FMCSA Voids More Than 15,000 Medical Certificates

In a sweeping move impacting thousands of commercial drivers across the country, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has invalidated more than 15,000 medical examiner’s certificates (MECs). This decision follows the discovery of significant noncompliance by a certified medical examiner, raising concerns about the integrity of the driver qualification process and the ripple effects on motor carriers, drivers, and safety-sensitive employers.

The DOT physicals were performed by chiropractors Dr. Jenny Le and Dr. Dustin Mai and are being voided due to “failure to adequately perform U.S. DOT physical qualification examinations of interstate commercial motor vehicle operators in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.”

DISA does not partner with the sites that actively contract with these providers. However, it is possible that these providers may have been affiliated with locations that DISA has worked with in the past. Due to the nature of provider affiliations, DISA cannot verify the complete employment history of every medical examiner over the past two years. We strongly advise all drivers to review the provider listed on their current CDL Medical Examiner’s Certificate—required to be carried while driving—and, if necessary, promptly complete a new DOT physical to prevent any risk of license downgrade.

When reviewing an MEC, the medical examiner’s name and license or certificate number can be found in the section labeled ‘Medical Examiner’s Name’ and ‘Medical Examiner’s State License, Certificate, or Registration Number’ on the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

The action has drawn industry-wide attention due to the size and scope of its impact, particularly as compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification standards is foundational to maintaining commercial driving privileges. For employers, third-party administrators, and safety officers, this announcement underscores the critical importance of verifying that all medical certifications are valid and issued by practitioners in full compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Here’s what you need to know about the FMCSA’s decision, how it affects driver eligibility, and what steps employers should take to maintain compliance.

The FMCSA’s decision centers on the conduct of a medical examiner based in Dallas, Texas. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) determined that two examiners had issued a substantial number of medical certificates without properly performing the required examinations. As a result, more than 15,000 certificates issued by these examiners between August 2022 and May 2023 are now considered invalid.

The agency confirmed that these certificates were voided because the examinations were either not conducted in accordance with FMCSA medical standards or lacked documentation entirely. While the examiners have since been removed from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, the consequences of these invalid certificates are far-reaching.

Drivers who received their DOT medical certification from the implicated examiner must act quickly. Until they undergo a new medical examination conducted by a certified examiner listed in the FMCSA’s National Registry, they are considered medically unqualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

The FMCSA has made efforts to notify affected drivers directly. Many have already received letters advising them of the voided certificates and the need to obtain a new medical evaluation by May 10. However, given the number of impacted individuals, not all drivers may be immediately aware of their status, placing them at risk of enforcement actions or disqualification.

To prevent further disruption, drivers are given a grace period to complete a valid examination and submit updated documentation. However, during this window, employers and drivers must proactively address the issue to avoid potential compliance violations and safety concerns.

For employers and motor carriers, this event presents an urgent compliance risk. Any driver operating with an invalid medical certificate is considered out of compliance with federal regulations, which can lead to fines, safety audit failures, and potential liability in the event of an incident.

Key areas of concern for employers include:

• Driver Qualification Files (DQFs): Employers are required to maintain up-to-date DQFs, which include a copy of the driver’s valid MEC. If the certificate is voided and not replaced, the DQF is out of compliance.
• Operational Risk: Allowing a driver with a voided medical certificate to operate a CMV could lead to enforcement penalties during roadside inspections or DOT audits.
• Insurance and Liability Exposure: In the event of a crash or claim, operating with drivers who lack proper medical certification could have severe repercussions on insurance coverage and liability assessments.

Employers must take immediate action to review their rosters, identify any drivers certified by the affected examiner, and ensure all documentation is revalidated. For companies that use third-party administrators (TPAs) like DISA, communication with TPA partners can streamline this process and ensure rapid remediation.

To support industry response, FMCSA has issued formal guidance and established procedures to address the fallout. The agency has advised the following steps:

1. Re-Examination Required: All drivers who received a certificate from the identified examiner must obtain a new DOT physical from a certified examiner by May 10.
2. Timely Submission: Once completed, drivers must submit their new MEC to their state driver licensing agency (SDLA) as soon as possible to avoid disqualification.
3. State Notifications: FMCSA has worked with SDLAs to flag affected drivers and facilitate communication, but the burden ultimately lies with the driver and their employer to ensure records are corrected.
4. Use the National Registry: Only medical examiners listed in the FMCSA’s National Registry are authorized to conduct DOT physicals. The registry is searchable online and should be consulted to confirm examiner eligibility.

While FMCSA has not imposed immediate enforcement actions on employers, the agency expects prompt compliance. Failure to act may result in more stringent consequences during future audits or roadside inspections.

While the voiding of over 15,000 MECs is a rare occurrence, it sets a precedent and raises questions about oversight, examiner training, and systemic vulnerabilities within the DOT medical certification process.

From a broader perspective, the event underscores the complexity of maintaining safety standards across such a large and decentralized system. Medical examiners, though individually certified, operate with a significant level of responsibility. When that responsibility is not upheld, the consequences can cascade across the entire commercial transportation network.

Regulatory agencies may look to tighten controls, implement new verification protocols, or enhance examiner training in response to this incident. For now, however, the responsibility for ensuring compliance falls on employers and drivers.

At DISA Global Solutions, we understand the high stakes involved in DOT compliance. Our services are designed to help you navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with confidence. Through our Occupational Health and DOT screening solutions, we ensure your drivers are examined by certified professionals listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry.

Our platform helps track MEC expiration dates, maintain DQF compliance, and streamline documentation—reducing your administrative burden and minimizing risk. Whether you're responding to this FMCSA development or preparing for future audits, DISA offers the expertise and technology to keep your program compliant and your workforce moving.

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Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout North America and Europe, DISA’s comprehensive scope of services includes background screening, drug and alcohol testing, DOT & HR compliance, occupational health services, and I-9/E-Verify. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.