[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, 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b5d5658485a565e5f52585a577b5f544f155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5432393727353931303d37353814303b207a333b22">[email protected]</span></a>. 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:
    <bullet> Certified MEs continue issuing MECs to qualified CLP/CDL 
applicants/holders;
    <bullet> CLP/CDL applicants/holders continue to provide the SDLA a 
copy of their MEC;
    <bullet> Motor carriers continue verifying that drivers were 
certified by an ME listed on the National Registry; and
    <bullet> 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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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.
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    \4\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, (Mar. 29, 1996).
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    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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