| Policy Title School Bus Driver and School Pupil Transport (7D) Driver’s Medical Certification by Nurse Practitioners | Print Date 11/18/2021 | |
| Document ID: VSC.0002 | Prepared By Rita DiNunzio, Policy Analyst & Writer | Date Prepared 10/20/2021 |
| Revision – TBD | Reviewed By Matthew P. Landry, Chief Legal Counsel Mary Jo Griffin, Director of Vehicle Safety & Compliance | Date Reviewed 11/05/2021 |
| Effective Date 11/18/2021 | Approved By Joanne Norman, Chief Compliance Officer, RMV | Date Approved 11/18/2021 |
- Purpose
To provide guidance within the Registry of Motor Vehicles (“RMV”) regarding the medical certification of school bus and school pupil transport vehicle (“7D”) drivers to streamline the school bus and 7D driver application process in light of driver shortages and the passage of the Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners that enables them to practice independently.
This policy is issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 80I, which states in pertinent part, as follows:
“When a law or rule requires a signature, certification, stamp, verification, affidavit or endorsement by a physician, when relating to physical or mental health, that requirement may be fulfilled by a nurse practitioner practicing under section 80B.”
M.G.L. Chapter 90, Sections 8A and 8A ½ require that an applicant for a certificate to be a school bus operator or to transport school pupils under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 90 § 7D, respectively:
“has successfully completed a … physical examination by a licensed physician within a three month period of the date of his application in conformity with such minimum physical qualifications as shall be determined by the registrar.”
- Scope
This policy applies to applications for a school bus driver certificate or school pupil transport (7D) driver’s certificate issued pursuant to G.L. c. 90, § 8A and 8A½.
“Certified Nurse Practitioner” means a registered nurse authorized to practice as a certified nurse practitioner by the Board of Registration in Nursing as provided for in M.G.L. c. 112, § 80B and 244 CMR 4.00: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing.
- Requirements
The RMV shall accept a signature, certification, stamp, verification, affidavit, endorsement, or physical examination completed and attested to by a Certified Nurse Practitioner who is practicing under the license of a specialized physician as specified within the applicable law or regulation where required for the purpose of a school bus or 7D driver’s certificate application.
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