Transcript Keeping “PACE” with the NRCME

Keeping “PACE”
with the NRCME
FMCSA
National Registry of
Certified Medical Examiners
Michael J. Megehee, DC
FMSCA Working Integrated Product Team Member
Who are Medical Examiners?
Per FEDERAL DEFINITION –
“Medical Examiners” means Medical
Doctors, Osteopaths, Nurse Practitioners,
Physician Assistants and Chiropractors
(nearly all 51 US jurisdictions)
We already do this
Doctors of Chiropractic are already legally
performing DOT physicals in most US
jurisdictions – along with 4 other professions
But safety issues mean the requirements are
changing
National Registry of Certified
Medical Examiners
Medical Examiners will be required to
complete “certified training” and
– pass examination
–
to perform Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver
Medical Examinations
(estimated late 2007)
“Nearly All States” Means:
Chiropractors’ State Scope of Practice must allow
performance of physical examinations.
State laws (DMV) can also affect the participation
of the chiropractic profession.
State laws may not deter interstate commerce,
therefore it appears that an exam performed
lawfully by a chiropractor practicing in one state
must be accepted in every other state regardless of
that state's chiropractic Scope of Practice.
Certified Training and Examination
The FMCSA has a number of options to choose
from to implement the NRCME.
The range of possibilities is WIDE:
Allow Anyone to Provide Training
(ex: Drug Collector training)
Provide Training at a DOT Facility
(ex: FAA Aviation Medical Examiner)
Or, anything in between!
“Anything In Between” Considerations
Certified Training may be “cross-profession”
Example:
MDs might attend training conducted by DCs
Adequate numbers of CMEs needed (50,000)
Need to promote participation
DCs can apply training to CE requirements.
Training: CMEs to have an appropriate level of
skill, education and training specific to
regulations and performance of driver's exam.
ONE OPTION:
PACE for certified training
PACE offers a sound chiropractic based
standard for third party providers, education,
credentials, content, and continuing education
credits.
PACE provides nationally recognized assurance
to DC that program is acceptable “continuing
education” credits, also assurance that program
is “Certified Medical Examiner” training.
ONE OPTION:
PACE for certified training
PACE represents a level of credibility more
easily recognizable and acceptable by other
professions -since they have PACE-type programs also –
with centralized approval under uniform
standards
State Licensing Boards must…
Insure recognizable standards of accreditation and
examination (i.e., NBCE and CCE) to demonstrate
adequate skill, clinical expertise, education of the
chiropractic profession.
Regulate State Scope of Chiropractic Practice
(including permitting / not permitting physical
examinations)
Establish Continuing Education requirements
Accept/Reject CEs from other professions
NRCME
The NRCME represents the greatest opportunity
for the chiropractic profession in our time.
In regard to government and professional acceptance,
financial and personal achievement,
it is unsurpassed.
So where do you fit in?
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Go to www.acacoh.com and register to be
part of the survey that builds the basis for the
certification exam – whether you already do
DOT exams or not
Go to www.nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov to learn
about the certification program
Be sure your board understands how this
program fits into your scope of practice
Help spread the word!