Medical Review Officer (MRO)

Definition

A Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician trained and certified to interpret and report DOT drug-test results under 49 CFR §40.121. The MRO receives lab results, contacts donors with non-negative findings to inquire about legitimate prescriptions, and issues the final reportable result to the carrier and Clearinghouse. The MRO is a critical buffer between the testing laboratory and the carrier - a positive lab result is not automatically a positive DOT test until the MRO completes the verification process. Owner-operators using a C/TPA do not select their own MRO; the C/TPA contracts with an MRO. Carriers should confirm the MRO is certified by AAMRO, MROCC, or another approved body.