
Rule 14-90.0041, F.A.C. 725-030-11
Transit
05/09
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFORMING AND RECORDING MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
The medical examiner should review these instructions before
performing the medical
examination. Answer each question yes or
no, where appropriate. The examiner should be aware of the
rigorous physical demands and mental and emotional responsibilities
placed on the bus transit system driver. In the interest of public
safety, the examination shall ensure that the driver does not have
any physical, mental, or organic defect of such a nature as to affect
the driver’s ability to operate safely a bus according to the criteria on
the Medical Examination Report and any additional requirements
established by the bus transit system.
General Information. The purpose of this history and medical
examination is to detect the presence of physical, mental, or organic
defects of such a character and extent as to affect the
applicant/driver’s ability to operate a bus safely according to these
criteria and any additional physical requirements established by the
bus transit system. The examination should be made carefully and
at least as complete as indicated by these criteria and instructions.
History of certain defects may be cause for rejection or indicate the
need for making certain laboratory tests or a further, and more
stringent, examination. Defects may be recorded which do not,
because of their character or degree, indicate that medical
qualification should be denied. However, these defects should be
discussed with the driver/applicant and he/she should be advised to
take the necessary steps to insure correction, particularly those of
which, if neglected, might lead to a condition likely to affect his/her
ability to drive safely.
General Appearance and Development. Note marked overweight.
Note any posture defect, perceptible limp, tremor, or other defects
that might be caused by alcoholism, thyroid intoxication, or other
illnesses. Federal Transit Administration regulations prohibit use of
controlled substances by a driver.
Head - Eyes. When other than the Snellen chart is used, the results
of test must be expressed in values comparable to the standard
Snellen test. If the applicant/driver wears corrective lenses, these
should be worn while applicant/driver’s visual acuity is being tested.
In recording distance vision use 20 feet as normal. Report all vision
as a fraction with 20 as numerator and the smallest type read at 20
feet as denominator. Note ptosis, discharge, visual fields, ocular
muscle imbalance, color blindness, corneal scar, exophthalmos, or
strabismus, uncorrected by corrective lenses. If the applicant/
driver
habitually wears contact lenses, or intends to do so while driving,
there should be sufficient evidence to indicate that he/she has good
tolerance and is well adapted to their use. The use of contact lenses
should be noted on the record.
Ears. Note evidence of mastoid or middle ear disease, discharge,
symptoms of aural vertigo, or Meniere’s Syndrome. When recording
hearing, record distance from patient from which a forced whispered
voice can first be heard. If audiometer is used to test hearing, record
decibel loss at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
Throat. Note evidence of disease, irremediable deformities of the
throat likely to interfere with eating or breathing, or any laryngeal
condition which could interfere with the safe operation of a bus.
Thorax - Heart. Stethoscopic examination is required. Note
murmurs and arrhythmias, and any past or present history of
cardiovascular disease, of a variety known to be accompanied by
syncope, dyspnea, collapse, enlarged heart or congestive heart
failures. Electrocardiogram is required when findings so indicate.
Blood Pressure. Record with either spring or mercury column type
sphygmomanometer. If the blood pressure is consistently above
160/90 mm. Hg., further tests may be necessary to determine
whether the driver is qualified to operate a bus.
Lungs. If any lung disease is detected, state whether active or
arrested; if arrested, your opinion as to how long it has been
quiescent.
Gastrointestinal System. Note any diseases of the gastrointestinal
system.
Abdomen. Note wounds, injuries, scars, or weakness of muscles of
abdominal walls sufficient to interfere with normal function. Any
hernia should be noted if present. State how long and if adequately
contained by truss.
Abnormal Masses. If present, note location, if tender, and whether
or not the applicant/driver knows how long they have been present.
If the diagnosis suggests that the condition might interfere with the
control and safe operation of a bus, more stringent tests are
recommended.
Tenderness. When noted, state where most pronounced, and
suspected cause. If the diagnosis suggests that the condition might
interfere with the control and safe operation of a bus, more stringent
tests are recommended.
Genito - Urinary. Urinalysis is required. Acute infections of the
genito-urinary tract, as defined by local and State public health laws,
indications from urinalysis of uncontrolled diabetes, symptomatic
albumin-urea in the urine, or other findings that may indicate health
conditions likely to interfere with the control and safe operation of a
bus.
Neurological. If positive Romberg is reported, indicate degrees of
impairment. Pupillary reflexes should be reported for both light and
accommodation. Knee jerks are to be reported absent only when not
obtainable upon reinforcement and as increased when the foot is
actually lifted from the floor following a light blow on the patella,
sensory vibratory and positional abnormalities should be noted.
Extremities. Carefully examine upper and lower extremities.
Record the loss of impairment of a leg, foot, toe, arm, hand, or
fingers. Note any and all deformities, the presence of atrophy,
semiparalysis or paralysis, or varicose veins. If a hand or finger
deformity exists, determine whether sufficient grasp is present to
enable the driver to secure and maintain a grip on the steering
wheel. If a leg deformity exists, determine whether sufficient mobility
and strength exist to enable the driver to operate pedals properly.
Particular attention should be give to and a record should be made
of, any impairment or structural defect which may interfere with the
driver’s ability to operate a bus safely.
Spine. Note deformities, limitation of motion, or any history of pain,
injuries or disease, past or presently experienced in the cervical or
lumbar spine region. If findings so dictate, radiologic and other
examinations should be used to diagnose congenital or acquired
defects; or spondylolisthesis and scoliosis.
Recto - Genital Studies.
Disease or conditions causing discomfort
should be evaluated carefully to determine the extent to which the
condition might be handicapping while lifting, pulling or during
periods of prolonged driving that might be necessary as part of the
driver’s duties.
Laboratory and Other Special Findings. Urinalysis is required; as
well as such other tests as the medical history or findings upon
medical examination may dictate are necessary. A serological test is
required if the applicant/driver has a history of luetic infection or
present physical findings indicate the possibility of latent syphilis.
Other studies deemed advisable may be ordered by the examining
physician.
Diabetes. Pre-employment medical examination: If, during a pre-
employment examination, it is noted that a driver applicant has a
medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requiring
insulin for control, the person shall not be qualified to drive a bus.
Biennial medical examination: If diabetes is noted for an existing
driver at the time of his or her examination, excluding pre-
employment, and the diabetic condition is stabilized or controlled by
insulin, oral medication and/or diet that can be obtained while the
driver is on duty, then the driver may be qualified. Notwithstanding,
the driver must remain under medical supervision as determined by
the medical examiner.
Upon completion of the examination, the examiner must date and sign
the form and certificate and also provide his/her full name, and address
of the examination office.