Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes, 58360-58362 [E7-20206]
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58360
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 198 / Monday, October 15, 2007 / Notices
Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64–
224, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
FMCSA may renew an exemption from
the vision requirements in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers
of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a
two-year period if it finds ‘‘such
exemption would likely achieve a level
of safety that is equivalent to, or greater
than, the level that would be achieved
absent such exemption.’’ The
procedures for requesting an exemption
(including renewals) are set out in 49
CFR part 381.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Exemption Decision
This notice addresses 19 individuals
who have requested a renewal of their
exemption in accordance with FMCSA
procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these
19 applications for renewal on their
merits and decided to extend each
exemption for a renewable two-year
period. They are:
Lauren C. Allen
Tracey A. Ammons
Randy B. Combs
Robert L. Cross, Jr.
James D. Davis
Edward J. Genovese
Dewayne E. Harms
Mark D. Kraft
David F. LeClerc
Charles L. Lovern
Jimmy R. Millage
Carson E. Rohrbaugh
Robert E. Sanders
Donald J. Snider
John A. Sortman
Jesse L. Townsend
James A. Welch
Edward W. Yeates, Jr.
Michael E. Yount
These exemptions are extended
subject to the following conditions: (1)
That each individual have a physical
examination every year (a) by an
ophthalmologist or optometrist who
attests that the vision in the better eye
continues to meet the standard in 49
CFR 391.41(b)(10), and (b) by a medical
examiner who attests that the individual
is otherwise physically qualified under
49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual
provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s
or optometrist’s report to the medical
examiner at the time of the annual
medical examination; and (3) that each
individual provide a copy of the annual
medical certification to the employer for
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:55 Oct 12, 2007
Jkt 214001
retention in the driver’s qualification
file and retain a copy of the certification
on his/her person while driving for
presentation to a duly authorized
Federal, State, or local enforcement
official. Each exemption will be valid
for two years unless rescinded earlier by
FMCSA. The exemption will be
rescinded if: (1) The person fails to
comply with the terms and conditions
of the exemption; (2) the exemption has
resulted in a lower level of safety than
was maintained before it was granted; or
(3) continuation of the exemption would
not be consistent with the goals and
objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315.
Basis for Renewing Exemptions
Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an
exemption may be granted for no longer
than two years from its approval date
and may be renewed upon application
for additional two year periods. In
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, each of the 19 applicants has
satisfied the entry conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the vision
requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR
51568; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR
61165; 64 FR 68195; 65 FR 20251; 67 FR
17102; 65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 68 FR
1654; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR 41654; 68 FR
52811; 68 FR 61860). Each of these 19
applicants has requested renewal of the
exemption and has submitted evidence
showing that the vision in the better eye
continues to meet the standard specified
at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the
vision impairment is stable. In addition,
a review of each record of safety while
driving with the respective vision
deficiencies over the past two years
indicates each applicant continues to
meet the vision exemption standards.
These factors provide an adequate basis
for predicting each driver’s ability to
continue to drive safely in interstate
commerce. Therefore, FMCSA
concludes that extending the exemption
for each renewal applicant for a period
of two years is likely to achieve a level
of safety equal to that existing without
the exemption.
Request for Comments
FMCSA will review comments
received at any time concerning a
particular driver’s safety record and
determine if the continuation of the
exemption is consistent with the
requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315. However, FMCSA requests that
interested parties with specific data
concerning the safety records of these
drivers submit comments by November
14, 2007.
FMCSA believes that the
requirements for a renewal of an
PO 00000
Frm 00078
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315 can be satisfied by initially
granting the renewal and then
requesting and evaluating, if needed,
subsequent comments submitted by
interested parties. As indicated above,
the Agency previously published
notices of final disposition announcing
its decision to exempt these 19
individuals from the vision requirement
in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final
decision to grant an exemption to each
of these individuals was based on the
merits of each case and only after
careful consideration of the comments
received to its notices of applications.
The notices of applications stated in
detail the qualifications, experience,
and medical condition of each applicant
for an exemption from the vision
requirements. That information is
available by consulting the above cited
Federal Register publications.
Interested parties or organizations
possessing information that would
otherwise show that any, or all of these
drivers, are not currently achieving the
statutory level of safety should
immediately notify FMCSA. The
Agency will evaluate any adverse
evidence submitted and, if safety is
being compromised or if continuation of
the exemption would not be consistent
with the goals and objectives of 49
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will
take immediate steps to revoke the
exemption of a driver.
Issued on: October 5, 2007.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and
Program Development.
[FR Doc. E7–20204 Filed 10–12–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2007–27801]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Diabetes
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its
decision to exempt fifty-two individuals
from its rule prohibiting persons with
insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM)
from operating commercial motor
vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
The exemptions will enable these
individuals to operate CMVs in
interstate commerce.
E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM
15OCN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 198 / Monday, October 15, 2007 / Notices
The exemptions are effective
October 15, 2007. The exemptions
expire on October 15, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical
Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001,
fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Room
W64–224, Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590–
0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
Electronic Access
You may see all the comments online
through the Federal Document
Management System (FDMS) at: https://
www.regulations.gov.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or
comments, go to https://
www.regulations.gov and/or Room
W12–140 on the ground level of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
Privacy Act: Anyone may search the
electronic form of all comments
received into any of DOT’s dockets by
the name of the individual submitting
the comment (or of the person signing
the comment, if submitted on behalf of
an association, business, labor union, or
other entity). You may review DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register (65 FR 19477, Apr. 11,
2000). This statement is also available at
https://Docketinfo.dot.gov.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Background
On August 14, 2007, FMCSA
published a notice of receipt of Federal
diabetes exemption applications from
fifty-two individuals, and requested
comments from the public (72 FR
45481). The public comment period
closed on September 13, 2007 and five
comments were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of the fifty-two applicants and
determined that granting the
exemptions to these individuals would
achieve a level of safety equivalent to,
or greater than, the level that would be
achieved by complying with the current
regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3).
Diabetes Mellitus and Driving
Experience of the Applicants
The Agency established the current
standard for diabetes in 1970 because
several risk studies indicated that
diabetic drivers had a higher rate of
crash involvement than the general
population. The diabetes rule provides
that ‘‘A person is physically qualified to
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:55 Oct 12, 2007
Jkt 214001
drive a commercial motor vehicle if that
person has no established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes
mellitus currently requiring insulin for
control’’ (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)).
FMCSA established its diabetes
exemption program, based on the
Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A
Report to Congress on the Feasibility of
a Program to Qualify Individuals with
Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus to
Operate in Interstate Commerce as
Directed by the Transportation Act for
the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded
that a safe and practicable protocol to
allow some drivers with ITDM to
operate CMVs is feasible. The 2003
notice in conjunction with the
November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777)
Federal Register Notice provides the
current protocol for allowing such
drivers to operate CMVs in interstate
commerce.
These fifty-two applicants have had
ITDM over a range of 1 to 39 years.
These applicants report no
hypoglycemic reaction that resulted in
loss of consciousness or seizure, that
required the assistance of another
person, or resulted in impaired
cognitive function without warning
symptoms in the past 5 years (with one
year of stability following any such
episode). In each case, an
endocrinologist has verified that the
driver has demonstrated willingness to
properly monitor and manage their
diabetes, received education related to
diabetes management, and is on a stable
insulin regimen. These drivers report no
other disqualifying conditions,
including diabetes-related
complications. Each meets the vision
standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
The qualifications and medical
condition of each applicant were stated
and discussed in detail in the August
14, 2007, Federal Register Notice (72 FR
45481). Therefore, they will not be
repeated in this notice.
Basis for Exemption Determination
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
FMCSA may grant an exemption from
the diabetes standard in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is likely to
achieve an equivalent or greater level of
safety than would be achieved without
the exemption. The exemption allows
the applicants to operate CMVs in
interstate commerce.
To evaluate the effect of these
exemptions on safety, FMCSA
considered medical reports about the
applicants’ ITDM and vision, and
reviewed the treating endocrinologist’s
medical opinion related to the ability of
the driver to safely operate a CMV while
using insulin.
PO 00000
Frm 00079
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
58361
Consequently, FMCSA finds that
exempting these applicants from the
diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)
is likely to achieve a level of safety
equal to that existing without the
exemption.
Conditions and Requirements
The terms and conditions of the
exemption will be provided to the
applicants in the exemption document
and they include the following: (1) That
each individual submit a quarterly
monitoring checklist completed by the
treating endocrinologist as well as an
annual checklist with a comprehensive
medical evaluation; (2) that each
individual reports within 2 business
days of occurrence, all episodes of
severe hypoglycemia, significant
complications, or inability to manage
diabetes; also, any involvement in an
accident or any other adverse event in
a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or
not they are related to an episode of
hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual
provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s
or optometrist’s report to the medical
examiner at the time of the annual
medical examination; and (4) that each
individual provide a copy of the annual
medical certification to the employer for
retention in the driver’s qualification
file, or keep a copy in his/her driver’s
qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a
copy of the certification when driving,
for presentation to a duly authorized
Federal, State, or local enforcement
official.
Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received five comments in
this proceeding. All five comments were
recommendations in favor of granting
the Federal diabetes exemption to Mr.
Scott M. Aitcheson, Mr. Larry G. Becker,
Mr. Stacy M. McCroskey, and Mr. Mark
A. Jones.
Conclusion
After considering the comments to the
docket, and based upon its evaluation of
the fifty-two exemption applications,
FMCSA exempts, Scott M. Aitcheson,
Arnulfo Amador, Larry G. Becker, Alan
R. Buck, Frederick J. Caldarelli, III,
Eddie A. Camacho, Richard W. Clark,
William N. Climer, William J. Compton,
Brian R. Current, Andrew J. Corrao, Jr.,
Edward W. Crean, Todd J. Donnelly,
Mark A. Davis, Tate D. Eakin, Anthony
Espinosa, Gary L. Everett, Carmine J.
Fossile, Steve A. Ging, Jeffrey M.
Halavanja, James K. Hay, Vincent D.
Hoagland, Jr., James M. Holland,
Matthew S. Hooker, Gregory A. Iverson,
Bradley M. Johnson, Michael A.
Johnson, Mark A. Jones, Michael J.
E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM
15OCN1
58362
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 198 / Monday, October 15, 2007 / Notices
Keating, Duane E. Koomen, Bruce A.
Larson, Curtis W. Mahler, Hector
Martinez, Stacy M. McCroskey, Harold
W. McCullough, Bruce L. Mitchell,
Thomas L. Nesbit, Michael D. O’Brien,
Charles A. Parker, Jeremy K. Redger,
Michael C. Sapp, Norma L. Shoop, Chris
W. Smaltz, Rodney C. Thompson, Glen
E. Townsend, Randy E. Veit, Edwin C.
Whitcomb, James B. Wilson, Daniel M.
Winn, Steven D. Workman, Derek J.
Wright, and Donald W. Yeager from the
ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3),
subject to the conditions listed under
‘‘Conditions and Requirements’’ above.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315 each exemption will be valid
for two years unless revoked earlier by
FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked
if: (1) The person fails to comply with
the terms and conditions of the
exemption; (2) the exemption has
resulted in a lower level of safety than
was maintained before it was granted; or
(3) continuation of the exemption would
not be consistent with the goals and
objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315. If the exemption is still effective
at the end of the 2-year period, the
person may apply to FMCSA for a
renewal under procedures in effect at
that time.
Issued on: October 5, 2007.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and
Program Development.
[FR Doc. E7–20206 Filed 10–12–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2007–29019]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Vision
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of applications for
exemptions; request for comments.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of
applications from 27 individuals for
exemptions from the vision requirement
in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations. If granted, the exemptions
would enable these individuals to
qualify as drivers of commercial motor
vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce
without meeting the Federal vision
standard.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before November 14, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
bearing the Department of
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:55 Oct 12, 2007
Jkt 214001
Transportation (DOT) Docket
Management System (DMS) Docket
Number FMCSA–2007–29019 using any
of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
• Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
Each submission must include the
Agency name and the docket number for
this Notice. Note that DOT posts all
comments received without change to
https://www.regulations.gov, including
any personal information included in a
comment. Please see the Privacy Act
heading below.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or
comments, go to https://
www.regulations.gov at any time or
Room W12–140 on the ground level of
the West Building, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365
days each year. If you want
acknowledgment that we received your
comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or
postcard or print the acknowledgement
page that appears after submitting
comments on-line.
Privacy Act: Anyone may search the
electronic form of all comments
received into any of our dockets by the
name of the individual submitting the
comment (or of the person signing the
comment, if submitted on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT’s complete
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000
(65 FR 19477–78; Apr. 11, 2000). This
information is also available at https://
Docketinfo.dot.gov.
Dr.
Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical
Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001,
fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64–
224, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
PO 00000
Frm 00080
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
FMCSA may grant an exemption for a 2year period if it finds ‘‘such exemption
would likely achieve a level of safety
that is equivalent to, or greater than, the
level that would be achieved absent
such exemption.’’ FMCSA can renew
exemptions at the end of each 2-year
period. The 27 individuals listed in this
notice each have requested an
exemption from the vision requirement
in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies
to drivers of CMVs in interstate
commerce. Accordingly, the Agency
will evaluate the qualifications of each
applicant to determine whether granting
the exemption will achieve the required
level of safety mandated by statute.
Qualifications of Applicants
Christopher L. Bagby
Mr. Bagby, age 42, has loss of vision
in his right eye due to a misplaced pupil
and cataract as a result of a traumatic
injury sustained as a child. The best
corrected visual acuity in his right eye
is 20/1200 and in the left, 20/20.
Following an examination in 2007, his
optometrist noted, ‘‘Chris currently
wears glasses and should continue to do
so for driving. Other than that, I do not
recommend any limitations on him for
driving standard or commercial
vehicles.’’ Mr. Bagby reported that he
has driven straight trucks for 7 years,
accumulating 182,000 miles, and
tractor-trailer combinations for 4 years,
accumulating 99,840 miles. He holds a
Class A Commercial Driver’s License
(CDL) from Virginia. His driving record
for the last 3 years shows no crashes and
no convictions for moving violations in
a CMV.
Robert W. Bequeaith
Mr. Bequeaith, 56, has loss of vision
in his left eye due to a retinal
detachment as a result of a traumatic
injury sustained as a child. The best
corrected visual acuity in his right eye
is 20/16 and in the left, 20/150.
Following an examination in 2007, his
optometrist noted, ‘‘My impression is
that Mr. Bequeaith has the visual ability
to safely continue operating a
commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Bequeaith
reported that he has driven straight
trucks for 3 years, accumulating 30,000
miles, and tractor-trailer combinations
for 37 years, accumulating 3.6 million
miles. He holds a Class A CDL from
Iowa. His driving record for the last 3
years shows no crashes and no
convictions for moving violations in a
CMV.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 198 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58360-58362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20206]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2007-27801]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt fifty-two individuals
from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes
mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in
interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to
operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
[[Page 58361]]
DATES: The exemptions are effective October 15, 2007. The exemptions
expire on October 15, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical
Qualifications Division, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
Room W64-224, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue,
SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document
Management System (FDMS) at: https://www.regulations.gov.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12-140 on the
ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments
received into any of DOT's dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other
entity). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register (65 FR 19477, Apr. 11, 2000). This statement is also
available at https://Docketinfo.dot.gov.
Background
On August 14, 2007, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal
diabetes exemption applications from fifty-two individuals, and
requested comments from the public (72 FR 45481). The public comment
period closed on September 13, 2007 and five comments were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the fifty-two applicants and
determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would
achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level
that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR
391.41(b)(3).
Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants
The Agency established the current standard for diabetes in 1970
because several risk studies indicated that diabetic drivers had a
higher rate of crash involvement than the general population. The
diabetes rule provides that ``A person is physically qualified to drive
a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring
insulin for control'' (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)).
FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the
Agency's July 2000 study entitled ``A Report to Congress on the
Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated
Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the
Transportation Act for the 21st Century.'' The report concluded that a
safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with ITDM to
operate CMVs is feasible. The 2003 notice in conjunction with the
November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) Federal Register Notice provides the
current protocol for allowing such drivers to operate CMVs in
interstate commerce.
These fifty-two applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 39
years. These applicants report no hypoglycemic reaction that resulted
in loss of consciousness or seizure, that required the assistance of
another person, or resulted in impaired cognitive function without
warning symptoms in the past 5 years (with one year of stability
following any such episode). In each case, an endocrinologist has
verified that the driver has demonstrated willingness to properly
monitor and manage their diabetes, received education related to
diabetes management, and is on a stable insulin regimen. These drivers
report no other disqualifying conditions, including diabetes-related
complications. Each meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were
stated and discussed in detail in the August 14, 2007, Federal Register
Notice (72 FR 45481). Therefore, they will not be repeated in this
notice.
Basis for Exemption Determination
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption
from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is
likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would
be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicants
to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
To evaluate the effect of these exemptions on safety, FMCSA
considered medical reports about the applicants' ITDM and vision, and
reviewed the treating endocrinologist's medical opinion related to the
ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin.
Consequently, FMCSA finds that exempting these applicants from the
diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level
of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.
Conditions and Requirements
The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the
applicants in the exemption document and they include the following:
(1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist
completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual
checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each
individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes
of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to
manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other
adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or not they are
related to an episode of hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual provide
a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the medical
examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (4) that
each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to
the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file, or keep
a copy in his/her driver's qualification file if he/she is self-
employed. The driver must also have a copy of the certification when
driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local
enforcement official.
Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received five comments in this proceeding. All five comments
were recommendations in favor of granting the Federal diabetes
exemption to Mr. Scott M. Aitcheson, Mr. Larry G. Becker, Mr. Stacy M.
McCroskey, and Mr. Mark A. Jones.
Conclusion
After considering the comments to the docket, and based upon its
evaluation of the fifty-two exemption applications, FMCSA exempts,
Scott M. Aitcheson, Arnulfo Amador, Larry G. Becker, Alan R. Buck,
Frederick J. Caldarelli, III, Eddie A. Camacho, Richard W. Clark,
William N. Climer, William J. Compton, Brian R. Current, Andrew J.
Corrao, Jr., Edward W. Crean, Todd J. Donnelly, Mark A. Davis, Tate D.
Eakin, Anthony Espinosa, Gary L. Everett, Carmine J. Fossile, Steve A.
Ging, Jeffrey M. Halavanja, James K. Hay, Vincent D. Hoagland, Jr.,
James M. Holland, Matthew S. Hooker, Gregory A. Iverson, Bradley M.
Johnson, Michael A. Johnson, Mark A. Jones, Michael J.
[[Page 58362]]
Keating, Duane E. Koomen, Bruce A. Larson, Curtis W. Mahler, Hector
Martinez, Stacy M. McCroskey, Harold W. McCullough, Bruce L. Mitchell,
Thomas L. Nesbit, Michael D. O'Brien, Charles A. Parker, Jeremy K.
Redger, Michael C. Sapp, Norma L. Shoop, Chris W. Smaltz, Rodney C.
Thompson, Glen E. Townsend, Randy E. Veit, Edwin C. Whitcomb, James B.
Wilson, Daniel M. Winn, Steven D. Workman, Derek J. Wright, and Donald
W. Yeager from the ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the
conditions listed under ``Conditions and Requirements'' above.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 each exemption will
be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption
will be revoked if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower
level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3)
continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals
and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. If the exemption is
still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply
to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time.
Issued on: October 5, 2007.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. E7-20206 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P