Unqualified docs put certification at risk
Because it’s essential that only safe, qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles on our nation’s roadways, the government has decided to issue Notices of Proposed Removal for medical examiners who haven’t compliantly performed medical examinations for commercial drivers and operators.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uncovered recent instances of medical examiners who were not compliant with physical qualification regulations and promptly voided any certificates they inappropriately issued to drivers/operators.
Investigating non-compliant medical examiners
After an investigation by the FMCSA in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the agency found evidence that two specific doctors, Drs Dustin Mai and Jenny Le, failed to correctly apply the required standards to their medical examinations. Both doctors are Chiropractic practitioners from the Houston, Texas area.
This left 15,225 commercial drivers with medical certifications that were not issued in good faith.
What’s the impact?
The FMCSA voided over 15,000 unexpired Medical Examiner Certificates issued by these two doctors between March 2023 and March 2025. The 15,225 drivers impacted may still operate a commercial vehicle, but they must obtain a new certificate from a different medical examiner listed on the National Registry by May 10, 2025.
Drivers who don’t obtain new certificates by May 10 will have their commercial license downgraded, which means they won't be able to compliantly operate a commercial vehicle. By removing all examiners who fail to adequately perform USDOT examinations in compliance with the regulations, the FMCSA hopes to enhance safety on the roadways and ensure only qualified drivers are out on the road.