A 30-day comment period is open
FMCSA published a Federal Register notice on September 15 seeking approval to renew the information collection for the 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form, MCSA-5895. Comments are due October 15, 2026. This is a renewal of an existing form—not a new medical qualification rule and not a requirement that every commercial driver complete the form.
How MCSA-5895 is used
Use of MCSA-5895 is voluntary and at the discretion of the certified medical examiner conducting the DOT physical. When the examiner needs more information about certain medications, the form allows the driver’s treating healthcare professional to explain why the medication was prescribed and provide a medical opinion about its effect on safe commercial vehicle operation. The completed form is returned to the medical examiner and becomes part of the examination record maintained with the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875. FMCSA says the collected information is not available to the public.
The certified medical examiner makes the final decision
A treating provider supplies medication and condition information, but the certified medical examiner remains responsible for deciding whether the driver meets federal physical qualification standards. The notice explains that MCSA-5895 supplements the driver’s reported health history, the physical examination and the broader MCSA-5875 report. A prescription alone should not be treated as automatic qualification or automatic disqualification; the examiner evaluates the underlying condition, the medication and their potential effect on safe driving under the applicable rules.
Practical driver takeaway
Before a DOT physical, prepare a complete and accurate list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements, including dose and prescribing provider. Schedule the examination early enough to allow the examiner and treating provider to exchange information if MCSA-5895 is requested. Never stop or change a prescribed medication solely to pass an exam without speaking with the prescribing clinician. Ask how sensitive medical information should be transmitted securely and confirm that the examiner received any requested form.
Fleet and public-comment takeaway
Fleets should track certificate expiration dates and allow drivers time to complete legitimate follow-up without asking dispatch or supervisors to make medical judgments. Sensitive medication details should move between the driver, treating provider and certified medical examiner through appropriate channels. Drivers, examiners, healthcare providers and fleets that want to comment on the form’s necessity, clarity or burden can use the federal docket linked from the September 15 notice before the October 15 deadline.
Federal Register — 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form Notice
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