HAMILTON, Ont. — Canada’s largest provider of drug and alcohol testing services for the transportation industry says it has obtained liability insurance coverage for its network of doctors who administer physical exams to Canadian truck drivers operating in the United States.

The company, DriverCheck of Hamilton, Ont., said the move is a response to a Canadian Medical Protective Association recommendation that doctors no longer conduct physical exams required by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. In September, the CMPA said doing so would increase a doctor’s risk of medical liability in the U.S.
Most doctors are CMPA members, and many have refused to conduct DOT exams.

DriverCheck’s coverage takes effect in December, according to general manager William Shapiro. The company’s network is comprised of 300 physicians across Canada who provide a range of occupational health services.

Transport Canada and the U.S. DOT have been negotiating for several weeks to create medical standards that are accepted in both countries. No formal agreement has been announced, however.

For information, contact: DriverCheck, 1-800-263-9340.