2026-14855NoticeWallet

TSA Seeks Public Input on Medical Questionnaire Extension

Published Date: 7/23/2026

Notice

Summary

The TSA is asking to keep using its medical questionnaire for Transportation Security Officer (TSO) candidates to make sure they’re fit for the job. They want to extend this paperwork approval and are inviting the public to share thoughts by September 21, 2026. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep airport security strong and safe!

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Online Medical Form Plus Physician Exam

TSA moved the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Security Officer Medical Questionnaire (SOMQ) from paper to an online SOMQ and introduced a paper TSO Medical Clearance Form that must be completed by a licensed physician or other licensed health practitioner. The physician form requires a medical exam with results reported (vital signs, vision, hearing, etc.) to determine whether a candidate can perform TSO duties such as pat-downs, luggage handling, and responding to alarms.

Estimated Time Burden for TSO Applicants

TSA estimates about 18,000 respondents annually for the online SOMQ and TSO Medical Clearance Form, with a total annual burden of 43,200 hours (9,000 hours attributed to the SOMQ and 34,200 hours attributed to the physician-completed TSO Medical Clearance Form). TSA says the 34,200 hours include the medical exam, printing and submitting the form, round-trip travel time, and waiting room time.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
7/23/2026
9/21/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Homeland Security Department
Transportation Security Administration
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