In its eagerness to sort the fit truckers from the unfit for the purpose of physical qualifications, the DOT wants medical examiners to adhere to national standards and recurrent training. It wants all medical examiners to be up to snuff in order to make sure the truckers they qualify are healthy enough to drive.

Preventing medically unqualified drivers from operating commercial motor vehicles is also high on the National Transportation Safety Board’s “most wanted” list of highway safety improvements. NTSB recommends an oversight program that includes raising the proficiency bar for those performing medical exams.

Heeding this call, a new organization has been established. The National Academy of DOT Medical Examiners (NADME) was founded by Robert Hirsch. Hirsch is not new to the trucking industry. He served as president and CEO of the Truckload Carriers Association from 2000 to 2003. Hirsch will serve NADME as its president.

NADME’s Web site indicates that the government’s needs will be the new organization’s credo. In addition, highway funding legislation currently pending would require every medical examiner to register and be listed. Hirsch stated in a May 19 press release that NADME will be providing such a registry.