Beginning May 21, 2014, all commercial motor vehicle drivers will be required to have their DOT physicals and associated medical certificates issued by a certified medical examiner.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act developed the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to enhance the oversight of interstate drivers through the requirements listed under Section 391.41. 

Dr. John Bennett, an internal medicine physician with Effingham Health System, has received his designation and is authorized to perform physical examinations and issue medical certificates.  His office is located in Port Wentworth, at the intersection of Highways 21 and 30, at 7306 Highway 21, Suite 105, behind Zaxby’s.

It is hoped that the new requirements and resulting certifications will prevent or reduce the incidence of commercial vehicle-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. To confirm that a physician is a certified medical examiner, visit http://nrcme.fmcse.dot.gov.