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Interpretation Response #PI-95-046

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name:

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Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

Office of Drug Enforcement and Program Compliance

49 CFR Part 40 Interpretation

Question: What are the qualifications and responsibilities of the medical review officer (MRO)?

Response: Section 40.3 states: "Medical Review Officer (MRO). A licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy) responsible for receiving laboratory results generated by an employer's drug testing program who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders and has appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate an individual's confirmed positive test result together with his or her medical history and any other relevant biomedical information."

In addition section 40.33(b)(1) states: "The MRO shall be a licensed physician with knowledge of substance abuse disorders and may be an employee of a transportation employer or a private physician retained for this purpose."

The DOT does not require any certification of MROs at the present time. However, there are several national professional organizations which provide MRO certification.

Regulation Sections