June 23, 2025, in order to maintain a medical certification
                status of ``certified,'' a CLP or CDL holder who certifies that he/she
                will operate CMVs in non-excepted, interstate commerce must provide the
                State with an original or copy (as required by the State) of each
                subsequently issued medical examiner's certificate;
                 (ii) On or after June 23, 2025, in order to maintain a medical
                certification status of ``certified,'' a CLP or CDL holder who
                certifies that he/she will operate CMVs in non-excepted, interstate
                commerce must continue to be medically examined and certified in
                accordance with 49 CFR 391.43 as physically qualified to operate a
                commercial motor vehicle by a medical examiner, as defined in 49 CFR
                390.5. FMCSA will provide the State with an electronic copy of the
                medical examiner's certificate information for all subsequent medical
                examinations in which the driver has been deemed qualified.
                0
                3. Amend Sec. 383.73 by revising paragraphs (a)(2)(vii), (b)(5),
                (o)(1)(i) introductory text, (o)(1)(ii) introductory text, (o)(2),
                (o)(3), (o)(4)(i)(A), and (o)(4)(ii) to read as follows:
                Sec. 383.73 State procedures.
                 (a) * * *
                 (2) * * *
                 (vii)(A) Before June 23, 2025, for drivers who certified their type
                of driving according to Sec. 383.71(b)(1)(i) (non-excepted interstate)
                and, if the CLP applicant submits a current medical examiner's
                certificate, date-stamp the medical examiner's certificate, and post
                all required information from the medical examiner's certificate to the
                CDLIS driver record in accordance with paragraph (o) of this section.
                 (B) On or after June 23, 2025, for drivers who certified their type
                of driving according to Sec. 383.71(b)(1)(i) (non-excepted interstate)
                and, if FMCSA provides current medical examiner's certificate
                information electronically, post all required information matching the
                medical examiner's certificate to the CDLIS driver record in accordance
                with paragraph (o) of this section.
                 (b) * * *
                 (5)(i) Before June 23, 2025, for drivers who certified their type
                of driving according to Sec. 383.71(b)(1)(i) (non-excepted interstate)
                and, if the CDL holder submits a current medical examiner's
                certificate, date-stamp the medical examiner's certificate and post all
                required information from the medical examiner's certificate to the
                CDLIS driver record in accordance with paragraph (o) of this section.
                 (ii) On or after June 23, 2025, for drivers who certified their
                type of driving according to Sec. 383.71(b)(1)(i) (non-excepted
                interstate) and, if FMCSA provides current medical examiner's
                certificate information electronically, post all required information
                matching the medical examiner's certificate to the CDLIS driver record
                in accordance with paragraph (o) of this section.
                * * * * *
                 (o) * * *
                 (1)(i) Status of CLP or CDL holder. Before June 23, 2025, for each
                operator of a commercial motor vehicle required to have a CLP or CDL,
                the current licensing State must:
                * * * * *
                 (ii) Status of CLP or CDL holder. On or after June 23, 2025, for
                each operator of a commercial motor vehicle required to have a CLP or
                CDL, the current licensing State must:
                * * * * *
                 (2) Status update. (i) Before June 23, 2025, the State must, within
                10 calendar days of the driver's medical examiner's certificate or
                medical variance expiring, the medical variance being rescinded or the
                medical examiner's certificate being voided by FMCSA, update the
                medical certification status of that driver as ``not certified.''
                 (ii) On or after June 23, 2025, the State must, within 10 calendar
                days of the driver's medical examiner's certificate or medical variance
                expiring, the medical examiner's certificate becoming invalid, the
                medical variance being
                [[Page 32650]]
                rescinded, or the medical examiner's certificate being voided by FMCSA,
                update the medical certification status of that driver as ``not
                certified.''
                 (3) Variance update. (i) Before June 23, 2025, within 10 calendar
                days of receiving information from FMCSA regarding issuance or renewal
                of a medical variance for a driver, the State must update the CDLIS
                driver record to include the medical variance information provided by
                FMCSA.
                 (ii) On or after June 23, 2025, within 1 business day of
                electronically receiving medical variance information from FMCSA
                regarding the issuance or renewal of a medical variance for a driver,
                the State must update the CDLIS driver record to include the medical
                variance information provided by FMCSA.
                 (4) * * *
                 (i) * * *
                 (A)(1) Before June 23, 2025, notify the CLP or CDL holder of his/
                her CLP or CDL ``not-certified'' medical certification status and that
                the CMV privileges will be removed from the CLP or CDL unless the
                driver submits a current medical examiner's certificate and/or medical
                variance, or changes his/her self-certification to driving only in
                excepted or intrastate commerce (if permitted by the State);
                 (2) On or after June 23, 2025, notify the CLP or CDL holder of his/
                her CLP or CDL ``not-certified'' medical certification status and that
                the CMV privileges will be removed from the CLP or CDL unless the
                driver has been medically examined and certified in accordance with 49
                CFR 391.43 as physically qualified to operate a commercial motor
                vehicle by a medical examiner, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, or the
                driver changes his/her self-certification to driving only in excepted
                or intrastate commerce (if permitted by the State).
                * * * * *
                 (ii)(A) Before June 23, 2025, if a driver fails to provide the
                State with the certification contained in Sec. 383.71(b)(1), or a
                current medical examiner's certificate if the driver self-certifies
                according to Sec. 383.71(b)(1)(i) that he/she is operating in non-
                excepted interstate commerce as required by Sec. 383.71(h), the State
                must mark that CDLIS driver record as ``not-certified'' and initiate a
                CLP or CDL downgrade following State procedures in accordance with
                paragraph (o)(4)(i)(B) of this section.
                 (B) On or after June 23, 2025, if a driver fails to provide the
                State with the certification contained in Sec. 383.71(b)(1), or, if
                the driver self-certifies according to Sec. 383.71(b)(1)(i) that he/
                she is operating in non-excepted interstate commerce as required by
                Sec. 383.71(h) and the information required by paragraph (o)(2)(ii) of
                this section is not received and posted, the State must mark that CDLIS
                driver record as ``not-certified'' and initiate a CLP or CDL downgrade
                following State procedures in accordance with paragraph (o)(4)(i)(B) of
                this section.
                * * * * *
                PART 384--STATE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM
                0
                4. The authority citation for part 384 continues to read as follows:
                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31301, et seq., and 31502; secs.
                103 and 215 of Pub. L. 106-59, 113 Stat. 1753, 1767; sec. 32934 of
                Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 830; secs. 5401 and 7208 of Pub. L.
                114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1546, 1593 and 49 CFR 1.87.
                0
                5. Amend Sec. 384.301 by revising paragraph (i) to read as follows:
                Sec. 384.301 Substantial compliance-general requirements.
                * * * * *
                 (i) A State must come into substantial compliance with the
                requirements of subpart B of this part and part 383 of this chapter in
                effect as of June 22, 2015, as soon as practical, but, unless otherwise
                specifically provided in this part, not later than June 23, 2025.
                * * * * *
                PART 391--QUALIFICATIONS OF DRIVERS AND LONGER COMBINATION VEHICLE
                (LCV) DRIVER INSTRUCTORS
                0
                6. The authority citation for part 391 continues to read as follows:
                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 508, 31133, 31136, 31149, and 31502;
                sec. 4007(b), Pub. L. 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 2152; sec. 114, Pub.
                L. 103-311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1677; sec. 215, Pub. L. 106-159, 113
                Stat. 1748, 1767; sec. 32934, Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 830;
                secs. 5403 and 5524, Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1548, 1560;
                sec. 2, Pub. L. 115-105, 131 Stat. 2263; and 49 CFR 1.87.
                0
                7. Amend Sec. 391.23 by revising paragraphs (m)(2)(i)(B)(1),
                (m)(2)(i)(C), (m)(3)(i)(B)(1) and (m)(3)(i)(C), to read as follows:
                Sec. 391.23 Investigation and inquiries.
                * * * * *
                 (m) * * *
                 (2) * * *
                 (i) * * *
                 (B)(1) Beginning on May 21, 2014, and through June 22, 2025, that
                the driver was certified by a medical examiner listed on the National
                Registry of Certified Medical Examiners as of the date of medical
                examiner's certificate issuance.
                * * * * *
                 (C) Exception. Beginning on January 30, 2015, and through June 22,
                2025, if the driver provided the motor carrier with a copy of the
                current medical examiner's certificate that was submitted to the State
                in accordance with Sec. 383.73(b)(5) of this chapter, the motor
                carrier may use a copy of that medical examiner's certificate as proof
                of the driver's medical certification for up to 15 days after the date
                it was issued.
                * * * * *
                 (3) * * *
                 (i) * * *
                 (B)(1) Through June 22, 2025, that the driver was certified by a
                medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical
                Examiners as of the date of medical examiner's certificate issuance.
                * * * * *
                 (C) Through June 22, 2025, if the driver provided the motor carrier
                with a copy of the current medical examiner's certificate that was
                submitted to the State in accordance with Sec. 383.73(a)(2)(vii) of
                this chapter, the motor carrier may use a copy of that medical
                examiner's certificate as proof of the driver's medical certification
                for up to 15 days after the date it was issued.
                * * * * *
                0
                8. Amend Sec. 391.41 by revising paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (ii), to
                read as follows:
                Sec. 391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers.
                 (a) * * *
                 (2) * * *
                 (i)(A) Beginning on January 30, 2015 and through June 22, 2025, a
                driver required to have a commercial driver's license under part 383 of
                this chapter, and who submitted a current medical examiner's
                certificate to the State in accordance with 49 CFR 383.71(h)
                documenting that he or she meets the physical qualification
                requirements of this part, no longer needs to carry on his or her
                person the medical examiner's certificate specified at Sec. 391.43(h),
                or a copy, for more than 15 days after the date it was issued as valid
                proof of medical certification.
                 (B) On or after June 23, 2025, a driver required to have a
                commercial driver's license or a commercial learner's permit under 49
                CFR part 383, and who has a current medical examiner's certificate
                documenting that he or she meets the physical qualification
                requirements of
                [[Page 32651]]
                this part, no longer needs to carry on his or her person the medical
                examiner's certificate specified at Sec. 391.43(h).
                 (ii) Beginning on July 8, 2015, and through June 22, 2025, a driver
                required to have a commercial learner's permit under part 383 of this
                chapter, and who submitted a current medical examiner's certificate to
                the State in accordance with Sec. 383.71(h) of this chapter
                documenting that he or she meets the physical qualification
                requirements of this part, no longer needs to carry on his or her
                person the medical examiner's certificate specified at Sec. 391.43(h),
                or a copy for more than 15 days after the date it was issued as valid
                proof of medical certification.
                * * * * *
                0
                9. Amend Sec. 391.43 by revising paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) to read as
                follows:
                Sec. 391.43 Medical examination; certificate of physical
                examination.
                * * * * *
                 (g) * * *
                 (2)(i) Before June 23, 2025, if the medical examiner finds that the
                person examined is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor
                vehicle in accordance with Sec. 391.41(b), he or she must complete a
                certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and
                furnish the original to the person who was examined. The examiner must
                provide a copy to a prospective or current employing motor carrier who
                requests it.
                 (ii) On or after June 23, 2025, if the medical examiner identifies
                that the person examined will not be operating a commercial motor
                vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license or a commercial
                learner's permit and finds that the driver is physically qualified to
                operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with Sec. 391.41(b),
                he or she must complete a certificate in the form prescribed in
                paragraph (h) of this section and furnish the original to the person
                who was examined. The examiner must provide a copy to a prospective or
                current employing motor carrier who requests it.
                 (3) On or after June 23, 2025, if the medical examiner finds that
                the person examined is not physically qualified to operate a commercial
                motor vehicle in accordance with Sec. 391.41(b), he or she must inform
                the person examined that he or she is not physically qualified, and
                that this information will be reported to FMCSA. All medical examiner's
                certificates previously issued to the person are not valid and no
                longer satisfy the requirements of Sec. 391.41(a).
                * * * * *
                0
                10. Amend Sec. 391.45 by revising paragraph (g) to read as follows:
                Sec. 391.45 Persons who must be medically examined and certified.
                * * * * *
                 (g) On or after June 23, 2025, any person found by a medical
                examiner not to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor
                vehicle under the provisions of paragraph (g)(3) of Sec. 391.43.
                0
                11. Amend Sec. 391.51 by revising paragraphs (b)(7)(ii) and (b)(9)(ii)
                to read as follows:
                Sec. 391.51 General requirements for driver qualification files.
                * * * * *
                 (b) * * *
                 (7) * * *
                 (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 Sec. 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.
                * * * * *
                 (9) * * *
                 (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 Sec.
                391.23(m)(2).
                * * * * *
                 Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87.
                Meera Joshi,
                Deputy Administrator.
                [FR Doc. 2021-13177 Filed 6-21-21; 8:45 am]
                BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
                

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