Transportation Safety: Medical Certification and Background Check
Requirements for Pilots, Vessel Masters, and Commercial Drivers  
Vary (27-FEB-08, GAO-08-421R).					 
                                                                 
Federal laws and regulations require that safety-related	 
transportation professionals undergo screening to ensure that	 
they can safely perform their jobs. Medical certification and	 
background checks of selected pilots, vessel masters, and	 
commercial drivers are part of the requirements for licensing	 
these workers. Certification or licensing also includes testing  
workers' knowledge and skills required for the jobs. These checks
are critical because physically or mentally unfit transportation 
workers pose a danger to themselves and to the public. Because of
concerns raised by recent investigations of the reliability of	 
pilot medical certifications, Congress asked us to first describe
the requirements for medical and background checks for selected  
transportation workers. Accordingly, we addressed the following  
questions for (1) medical certification and (2) background	 
checks: What are the regulations governing pilots, vessel	 
masters, and commercial drivers and what role do government	 
entities have in completing the certifications and background	 
checks? A second report, which will be issued mid-2008, will	 
provide information about the steps that the Federal Aviation	 
Administration (FAA) takes to check the accuracy of pilot medical
certificates. Federal regulations require that pilots have both  
pilot certificates and medical certificates prior to operating an
aircraft and meet several requirements, depending on the level of
certificate FAA issues the applicant. Coast Guard issues merchant
mariner licenses and documents to officers such as vessel masters
only after they meet certain regulatory requirements. For	 
example, officers must meet physical requirements, pass written  
knowledge tests, and have specified amounts and types of	 
experience and training, among other requirements. Vessel masters
also must undergo certain background checks prior to obtaining a 
license or document to ensure they can safely assume the	 
responsibilities of a credentialed mariner, do not present a	 
threat to national or transportation security, and do not have	 
connections to terrorism. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles	 
must meet federal minimum requirements before operating a	 
commercial vehicle. FMCSA develops requirements for operating	 
commercial vehicles while states issue commercial drivers'	 
licenses. Federal regulations also require that state driver	 
licensing agencies check applicants' driving records for safety  
violations before issuing a commercial driver's license and that 
motor carriers check drivers' employment histories before hiring 
them. In addition, federal regulations require that TSA complete 
a security check for drivers seeking an endorsement to haul	 
hazardous materials.						 
-------------------------Indexing Terms------------------------- 
REPORTNUM:   GAO-08-421R					        
    ACCNO:   A81095						        
  TITLE:     Transportation Safety: Medical Certification and	      
Background Check Requirements for Pilots, Vessel Masters, and	 
Commercial Drivers Vary 					 
     DATE:   02/27/2008 
  SUBJECT:   Aircraft pilots					 
	     Background investigations				 
	     Coast Guard personnel				 
	     Federal regulations				 
	     Licenses						 
	     Medical certification				 
	     Medical examinations				 
	     Professional drivers				 
	     Reporting requirements				 
	     Standards						 
	     Strategic planning 				 
	     Testing						 
	     Transportation policies				 
	     Transportation safety				 
	     Personnel investigations				 

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GAO-08-421R

   

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material separately. 

February 27, 2008: 

The Honorable James L. Oberstar: 
Chairman: 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: 
House of Representatives: 

Subject: Transportation Safety: Medical Certification and Background 
Check Requirements for Pilots, Vessel Masters, and Commercial Drivers 
Vary: 

Dear Mr. Chairman, 

Federal laws and regulations require that safety-related transportation 
professionals undergo screening to ensure that they can safely perform 
their jobs. Medical certification and background checks of selected 
pilots,[Footnote 1] vessel masters,[Footnote 2] and commercial drivers 
are part of the requirements for licensing these workers. Certification 
or licensing also includes testing workers' knowledge and skills 
required for the jobs. These checks are critical because physically or 
mentally unfit transportation workers pose a danger to themselves and 
to the public. 

Because of concerns raised by recent investigations of the reliability 
of pilot medical certifications,[Footnote 3] you asked us to first 
describe the requirements for medical and background checks for 
selected transportation workers. Accordingly, we addressed the 
following questions for (1) medical certification and (2) background 
checks: What are the regulations governing pilots, vessel masters, and 
commercial drivers and what role do government entities have in 
completing the certifications and background checks? A second report, 
which will be issued mid-2008, will provide information about the steps 
that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) takes to check the 
accuracy of pilot medical certificates. 

To identify federal requirements and procedures for medical 
certification of pilots, vessel masters, and commercial drivers, we 
reviewed agency guidance and federal regulations and met with officials 
from FAA, the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard), and the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to discuss regulations and 
practices relating to assessing and certifying the physical condition 
of pilots, vessel masters, and commercial drivers. To identify federal 
requirements and procedures for background checks of pilots, vessel 
masters, and commercial drivers, we reviewed agency guidance and 
federal regulations and met with officials from FAA, Coast Guard, 
FMCSA, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to discuss 
relevant regulations and practices. We conducted our performance audit 
from July 2007 through February 2008 in accordance with generally 
accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that we 
plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence 
to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on 
our audit objectives. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a 
reasonable basis for our findings based on our audit objectives. 

Background: 

To obtain a professional certificate or license, pilots, vessel 
masters, and commercial drivers must meet a variety of minimum federal 
requirements that vary according to the type of certificate. Generally, 
the certification requirements for these transportation workers include 
skills and knowledge tests, medical examinations, and background 
checks. 

Federal regulations require that pilots have both pilot certificates 
and medical certificates prior to operating an aircraft and meet 
several requirements, depending on the level of certificate FAA issues 
the applicant. In order for FAA to issue a pilot certificate, 
applicants must demonstrate various piloting skills; pass written tests 
of aeronautical knowledge; log specified hours of flying time; read, 
speak, write, and understand the English language; and meet certain age 
restrictions, in addition to meeting the physical qualifications for a 
medical certificate and undergoing certain background checks. FAA 
authorizes pilots to fly specific types of airplanes or use specific 
types of aeronautical instruments after they meet certain training and 
testing requirements. During calendar year 2006, FAA received 439,885 
applications for medical certification, including applications for new 
certificates and renewals of certificates. 

Coast Guard issues merchant mariner licenses and documents to officers 
such as vessel masters only after they meet certain regulatory 
requirements. For example, officers must meet physical requirements, 
pass written knowledge tests, and have specified amounts and types of 
experience and training, among other requirements. Vessel masters also 
must undergo certain background checks prior to obtaining a license or 
document to ensure they can safely assume the responsibilities of a 
credentialed mariner, do not present a threat to national or 
transportation security, and do not have connections to terrorism. 
According to Coast Guard officials, about 60,000 mariners apply for 
mariner credentials each year.[Footnote 4] 

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles must meet federal minimum 
requirements before operating a commercial vehicle. FMCSA develops 
requirements for operating commercial vehicles while states issue 
commercial drivers' licenses. Federal regulations require that drivers 
of commercial motor vehicles are 21 years old, can read and speak the 
English language, have a current and valid commercial motor vehicle 
operator's license, have successfully completed a driver's road test, 
and are physically qualified to drive, among other requirements. 
Federal regulations also require that state driver licensing agencies 
check applicants' driving records for safety violations before issuing 
a commercial driver's license and that motor carriers check drivers' 
employment histories before hiring them. In addition, federal 
regulations require that TSA complete a security check for drivers 
seeking an endorsement to haul hazardous materials. In most states, 
applicants seeking commercial drivers' licenses must certify that they 
meet the physical qualifications. According to FMCSA officials, in 
2006, 12 states required applicants to provide evidence that they were 
examined by a medical professional and had a current medical 
certificate. Because this is a self-certification process in most 
states, there is no national data on the number of commercial drivers 
that annually apply for medical certification.[Footnote 5] 

Results: 

The Regulatory Requirements for Pilot, Vessel Master, and Commercial 
Driver Medical Certification Are Similar but Government Entities' Roles 
and Procedures Vary: 

Federal regulations require that pilots, vessel masters, and commercial 
drivers undergo physical examinations by licensed physicians or other 
health care professionals to ensure they meet minimum physical fitness 
standards. Vessel masters and commercial drivers select licensed 
medical professionals to complete the exam while pilots need to be 
examined by an FAA-certified aviation medical examiner. For these 
workers, the physical examination generally entails a review of the 
applicant's medical history, including prescribed medication, and a 
physical examination, including testing the applicant's vision and 
hearing acuity and measuring heart rate and blood pressure. Medical 
professionals generally look for signs of pathological or disqualifying 
conditions such as heart disease; diabetes; impaired vision or hearing; 
psychosis; drug or alcohol dependence; and any disease, condition, 
defect, or treatment that prevents or could prevent the applicant from 
safely performing his or her duties. 

For pilots and commercial drivers, the aviation medical examiner or 
licensed medical examiner, respectively, issues the medical 
certificates in cases where applicants pass a physical examination. 
Coast Guard issues mariner credentials for vessel masters once it 
receives and reviews a completed medical examination report from a 
licensed medical professional, when the applicant is found qualified in 
all other respects. In all cases, licensed medical professionals may 
deny or defer an applicant's certification when the applicant does not 
meet the physical standards. In such cases, applicants can appeal the 
decision. Federal regulations require that pilots and commercial 
drivers keep a copy of their medical certification in their possession 
when they are operating their respective vehicles. Employers of vessel 
masters on seagoing vessels must keep a copy of vessel masters' medical 
certification. 

The frequency with which pilots, vessel masters, and commercial drivers 
must apply for medical certification varies. For pilots, the frequency 
of their medical examination depends on the type of position they hold 
and their age.[Footnote 6] For example, federal regulations require 
pilots in command positions and exceeding certain age limits to undergo 
medical examinations more frequently. Required examination frequencies 
for pilots range from 6 months to 3 years.[Footnote 7] Vessel masters 
must undergo medical examinations every 5 years when they renew their 
professional credential, or more frequently when they apply for a 
license for a higher-grade position or hold a specialized position, 
such as first-class pilot. Commercial drivers must apply for a new 
medical certificate every 2 years, unless the driver has a condition 
that needs more frequent monitoring. 

The role of federal agencies in reviewing the medical examination 
report varies. Both FAA and Coast Guard review medical examination 
reports for anomalies and questionable medical conditions. FMCSA is not 
responsible for reviewing medical examination reports. Federal 
regulations call for commercial drivers to self-certify that they meet 
the physical fitness standards or are exempt from them when they apply 
for a driver's license. However, federal regulations hold motor 
carriers (employers of commercial drivers) responsible for ensuring 
their drivers meet certain qualifications. Additional information about 
the procedures these agencies use to medically screen applicants is 
contained in enclosure I. 

The Required Background Checks for Pilots, Vessel Masters, and 
Commercial Drivers Are Similar But Agencies' Roles and Procedures Vary: 

Federal regulations require government agencies and private employers 
to check the backgrounds of pilots, vessel masters, and commercial 
drivers to help ensure these workers can safely perform their jobs and 
do not pose a security risk. The required checks for these workers are 
similar, but the agencies' roles differ. Regulations require agencies 
and employers to check records for a variety of safety-related and 
other concerns, including driving safety records, criminal histories, 
evidence of illegal drug and alcohol use, and connections to terrorism, 
among other things. 

TSA and Coast Guard are responsible for conducting background checks 
for selected pilots and vessel masters, respectively, while FMCSA is 
responsible for checking that state driver licensing agencies do not 
issue commercial licenses to drivers that have not undergone required 
checks. For example, TSA conducts criminal history and security checks 
for pilots working for aircraft operators and those requiring 
unescorted access to sensitive areas in commercial airports and vessel 
master license applicants applying for a Transportation Worker 
Identification Credential to ensure they are not threats to national 
and transportation security. Coast Guard checks license applicants' 
criminal histories and driving records for convictions. While not 
required by regulation, FAA checks names appearing on government watch 
lists against its list of certified pilots as well as all new student 
pilots and foreign pilots applying for equivalent U.S. certificates 
against TSA-managed watch lists. According to FAA officials, they began 
doing the checks following the events of September 11, 2001. 

The agencies complete the background checks for both pilots and vessel 
masters using many of the same databases. For example, criminal 
background checks for both positions make use of the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation Criminal Justice Information Center databases, as well as 
the National Driver Register.[Footnote 8] TSA's security checks for 
selected pilots and vessel masters include use of terrorist, criminal, 
and immigration watch lists. TSA conducts a comparable criminal and 
security check for commercial driver's license holders seeking a 
special endorsement for their commercial licenses enabling them to haul 
hazardous materials. 

Unlike FAA and Coast Guard, FMCSA has no direct role in conducting 
background checks of commercial drivers. Federal regulations require 
state licensing agencies and employers to conduct various background 
checks for commercial license applicants, including driving record and 
employment history checks. Federal regulations require TSA to conduct 
security background checks for commercial license holders seeking a 
hazardous materials endorsement. FMCSA has the authority to regulate 
states' commercial driver's license programs and prescribe requirements 
and procedures for states to observe in order to issue commercial 
drivers' licenses. More information about the procedures these agencies 
and employers use to screen for criminal activity is located in 
enclosure I. 

Agency Comments and Our Evaluation: 

We provided a draft of this report to FAA and FMCSA within the 
Department of Transportation and Coast Guard and TSA within the 
Department of Homeland Security for review and comment. FMCSA, Coast 
Guard, and TSA officials provided technical clarifications, which we 
incorporated as appropriate. FAA officials provided technical 
clarifications as well as information about their background check 
activities, which we incorporated into the report. 

We will send copies of this report to congressional committees and 
subcommittees with responsibilities for aviation, commercial motor 
vehicle, and maritime safety issues; the Secretary of Transportation; 
and Secretary of Homeland Security. We will also make copies available 
to others upon request. In addition, the report will be available at no 
charge on GAO's Web site at [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov]. 

Should you or your staff have any questions on matters discussed in 
this report, please contact me at (202) 512-2834 or [email protected]. 
Contact points for our Offices of Congressional Relations and Public 
Affairs may be found on the last page of this report. Key contributors 
to this report were Cathy Colwell (Assistant Director), Gail Marnik, 
Michael Mgebroff, Elizabeth A. Marchak, Tina Paek, Colin Fallon, and 
Crystal Wesco. 

Sincerely, 

Signed by: 

Susan Fleming: 

Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues: 

Enclosure: 

Enclosure I: 

Medical and Background Check Requirements and Procedures: 

Federal Aviation Administration Screening Procedures: 

Pilot Medical Certification Requirements: 

Federal regulations establish three classes of medical certification 
that correspond to the duties that pilots perform. (See table 1.) 
Airline transport pilots that serve as pilots in command of scheduled 
air carriers must hold class I medical certificates. Pilots that fly 
for compensation or hire and serve as non-airline commercial pilots, 
cargo pilots, flight engineers, flight navigators, and air traffic 
control tower operators must hold class II certificates. Private, 
recreational, and student pilots that fly for pleasure or personal 
business without compensation must hold class III certificates. Pilots 
must undergo medical examinations to renew medical certificates. 

Table 1: Frequency of Pilot Medical Examinations: 

Class of certificate: Class I; 
Frequency: Every 6 months. 

Class of certificate: Class II; 
Frequency: Every year. 

Class III; 
Frequency: Every 2 years if 40 years of age or older; 
Every 3 years if under 40 years of age. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and FAA information. See 14 
CFR Part 61.23. 

[End of table] 

Federal regulations require that Federal Aviation Administration-(FAA) 
designated physicians (aviation medical examiners) examine pilot 
license candidates to ensure they meet the medical standards for 
certification. Aviation medical examiners are physicians whom FAA has 
delegated the authority to perform physical examinations to determine 
if applicants are qualified to receive airman medical certificates and 
student pilot certificates. A pilot must have both a pilot certificate 
and a medical certificate in order to fly an aircraft, with the 
exception of sport, glider, and balloon pilots, who are not required to 
have a medical certificate. 

Federal regulations also require that pilots disclose to FAA drug-or 
alcohol-related convictions, including convictions for drug-and alcohol-
related driving offenses. Convictions or failure to report such 
convictions to FAA can result in denial, suspension, or revocation of a 
pilot's license. Additionally, FAA can revoke, suspend, or modify a 
pilot's medical certificate for failing to provide medical information 
necessary to determine whether the pilot meets FAA medical standards. 
(See table 2.) 

Table 2: Summary of Federal Regulations Governing Pilot Medical Fitness 
Requirements: 

Regulation: 14 CFR Part 67;
Description of Requirements: Requires that FAA-designated physicians 
examine pilot license candidates to ensure they meet the medical 
standards for certification. The standards for medical certification 
include visual, auditory, cardiovascular, and mental health standards, 
among other things. The regulation also requires that applicants grant 
FAA access to their National Driver Register[A] records to determine 
whether the applicant has convictions for drug-and alcohol-related 
driving offenses. 

Regulation: 14 CFR Part 61; 
Description of Requirements: Requires pilots to have a medical 
certificate before acting as pilot in command or as a crew member of an 
aircraft. Also requires that pilots report to FAA drug-or alcohol-
related convictions, including convictions for drug-and alcohol-related 
driving offenses within 60 days of conviction. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and FAA information. 

[A] The National Driver Register is a computerized database of 
information about drivers who have had their licenses revoked or 
suspended. The Register also shows driver convictions for serious 
traffic violations such as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. 
State motor vehicle agencies provide the National Driver Register with 
information. 

[End of table] 

Pilot Medical Certification Procedures: 

In general, the medical certification procedures include the following 
steps: 

* On the FAA airman medical examination form, applicants provide 
medical examiners information about their medical history, drug-related 
convictions, drug-and alcohol-related driving offenses, felony 
convictions, and any government action that resulted in denial, 
suspension, cancellation, or revocation of driving privileges or that 
resulted in attendance at an educational or a rehabilitation program. 

* As part of the examination, examiners review applicants' medical 
histories and responses to questions about convictions, driving 
privileges, and attendance at educational or rehabilitation programs. 

* Examiners verify applicants' identities by matching names provided on 
examination forms with names on government-issued identification, such 
as state-issued drivers' licenses, and examine the applicant. 

* During the medical examination, examiners measure applicants' vision, 
hearing, height, and weight, and perform a general physical 
examination, looking for signs of pathological conditions. Conditions 
that disqualify applicants for medical certification include, among 
other things: 

- heart disease; 

- diabetes; 

- impaired hearing or vision; 

- psychosis; 

- drug or alcohol dependence; and: 

- any disease, condition, defect, or treatment that prevents or could 
prevent the pilot from safely performing duties. 

* Aviation medical examiners transmit their reports to FAA 
electronically. 

* If the medical examination provides a reason to doubt a response to 
questions on the FAA medical certification form, FAA can investigate 
further to determine the veracity of the response. 

* Aviation medical examiners issue the medical certification for 
applicants that meet medical qualification standards.[Footnote 9] 

* Aviation medical examiners can deny or defer medical certification 
for applicants that do not meet medical qualification standards. 

* FAA stores examination data in its Document Imaging Workflow System 
Airmen Medical Certification Subsystem. 

FAA also checks the National Driver Register to determine whether 
medical certification applicants' driving records contain convictions 
for drug-and alcohol-related driving offenses. FAA staff provide the 
names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of new or renewing 
applicants to the National Driver Register. If the search results show 
applicant convictions for drug-and alcohol-related driving offenses, 
FAA staff verify that the record is for the applicant. When applicants 
do not provide Social Security numbers, FAA staff use applicants' 
demographic information to validate identities.[Footnote 10] If 
individual records do not match applicants' identities, FAA staff 
conduct additional research that could include requesting additional 
personal information. FAA staff review applicants' medical applications 
to determine whether applicants disclosed to FAA all license actions or 
driving-under-the-influence convictions. If an applicant did not report 
the convictions or license actions on the application for medical 
certification but was aware of the action, FAA can begin an 
investigation that could result in denial, suspension, or revocation of 
the applicant's certificates. Applicants can appeal certificate 
denials, suspensions, and revocations. 

In addition, FAA staff use Department of Justice data to determine 
whether applicants have unreported, nontraffic felony and misdemeanor 
convictions on their applications for medical certificates. The 
Department of Justice provides federal inmate data to FAA twice each 
year. FAA staff check applicants' medical certification forms to 
determine whether they disclosed any reported convictions. If an 
applicant did not disclose a conviction, FAA investigates the applicant 
for falsification of official records, which can result in FAA denying, 
suspending, or revoking his or her FAA certificates. If the applicant 
is in prison, FAA staff place a warning in the applicant's medical file 
to alert FAA's Security and Investigations Division of the conviction 
should the applicant apply again for a medical certificate. 

Pilot Background Check Requirements: 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checks selected 
pilots' backgrounds to ensure they do not present a threat to 
transportation or national security. (See table 3.) TSA reviews a 
variety of federal, state, and international databases for criminal 
convictions and connections to organized crime and terrorist groups. 
TSA performs the checks for pilots that work for aircraft operators or 
require unescorted access to secure airport areas, and for foreign 
student pilots. FAA can suspend or revoke a pilot's certificate if TSA 
finds that the person poses a security threat. In addition to the 
required checks, FAA checks names appearing on government "no fly" and 
terrorist watch lists against its list of certified pilots as well as 
checks the names of new student pilots and foreign pilots against TSA- 
managed watch lists.[Footnote 11] 

Table 3: Summary of Federal Regulations Governing Selected Pilot 
Background Check Requirements: 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 1544.230; 
Description of Requirements: Requires aircraft operators to conduct 
criminal history records checks on their flight crew members and 
restrict access to the flight deck. Pilots cannot act as flight crew 
members prior to the check. Pilots must inform their employers of 
convictions of any disqualifying offense within 24 hours of conviction 
or finding of not guilty because of insanity. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 1540.203; 
Description of Requirements: Requires operators to ensure that pilots 
with unescorted access to secure areas of commercial airports undergo a 
TSA security threat assessment. The check is to ensure that these 
pilots do not represent threats to national or transportation security 
and do not have connections to terrorism. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 1552; 
Description of Requirements: Prohibits flight training providers from 
providing training to non-U.S. citizens without a TSA background check. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and FAA and TSA 
information. 

[End of table] 

Pilot Background Check Procedures: 

In general, the background check procedures include the following 
steps: 

* Criminal history records check procedures. Aircraft operators 
transmit employee fingerprints to TSA in order to obtain a criminal 
history records check for their pilots. TSA sends the fingerprints to 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who in turn compares them 
with those in criminal databases and notifies employers of the results. 
TSA checks pilot identification information against terrorist watch 
lists and determines whether the pilot poses a threat to national or 
transportation security. TSA notifies operators of the results of its 
determination. Operators must suspend or revoke the privileges of crew 
members that have disqualifying felony or misdemeanor convictions. 

* TSA security threat assessment procedures. Operators must ensure that 
pilots with unescorted access to sensitive cargo areas undergo a TSA 
security threat assessment to ensure they do not pose a threat to 
national or transportation security. TSA staff use pilot personal 
information to search domestic and international government databases, 
including terrorist screening data. TSA determines whether the 
applicant is a threat and informs the applicant about its 
determination, and about the basis of its determination and appeal 
procedures. The applicant generally has 60 days to appeal the TSA 
determination. If the applicant does not appeal the determination or 
the appeal does not result in a determination of no security threat, 
TSA informs the operator that the applicant may not have access to 
sensitive cargo areas. 

* TSA Alien Flight Student Program security threat assessment 
procedures. Non-U.S. citizens seeking flight training with FAA-
certified flight training providers must undergo a TSA security check 
to ensure they are not threats to national or aviation security prior 
to obtaining flight training. Non-U.S. citizens must apply online 
through the TSA Alien Flight Student Program Web site and provide TSA 
their fingerprints, biographical information, security documents 
including passport copies, and specific information about their desired 
training. TSA compares the prospective student's information such as 
name, date of birth, gender, and other biographic information to 
terrorism, criminal, and immigration watch lists and determines if the 
prospective student is a security threat. If TSA determines that the 
prospective student is a threat, it informs the prospective student and 
the flight trainer of its determination that the individual cannot 
receive flight training in the United States. If a prospective student 
has a record of criminal convictions, FAA may initiate regulatory 
action if the prospective student did not disclose convictions in the 
medical certification application. 

* FAA pilot vetting activities. Following the events of September 11, 
2001, FAA began checking names appearing on government "no fly" and 
other watch lists against its list of certified pilots and other 
aviation workers (called the airman database), as well as checking the 
names of new student pilots and foreign pilots applying for equivalent 
U.S. certificates against TSA-managed watch lists. In July 2007, FAA 
and TSA signed an interagency reimbursable agreement to transfer these 
vetting activities to TSA. Under this agreement, TSA would integrate 
the FAA airman data into its automated screening systems, which would 
automatically recheck pilots every time terrorist screening databases 
are updated. This transfer was to occur in January 2008, but it has not 
been completed. 

U.S. Coast Guard Screening Procedures: 

Vessel Master Medical Evaluation Requirements: 

Federal regulations require vessel masters to meet physical standards 
and undergo a medical examination by a medical professional before the 
U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard) can issue them merchant mariner licenses 
or documents. (See table 4.) Professionals that can perform the medical 
examinations include physicians, physicians' assistants, and nurse 
practitioners. Vessel masters must renew their merchant mariner 
credential every 5 years and must undergo medical examinations to 
ensure they meet physical standards as part of the credential renewal 
process.[Footnote 12] 

Table 4: Summary of Federal Regulation Governing Vessel Master Medical 
Fitness Requirements: 

Regulation: 46 CFR Part 10.205 (d); 
46 CFR Part 10.207 (e); 
46 CFR Part 10.209 (d); 
46 CFR Part 12.02-27 (d); 
46 CFR Part 12.05-5; 
Description of Requirement: Requires vessel masters to undergo a 
medical examination and meet physical standards prior to receiving 
mariner licenses or documents. Establishes physical standards for 
mariners that include visual, auditory, and mental health standards, 
among other standards. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and Coast Guard 
information. 

[End of table] 

Vessel Master Medical Evaluation Procedures: 

In general, the medical evaluation procedures include the following 
steps: 

* Vessel masters complete the top portion of the medical examination 
report. 

* The applicant selects a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or 
nurse practitioner to perform the examination. 

* To begin the examination, medical examiners verify applicants' 
identities by matching names provided on examination forms with names 
on government-issued identification, such as state-issued drivers' 
licenses. 

* The medical examiner completes the examination and the medical 
examination report, and the applicant transmits the report to Coast 
Guard, through 1 of 17 regional centers, as part of the individual's 
application for a mariner credential.[Footnote 13] 

* Coast Guard guidance identifies potentially disqualifying conditions. 
Such conditions may include: 

- specified levels of vision or hearing impairment; 

- cardiac surgery or heart irregularities; 

- lung disease, including tuberculosis; 

- amputations, deformities, or arthritis resulting in impairment of 
limb motion; 

- diabetes; 

- history of tumor within the last 5 years; 

- acute or chronic disease that may disturb equilibrium; and: 

- drug or alcohol dependence. 

* Coast Guard reviewers examine the completed reports. 

* If the reviewer detects questionable information in a report, Coast 
Guard can require applicants to undergo further medical examination. 

* Reviewers check the veracity of the medical checks by calling medical 
examiners and can consult additional reliable information sources for 
information verification. 

* After Coast Guard staff complete the reviews and find the applicants 
medically qualified, Coast Guard issues mariner credentials, if the 
applicants are found qualified in all other respects. 

Vessel Master Background Check Requirements: 

Federal regulations establish that Coast Guard and TSA check vessel 
masters' backgrounds to ensure they do not endanger public safety or 
security, respectively. (See table 5.) The agencies review a variety of 
federal, state, and international databases for criminal convictions 
and connections to organized crime and terrorist groups. Coast Guard 
performs the checks for all merchant mariner license and document 
applicants. 

Table 5: Summary of Federal Regulations Governing Vessel Master 
Background Check Requirements: 

Regulation: 46 CFR Part 12.02-4; 
46 CFR Part 10.201 (h); 
Description of Requirements: Establishes that Coast Guard reviews 
various criminal and security databases for all merchant mariner 
credential (merchant mariner documents, licenses, and license upgrades 
and renewals) applicants. The regulations require a "fingerprint-based" 
check. 

Regulation: 46 CFR Part 12.02-4 (d); 
46 CFR Part 10.201 (i); 
Description of Requirements: Establishes that Coast Guard checks the 
National Driver Register records of all merchant mariner credential 
applicants and for all applicants for renewal or upgrade of a license 
or document, for alcohol-and drug-related traffic offenses. 

Regulation: 46 CFR Part 12.01-11; 
49 CFR Part 1572; 
46 CFR Part 10.113; 
Description of Requirements: Establishes a requirement that every 
credentialed merchant mariner must obtain a Transportation Worker 
Identification Credential by September 25, 2008. The check, conducted 
by TSA, is both a "fingerprint-and name- based" criminal records check 
and an intelligence-related check. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and Coast Guard 
information. 

[End of table] 

Vessel Master Background Check Procedures: 

In general, the background check procedures include the following 
steps: 

* Coast Guard criminal history check. Coast Guard reviews various 
criminal and security databases for all merchant mariner document, 
license, license upgrade, and renewal applicants. The regulations 
require a "fingerprint-based" check. Applicants for merchant mariner 
licenses and documents must appear at 1 of 17 Coast Guard regional 
offices to provide their fingerprints and other personal information. 
Applicants also must disclose prior criminal convictions, serious drug 
violations, or use of drugs including marijuana. Coast Guard then 
transmits applicants' fingerprints to FBI, which checks its National 
Crime Information Center for criminal records and notifies Coast Guard 
if it identifies an applicant as a terrorist or discovers that an 
applicant is associated with terrorism or other crimes. Apart from 
fingerprint checks, Coast Guard staff review the information that 
applicants submit to ensure it is accurate. If Coast Guard finds 
information during the investigation that warrants further review, 
investigators contact the applicant, courts, probation officers, local 
law enforcement agencies, sheriffs' offices, the U.S. Drug Enforcement 
Agency, or state agencies, as appropriate. Coast Guard can deny the 
application if the applicant has prior criminal convictions. However, 
if a time period specified in the regulations has elapsed since a prior 
conviction, and Coast Guard may consider the applicant suitable for 
service, the applicant might be approved. Coast Guard notifies the 
applicant in writing if it denies the application; the applicant can 
appeal the decision. 

* Coast Guard National Driver Register check procedures. Coast Guard 
also must check the driving records of all applicants for mariner 
licenses and documents. Applicants must provide personal information, 
including full legal name, mailing address, and driver's license 
number, among other information, to Coast Guard Regional Centers on a 
notarized letter or using a Coast Guard-provided form. Coast Guard 
provides the applicant information to the National Driver Register. The 
National Driver Register queries state agencies to determine whether 
the applicant's driving record contains convictions for operating a 
motor vehicle while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or 
a controlled substance; traffic violations arising in connection with a 
fatal traffic accident; or reckless driving. Coast Guard cannot 
consider applicant civil convictions that are more than 3 years older 
than the date of the request unless that information relates to a 
current suspension or revocation of an applicant driver's license. 
Coast Guard can deny an application if information from the check 
suggests that Coast Guard cannot trust the applicant with the duties 
and responsibilities of a mariner license or document. If Coast Guard 
denies an application, it notifies the applicant in writing of the 
reasons for disapproval and advises the applicant that he or she can 
request his or her National Driver Register records and appeal the 
decision. 

* TSA security threat assessment procedures. By September 25, 2008, all 
credentialed merchant mariners holding a license or document must 
obtain a TSA-issued Transportation Worker Identification Credential 
(TWIC). Failure to obtain or hold a valid TWIC after that date may 
serve as a basis for suspension or revocation of a mariner license or 
document. To obtain a TWIC, applicants must undergo a TSA security 
threat assessment to determine whether they are a security risk. A TWIC 
expires every 5 years and mariners must undergo a TSA security check to 
renew their card every 5 years. Applicants undergoing a TSA security 
check supply TSA their fingerprints, personal information, the reason 
they require a TWIC, including, as applicable, job descriptions and the 
primary facilities, vessels, or ports where they will serve. TSA 
transmits the fingerprints and applicant information to the FBI, which 
conducts a criminal history records check and provides TSA with the 
results. TSA checks applicants' biographic information against various 
intelligence databases for connections to terrorism as well as to 
criminal and immigration databases for applicable disqualifying 
offenses. TSA determines applicants' status using the results of the 
check and informs applicants of its decision. Applicants can appeal the 
decision within 60 days or seek a waiver. 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Screening Procedures: 

Commercial Driver Medical Certification Requirements: 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) role in 
helping ensure that interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers, 
including commercial driver's license holders, are physically qualified 
consists of establishing physical standards for commercial motor 
vehicle drivers and regulating state commercial driver's license 
programs. (See table 6.) 

Federal regulations establish standards for the physical qualifications 
of drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate 
commerce.[Footnote 14] Commercial motor vehicle drivers must obtain 
from a medical examiner a certification indicating that they are 
physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. With 
limited exceptions, all drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles 
in interstate commerce must comply with the qualification 
requirements.[Footnote 15] These drivers may be required to show 
evidence of their medical certification to inspectors if they are 
pulled over for a roadside check and must provide copies to employers 
(e.g., motor carrier companies). 

Table 6: Summary of Federal Regulations Governing Commercial Driver 
Medical Fitness Requirements: 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 391.41-.49; 
Description of Requirements: Requires drivers of commercial motor 
vehicles to be physically qualified and have a copy of a medical 
examiner's certificate indicating that the driver is qualified. The 
regulations also describe the physical requirements that drivers must 
meet. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 392.3; 
Description of Requirements: Describes that a driver should not operate 
a commercial motor vehicle while his or her ability or alertness is 
impaired or may become impaired due to such causes as fatigue or 
illness when it becomes unsafe for him or her to begin or continue to 
operate the commercial motor vehicle. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 383.71; 
Description of Requirements: Requires that a driver seeking a 
commercial driver's license must certify that he or she meets the 
qualifications in 49 CFR 391, including the physical qualification, or 
that he or she is exempt from 49 CFR 391. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 384.201; 
Description of Requirements: Establishes that states should test the 
fitness of commercial motor vehicle operators applying for commercial 
drivers' licenses to ensure they meet the established federal fitness 
level. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and FMCSA information. 

[End of table] 

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles who operate in interstate commerce 
must meet a number of physical qualifications, including: 

* no loss of physical limbs, including a foot, a leg, a hand, or an 
arm; 

* no impairment of limbs that would interfere with grasping or one's 
ability to perform normal tasks; 

* no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes 
currently requiring insulin for control, respiratory dysfunction, or 
high blood pressure that would affect one's ability to control or drive 
a commercial motor vehicle; 

* no current diagnosis of a variety of coronary conditions and 
cardiovascular disease including congestive heart failure; 

* no mental disease or psychiatric disorder that would interfere with 
one's ability to drive a commercial vehicle safely; 

* has distant visual acuity and hearing ability that meet stated 
standards; 

* does not use a controlled substance or habit-forming drug; and: 

* has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism. 

FMCSA has exemption programs for drivers with special medical 
conditions, such as drivers who use insulin or have vision 
deficiencies, as well as alternative standards for selected drivers, 
such as limb amputee drivers. 

Commercial Driver Medical Certification Procedures: 

Federal regulations require that commercial drivers be examined and 
certified by a licensed medical examiner, such as a licensed physician, 
physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner, to ensure they meet 
minimum physical qualifications prior to driving. It is the 
responsibility of both drivers and motor carriers employing drivers to 
ensure that drivers' medical certificates are current. The purpose of 
the examination is to determine a driver's physical qualification to 
operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. According to 
regulations, the medical examiner must be knowledgeable about the 
regulatory physical qualifications and guidelines as well as the 
driver's responsibilities and work environment. In general, the medical 
certification procedures include the following steps: 

* The driver provides the medical examiner with a medical certification 
form provided by the medical examiner or employer. The form includes 
information about the driver's name, address, Social Security number, 
birth date, age, health history, and statement certifying the 
completeness of the information.[Footnote 16] 

* The medical examiner discusses the driver's health history and the 
side effects of prescribed medication and common over-the-counter 
medications. 

* The medical examiner tests the driver's vision, hearing, blood 
pressure and pulse rate, and urine (for sugar and protein levels). 

* The medical examiner conducts a physical examination and makes a 
determination on driver fitness. 

* If the medical examiner determines the driver is fit to drive, the 
examiner signs the medical certificate, which the driver must carry 
with his or her license. The certificate must be dated. The medical 
examiner keeps a copy in his or her records, and provides the driver's 
employer with a copy, if authorized by the driver. In other cases, the 
driver provides a copy to his or her employer. 

* Under current regulations, the certificate is valid for 2 years 
unless the driver has a medical condition that requires more frequent 
monitoring. 

* When the medical examiner finds medical conditions that prevent 
certification of the physical condition of the driver and this finding 
is in conflict with the findings of another medical examiner or the 
driver's personal physician, the driver can apply to FMCSA for a 
determination. 

When operating a commercial motor vehicle, drivers must have a copy of 
the medical examiner's certificate in their possession. Motor carriers, 
in turn, are required to maintain a copy of the certificate in their 
files. When drivers are stopped for a roadside inspection, state 
inspectors can review the medical examiner's certificate. During 
compliance reviews of motor carriers, FMCSA investigators may verify 
there is a medical certificate on file with the motor carrier. In 
addition, the inspector or investigator may verify whether the medical 
practitioner is authorized to conduct physical examinations in the 
state. The investigator also may contact or visit the medical examiner 
to review a driver's case. 

Under current regulations, states are not required to verify the 
medical certification of drivers applying for a commercial driver's 
license, although some states do so. Federal regulations require that 
commercial driver's license applicants certify either that they meet 
the physical qualification requirements or certify that they are exempt 
from federal qualification requirements (e.g., government employees, 
intrastate-only drivers) when they apply for a commercial license. 
According to FMCSA, in 2006, 12 states reported that they require (and 
review) the driver medical certificate: Alabama, Arizona, California, 
Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode 
Island, Utah, and West Virginia. Of these states, all but Maryland also 
require the driver medical examination report form as a condition for 
issuance of the commercial driver's license. Alabama only requires the 
medical examination report form upon initial application. 

FMCSA is finalizing a proposed rule to merge information from the 
medical examiner's certificate into the commercial driver's license 
process as required by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 
1999. The new rule would require interstate drivers of commercial motor 
vehicles who hold a commercial driver's license and are subject to 
physical qualifications to provide a copy of their current medical 
examiner's certificate to their state driver licensing agency. This new 
rule would make the state driver licensing agencies responsible for 
ensuring that holders of commercial driver's licenses have current 
medical certificates.[Footnote 17] As of December 2007, the final rule 
is under agency review. 

Commercial Driver Background Check Requirements: 

FMCSA has no direct role in conducting background checks of commercial 
drivers, although it oversees state commercial driver licensing 
programs.[Footnote 18] Federal regulations establish background check 
requirements to be performed by other government agencies, such as 
states and TSA, and employers. (See table 7.) 

Table 7. Summary of Federal Regulations Governing Commercial Driver 
Background Checks: 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 383.73; 
Description of Requirements: Establishes minimum standards for states 
for issuing commercial drivers' licenses including that states complete 
a check of the applicant's driving record to ensure that the driver 
does not have any disqualifying traffic violations, a suspended or 
revoked license, or a driver's license from more than one state. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 391.21-.27; 
Description of Requirements: Requires employers to check a driver's 
employment history and driving record, prior to employment. 

Regulation: 49 CFR Part 383.141; 
Description of Requirements: Indicates that that states may issue, 
renew, upgrade, or transfer a hazardous materials endorsement for a 
commercial driver's license only if TSA has determined that the person 
does not pose a security risk warranting denial of the endorsement. 

Source: GAO analysis of federal regulations and FMCSA information. 

[End of table] 

Commercial Driver Background Check Procedures: 

For a commercial motor vehicle driver applying for a commercial 
driver's license, federal regulation requires states to check 
applicants' driving records. In addition, employers must conduct 
background checks of commercial drivers applying for jobs. Drivers 
seeking an endorsement to their commercial license that enables them to 
haul hazardous materials must undergo a TSA security check. In general, 
the background check procedures include the following steps: 

* State driving record check procedures. State licensing agencies 
complete checks of applicants' driving records, which include checking 
the records maintained by states that issued current licenses.[Footnote 
19] State agencies check the Commercial Driver's License Information 
System to determine whether a state has issued applicants' commercial 
licenses; whether the applicants' licenses have been suspended, 
revoked, or cancelled; or whether states have disqualified applicants 
from operating commercial motor vehicles.[Footnote 20] States check the 
National Driver Register to determine whether applicants have been 
disqualified by any other states from driving any motor vehicle; had 
licenses other than commercial licenses suspended, revoked, or 
cancelled during the 3-year period ending on the date of the 
application; or been convicted of other offenses. States also request 
driving records for the last 10 years from states that licensed 
applicants. 

* TSA hazardous materials endorsement background check procedures. 
Federal regulations require that states may not issue, renew, or 
transfer a hazardous materials endorsement unless TSA has determined 
that the applicant poses no security risk. A hazardous materials 
endorsement authorizes an individual to transport placarded hazardous 
materials for commerce, and state licensing agencies indicate that 
drivers hold the endorsement on each driver's commercial license. 
Applicants apply for a security threat assessment at a TSA-or state- 
managed enrollment center. They provide biographical information and 
fingerprints to TSA. TSA checks the biographical information against 
intelligence databases for connections to terrorism, as well as to 
criminal and immigration databases for applicable disqualifying 
offenses. FBI processes the fingerprints, checking them against 
criminal history records. TSA evaluates the data and informs the 
applicant of its determination. Applicants may appeal the determination 
or seek a waiver. After the appeal or waiver process, TSA makes a final 
determination and notifies the state and the applicant of its final 
determination. 

* Employer background check procedures. Federal regulations require 
employers of commercial motor vehicle drivers to make several inquiries 
regarding commercial drivers' background and employment history. 
Employers obtain a list of past employers and check the driver's safety 
performance from employers going back 10 years. The employers complete 
a check of the driving record for the last 3 years in each state that 
the driver held a motor vehicle license. In addition, they check the 
results of drug and alcohol tests performed by the driver's previous 
employers within the previous 3 years, and annually check the driving 
record for every state in which the driver has held a commercial 
license. Employers also annually check the driver's record to determine 
whether it contains convictions for violations of motor vehicle traffic 
laws or any situation for which the driver had to forfeit bond or 
collateral during the previous 12 months. Employers check records 
directly with the state licensing agency in states where a driver has 
held a commercial driver's license. According to FMCSA officials, 
employers use third parties to conduct these checks. Employers must 
maintain copies of documentation they obtain during the background 
check in employee files. 

Footnotes: 

[1] Federal regulations require background checks of selected pilots, 
such as those working for aircraft operators and pilots requiring 
unescorted access to secure areas of commercial airports. 

[2] Vessel master is an occupational title referring to a deck officer 
responsible for navigating a vessel and managing the deck department. 

[3] In 2005, an investigation by the Inspector General of the 
Department of Transportation found cases of pilots not disclosing 
disqualifying medical conditions on their medical certification 
applications and determined that the Federal Aviation Administration 
lacked a strategy for independently screening applicants and 
identifying false statements. 

[4] According to Coast Guard officials, the term credentials generally 
refers to both merchant mariner documents and licenses. 

[5] Although estimates vary, according to FMCSA, in December 2007, 
there were approximately 5 million drivers with commercial drivers' 
licenses. 

[6] Airline transport pilots (i.e., pilots in command positions for 
scheduled air carriers) must hold class I medical certifications and 
undergo medical examination to renew their certificates every 6 months. 
Non-airline commercial pilots (i.e., pilots that fly for compensation 
or hire, such as crop dusters and corporate pilots), cargo pilots, 
flight engineers, flight navigators, and air traffic control tower 
operators must hold class II medical certifications and renew their 
certificates annually. Private, recreational, and student pilots (i.e., 
pilots that fly for pleasure or personal business without compensation) 
must hold class III medical certifications and renew their certificates 
every 2 years if 40 years of age or older and every 3 years if under 40 
years of age. 

[7] In April 2007, FAA issued a notice of proposed rule making to 
extend the duration of selected medical certificates. For class I 
medical certificates, FAA proposed to increase the duration of validity 
from 6 months to 1 year and for class III medical certificates, from 3 
years to 5 years, for those under age 40. According to an FAA official, 
FAA is currently evaluating the comments it received and expects the 
rule to be final later in 2008. 

[8] The National Driver Register is a computerized database of 
information about drivers who have had their licenses revoked or 
suspended. The Register also shows driver convictions for serious 
traffic violations such as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. 
State motor vehicle agencies provide the National Driver Register with 
information. 

[9] Regulations provide selected FAA physicians discretion in issuing 
medical certificates when applicants do not meet normal medical 
standards. 14 CFR Part 67.401 

[10] The Privacy Act of 1974 places limitations on the ability of 
agencies to enforce a Social Security number disclosure requirement by 
denying a license to an applicant for refusing to disclose his or her 
Social Security number. The Privacy Act states that an agency cannot 
"deny to any individual any right, benefit or privilege provided by law 
because of such individual's refusal to disclose his Social Security 
number" unless authorized by statute. 

[11] The "no fly" list includes people the Department of Homeland 
Security, TSA, and other federal agencies have determined present an 
unacceptable risk if allowed on an airplane. 

[12] Federal regulations generally require mariners to have a physical 
examination every 5 years or within 3 years when applying for a license 
for a higher-grade position. Vessel pilots are required to have a 
physical examination annually. If a mariner has a medical problem, 
Coast Guard can require the mariner to submit periodic physical 
examination reports and other medical information as a condition of the 
credential. 

[13] Coast Guard is consolidating its medical examination review 
processes from regional centers into the National Maritime Center at 
Martinsburg, West Virginia. 

[14] The physical qualification standard applies to drivers that 
operate motor vehicles (1) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross 
combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination 
weight, whichever is greater, of at least 10,001 pounds; (2) used to 
transport for compensation more than eight passengers; or (3) used to 
transport hazardous materials. In addition, drivers must use the 
vehicles in these categories on the highways in interstate commerce to 
transport passengers or property. 

[15] For the purposes of this report, we are focusing our review on 
commercial motor vehicle drivers who also hold a commercial driver's 
license. 

[16] According to FMCSA officials, the Social Security number is one of 
several personal identifiers that drivers provide on the medical 
physical examination form, to employers when applying for a job, and to 
state driver licensing agencies when applying for a commercial driver's 
license. There is no federal regulation that requires a commercial 
driver to provide a Social Security number on the medical examination 
report form and medical examiners are not required to verify a driver's 
Social Security number if it is provided. Federal regulations do 
require drivers to provide their Social Security numbers to prospective 
employers (49 CFR Part 391.21(b) (2)) as well as to the state driver 
licensing agency when they apply for a commercial driver's license. 
Federal regulations do not require nonresident commercial driver's 
license applicants to submit their Social Security numbers to the state 
driver licensing agency when applying for a commercial driver's 
license. 

[17] The proposed rule also requires states to record on a national 
commercial driver information system drivers' certification as to 
whether they fall under driver qualifications, and if applicable, their 
medical status. 

[18] FMCSA performs state commercial driver's license compliance 
reviews every 3 years on each state, or sooner if a problem or issue is 
raised. The purpose of the review is to determine whether states are 
substantially complying with the requirements of the commercial 
driver's license program. During a review, FMCSA investigators review 
state statutes, rules, and regulations related to testing and issuing a 
commercial driver's license; sample transactions; and observe the 
process. 

[19] Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 384.225) require that states 
record and maintain as part of the driver history all convictions, 
disqualifications, and other licensing actions for violations of any 
state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control committed 
in any type of vehicle from another state or with the state. 49 CFR 
Part 284.206 requires the state to take prompt action on any adverse 
information received in these record checks. 

[20] The Commercial Driver's License Information System is a nationwide 
information system that state licensing agencies must use to exchange 
information on applicants who may hold commercial licenses in other 
states or have driving infractions that make them ineligible for 
licensing. 

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