FAA Medical Certification Regulations & Exams
AOH has two physicians on staff who are designated by the FAA as Aviation Medical Examiners, and can provide Class I, II, and III medical and student pilot emaminations, as well as Air Traffic Control (ATC) medical examinations.

In recent years, airmen with many previously disqualifying medical conditions have been able to receive medical certification and return to flying status through either medical waivers, or the system of Special Authorization in cooperation with the Federal Air Surgeon. AOH has particular expertise in assisting airmen with this process.

Examples of conditions which can now often be granted special issuance are:

• Heart Attacks
• Coronary Bypass Surgery
• Angioplasty and Stent Placement
• Total Blindness in One Eye
• Sucessfully Treated Alcoholism or Chemical Dependency
• Diabetes (Including Insulin Dependent)
• High Blood Pressure
• Amputations

Information on recent revision of part 67 of the FAR's can be obtained at (opens in new window):

http://www.faa.gov/avr/aamhome.htm

CDL/FHWA Fitness & Exams
The Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1935 gave the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) the authority to require medical certification for operators of motor vehicles. A physical examination with a certificate were required effective January 1, 1954. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was created in 1970 and assumed the responsibility for drivers medical qualifications. The Motor Carrier Act of 1984, Federal Title 49, Part 391.41 is the legal authority guiding medical evaluation.

Drivers of all commercial vehicles are required to have a medical examination. A commercial motor vehicle is any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on public highways in interstate commerce to transport passenger or property when:

1. The vehicle's gross weight rating or gross combination is over 10,000 pounds
2. The vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers including the driver; or
3. The vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act

Medical Exams - The role of a medical examiner is to::

• protect public safety
• assist with health issues that affect the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely
• detect unrecognized health problems
• coordinate medical issues with the driver's personal physician
• help companies to meet regulations in 49CFR 391

Exams are required every 24 months or as directed by the examining practitioner, or when any driver's ability to perform his/her normal duties has been impaired by physical or mental injury or disease. Transportation firms need to be aware that inferior quality exams are to be avoided - they do not save money and they increase the liability of your company.

The present system of certification has multiple problems, not least of which is "examiner shopping", no certification program for examiners (do they know what they are doing?), and an outdated medical form.

Alaska Occupational Health has dedicated itself to bringing the safest and most up-to-date professional approach to the DOT Medical Examination. We are familiar with the Federal Highway Administration regulations and sensitive to your companies need for premiere services. Our prices are competitive and our quality is unrivaled.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Programs
AAT, our sister company, has been serving the Alaska transportation industry for over 10 years in the design and implementation of mandated and non-mandated drug and alcohol testing programs. All services, including on site collection, review, policy development and SAP/EAP evaluations are available. Contact AAT for further details at http://www.avtox.com/

Federal Highways Drivers' Requirements and Qualifications (opens in new window):

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/medical.htm