What is an MRO Assistant?

WHAT IS A MEDICAL REVIEW OFFICER ASSISTANT?

"The MRO may be assisted by one or more staff. An MRO assistant performs administrative functions and does not

perform any portion of the interview between the MRO and donor. The administrative functions typically include

receipt and sorting of test forms, presenting non-negative and fatally flawed files to the MRO for review, and

distribution of reports to clients.

Some MRO assistants also call donors, confirm their identity, and then transfer the calls to the MRO. Some MRO

assistants are also involved in the corroboration of medical explanations that donors may present to the MRO. An MRO

assistant should be detail oriented, well organized, and reliable.

Under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing procedures, the MRO must supervise the

MRO assistant. This supervision must include personal oversight of that assistant's work; personal involvement in

evaluating, hiring, and firing the assistant, line authority over the assistant for decisions, direction, and control; and

regular contact and oversight concerning drug testing program matters. The MRO's supervision and control cannot be

superseded by or delegated to anyone else with respect to test result review and other functions performed by the

MRO assistant."

The Medical Review Officer's Manual: MROCC's Guide to Drug Testing, 3rd edition

MROCC offers a credentialing program for well-qualified Medical Review Officer Assistants.

This is an online examination and is based on the MROA Competencies and 49 CFR Part 40 of the Federal Register - the

MRO Drug Testing rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. [ more information ]