Dr. Shouping Li has a new certification to add to his growing list.
The Humboldt General Hospital physician was included on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners March 18.
The National Registry was developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to improve highway safety and driver health.
It requires all medical examiners who wish to perform physical examinations for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers to be trained and certified in FMSCA physical qualification standards.
After May 21, 2014, all interstate truck and bus drivers must have their medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
Dr. Li was required to complete rigorous training and testing requirements in order to qualify as a certified medical examiner.
He must take refresher training every five years and take the certification test every 10 years to maintain his certification.
The new medical exam requirements only apply to drivers who will drive across state lines.
"I was happy to become certified as a federal medical examiner," said Dr. Li. "I want to meet the needs of my patients, and this is an area where I can help."
In his capacity as a medical examiner, Dr. Li said he will interpret and apply the federal rules for truck and bus drivers during medical examinations, ensuring that drivers are physically and mentally fit to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
The National Traffic Safety Board said that some fatal and injury crashes can be directly attributed to commercial motor vehicle drivers who had serious disqualifying medical conditions but were improperly certified by medical examiners.
"Now with the National Registry's certification process," said Dr. Li, "we will be able to make these important medical certification decisions using a national framework that will reduce the risk for crashes, injuries and fatalities among interstate drivers."
The National Registry is easily accessible to drivers, motor carriers, and the general public by visiting https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Shouping Li, MD, PhD, FACC, FASE joined the staff of Humboldt General Hospital in 2007. In addition to family practice, he offers cardiac care to local residents. Dr. Li's medical clinic is located in Suite A of Humboldt General Hospital's new medical offices. He sees patients Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please call (775) 625-8585 for more information or to schedule an appointment.[[In-content Ad]]
