FMCSA renews voluntary driver medication form for medical examiners

This renewal affects the medical certification process for commercial drivers. Medical examiners use the form to contact prescribing doctors about medications that could affect driving safety. The agency plans to submit the renewal to the Office of Management and Budget for approval.

The form remains optional for medical examiners. It helps them understand why a driver takes certain drugs and whether those drugs or underlying conditions could cause incapacitation. The information stays in the driver's medical record and is not public.

The National Transportation Safety Board asked the agency to change the form. The board wants it to cover all medications and medical conditions, not just those that may impair driving. The board also wants clearer instructions for prescribing doctors.

The agency declined the changes. It said the current medical examination report already collects a full health history. The medication form is only a supplement to help examiners review specific prescriptions. The final decision on driver qualification stays with the medical examiner.

Comments on the renewal must be received by October 15, 2026. The agency estimates the form takes eight minutes to complete and creates about 311,375 hours of annual burden for prescribing healthcare professionals.

Source: Federal Register — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/15/2026-18863/agency-information-collection-activities-renewal-of-an-approved-information-collection-request-39141