University Services
Continuing Medical Education

The Medical Review Officer Manual, 4th Edition

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of MRO certification maintenance, and recertifying MROs within Federally Regulated (DOT 49 CFR Part 40) and non-regulated drug testing programs.

Statement of Need:

MRO Manual

Today, physicians in many specialties conduct drug and alcohol tests for business, industry, government agencies, and schools. The need for trained medical review officers (MROs) to evaluate test results extends to more than 20 million Americans. The Drug-Free Workplace Act affects all federal agencies. Mandatory alcohol and drug testing is now required of all intrastate truckers, commercial driver's license holders, and other transportation workers. In joint government agreements, the United States, Canada, and Mexico also monitor truckers crossing international borders. More than 60 percent of large private employers require drug and alcohol testing.

In order to help ensure a level of standards, the DOT requires that all Medical Review Officers who evaluate federally-mandated drug test results attend an initial training course and, subsequently, that these MROs be certified through a written examination. Beyond the initial training and certification, MROs are required to be retrained and recertified every five years. The CME credits from this activity will fulfill both DOT requirements for retraining and MROCC recertification prerequisite requirements.

This educational activity will provide the latest information related to the drug testing procedures issued by the DOT and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Educational Objectives:

Upon completion of this educational activity, learners should be able to:

  • Outline procedures in interpretation of drug test results, interviewing donors, obtaining corroborating information, and reporting findings to employers.
  • Demonstrate to the employers and workers the return-to-duty process after a violation in testing program.
  • Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of non-urine specimens that can be used for drug and alcohol testing.
  • Demonstrate to the employers the process of developing testing programs that are effective and comply with relevant federal regulations, e.g., DOT.

This CME activity is intended for physicians with an interest and/or responsibility in providing or monitoring workplace alcohol and drug testing programs. This activity is designed to meet the continuing education requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation Part 40 Procedures as well as the prerequisites for taking the MROCC Recertification Examination.

To register for the MROCC Recertification Exam (18 CME Credits) Click Here

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of University Services and MROCC. University Services is accredited by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians. University Services designates this educational activity for a maximum of 18 credit hours, AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the educational activity.