Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 34206-34209 [2010-14538]

Download as PDF sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES 34206 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 2010 / Notices crossings in the Pre-Rule Quiet Zone. However, the City and BNSF have concluded that all of the planned improvements will not be completed by June 24, 2010. The City requests that the existing Pre-Rule Quiet Zone be allowed to continue until September 24, 2010, by which time all of the improvements will have been completed. The City states that construction so far has focused on the installation of the vehicle detection system and upgraded signal electronics. Rail has also been removed from a non-operating streetcar system as part of the project. Since the construction of the improvements has been made in good faith by both parties and is nearing completion, both the City and BNSF are requesting that the June 24, 2010, deadline be extended so that the Pre-Rule Quiet Zone can remain consistently active. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA–2010– 0097) and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received within 15 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.—5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility’s Web site at https:// www.regulations.gov. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78). Issued in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2010. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations. [FR Doc. 2010–14470 Filed 6–15–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0138] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption from the diabetes mellitus standard; request for comments. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 25 individuals for exemption from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 16, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2010–0138 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. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 docket numbers for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. 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 FDMS 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 19476). This information is also available at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical Programs, (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: Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a 2-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 statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The 25 individuals listed in this Notice have recently requested such an exemption from the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b) (3), which applies to drivers of CMV in interstate commerce. Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 2010 / Notices the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the statutes. or transports placarded amounts of hazardous materials. Qualifications of Applicants Brandon L. Cheek Mr. Cheek, 34, has had ITDM since 1980. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cheek meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator’s license from North Carolina. Calvin R. Adams Mr. Adams, age 62, has had ITDM since 1997. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Adams meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from Texas. Michael R. Amstutz Mr. Amstutz, 59, has had ITDM since 1994. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Amstutz meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2009 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Clinton R. Carlson, II Mr. Carlson, 22, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Carlson meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class 10 operator’s license from Rhode Island, which allows him to operate any motor vehicle except a motorcycle and a vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, carries 16 or more passengers VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 Michael J. Drake Mr. Drake, 52, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Drake meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois. Richard A. Dufton, Jr. Mr. Dufton, 58, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dufton meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from New Hampshire. Kenneth Dunn Mr. Dunn, 44, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34207 of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dunn meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Indiana. Robert J. Dyxin Mr. Dyxin, 29, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dyxin meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator’s license from Illinois. Scott D. Endres Mr. Endres, 31, has had ITDM since 1987. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Endres meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from Wisconsin. Michael H. Hayden Mr. Hayden, 52, has had ITDM since 1984. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 34208 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 2010 / Notices Hayden meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from New York. Jarvis D. Hubbell Mr. Hubbell, 48, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hubbell meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from California. John T. Jones Mr. Jones, 40, has had ITDM since 1997. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Jones meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from Oklahoma. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Blake A. S. Keeten Mr. Keeten, 23, has had ITDM since 1994. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Keeten meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class O operator’s license from Nebraska, which allows him to drive any non-commercial vehicle except motorcycles VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 Randall L. Koegel Mr. Koegel, 55, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Koegel meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New York. Nicholas J. Niemerg Mr. Niemerg, 27, has had ITDM since 1984. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Niemerg meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from Illinois. Dereck J. Oliveira Mr. Oliveira, 52, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Oliveira meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator’s license from New Hampshire. Paul J. O’Neil, Jr. Mr. O’Neil, 56, has had ITDM since 1991. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. O’Neil meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator’s license from Virginia. Worden T. Price Mr. Price, 25, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Price meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2009 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator’s license from North Carolina. Frankie R. Ramey Mr. Ramey, 55, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Ramey meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Alabama. Michael Romero Mr. Romero, 48, has had ITDM since 2007. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Romero meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he does not have E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 2010 / Notices diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New Mexico. Gary L. Sager Mr. Sager, 42, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sager meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Darrel D. Schroeder Mr. Schroeder, 54, has had ITDM since 1985. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Schroeder meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Kansas. Steven M. Sernett Mr. Sernett, 24, has had ITDM since 1988. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sernett meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from South Dakota. Scott C. Sevedge Mr. Sevedge, 55, has had ITDM since 2007. His endocrinologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:19 Jun 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sevedge meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from Wisconsin. Steven G. Woltman Mr. Woltman, 47, has had ITDM since 1982. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Woltman meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class R operator’s license from Colorado, which allows him to drive any motor vehicle with a gross weight of less than 26,001 pounds. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions described in this Notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated in the date section of the Notice. FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users requires the Secretary to revise its diabetes exemption program established on September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441).1 The revision must provide for individual assessment of drivers with diabetes mellitus, and be consistent with the criteria described in section 4018 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305). Section 4129 requires: (1) elimination of the requirement for 3 years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin; and (2) establishment of a specified minimum period of insulin use to demonstrate 1 Section 4129(a) refers to the 2003 Notice as a ‘‘final rule.’’ However, the 2003 Notice did not issue a ‘‘final rule’’ but did establish the procedures and standards for issuing exemptions for drivers with ITDM. PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34209 stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate a CMV. In response to section 4129, FMCSA made immediate revisions to the diabetes exemption program established by the September 3, 2003 Notice. FMCSA discontinued use of the 3-year driving experience and fulfilled the requirements of section 4129 while continuing to ensure that operation of CMVs by drivers with ITDM will achieve the requisite level of safety required of all exemptions granted under 49 U.S.C. 31136 (e). Section 4129(d) also directed FMCSA to ensure that drivers of CMVs with ITDM are not held to a higher standard than other drivers, with the exception of limited operating, monitoring and medical requirements that are deemed medically necessary. The FMCSA concluded that all of the operating, monitoring and medical requirements set out in the September 3, 2003 Notice, except as modified, were in compliance with section 4129(d). Therefore, all of the requirements set out in the September 3, 2003 Notice, except as modified by the Notice in the Federal Register on November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777), remain in effect. Issued on: June 10, 2010. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. 2010–14538 Filed 6–15–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0114] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions; request for comments. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 30 individuals for exemption 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 July 16, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34206-34209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-14538]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0138]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption from the diabetes mellitus 
standard; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 25 individuals 
for exemption from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated 
diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in 
interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these 
individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 16, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0138 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.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket numbers for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below 
for further information.
    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 FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, 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 19476). This information is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical 
Programs, (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:

Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a 2-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 statute also allows the Agency to 
renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The 25 individuals 
listed in this Notice have recently requested such an exemption from 
the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b) (3), which applies to 
drivers of CMV in interstate commerce. Accordingly, the Agency will 
evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether 
granting

[[Page 34207]]

the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the 
statutes.

Qualifications of Applicants

Calvin R. Adams

    Mr. Adams, age 62, has had ITDM since 1997. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Adams meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A Commercial Driver's License 
(CDL) from Texas.

Michael R. Amstutz

    Mr. Amstutz, 59, has had ITDM since 1994. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Amstutz meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2009 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio.

Clinton R. Carlson, II

    Mr. Carlson, 22, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Carlson meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class 10 operator's license from Rhode 
Island, which allows him to operate any motor vehicle except a 
motorcycle and a vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, carries 
16 or more passengers or transports placarded amounts of hazardous 
materials.

Brandon L. Cheek

    Mr. Cheek, 34, has had ITDM since 1980. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cheek meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's 
license from North Carolina.

Michael J. Drake

    Mr. Drake, 52, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Drake meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Illinois.

Richard A. Dufton, Jr.

    Mr. Dufton, 58, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dufton meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from New Hampshire.

Kenneth Dunn

    Mr. Dunn, 44, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic reactions 
resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another 
person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred 
without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes management 
and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dunn meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds a Class A CDL from Indiana.

Robert J. Dyxin

    Mr. Dyxin, 29, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dyxin meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from 
Illinois.

Scott D. Endres

    Mr. Endres, 31, has had ITDM since 1987. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Endres meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's 
license from Wisconsin.

Michael H. Hayden

    Mr. Hayden, 52, has had ITDM since 1984. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr.

[[Page 34208]]

Hayden meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified 
that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D 
operator's license from New York.

Jarvis D. Hubbell

    Mr. Hubbell, 48, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hubbell meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from 
California.

John T. Jones

    Mr. Jones, 40, has had ITDM since 1997. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Jones meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's license from 
Oklahoma.

Blake A. S. Keeten

    Mr. Keeten, 23, has had ITDM since 1994. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Keeten meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class O operator's license from 
Nebraska, which allows him to drive any non-commercial vehicle except 
motorcycles

Randall L. Koegel

    Mr. Koegel, 55, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Koegel meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New York.

Nicholas J. Niemerg

    Mr. Niemerg, 27, has had ITDM since 1984. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Niemerg meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's license from 
Illinois.

Dereck J. Oliveira

    Mr. Oliveira, 52, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Oliveira meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New 
Hampshire.

Paul J. O'Neil, Jr.

    Mr. O'Neil, 56, has had ITDM since 1991. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. O'Neil meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from 
Virginia.

Worden T. Price

    Mr. Price, 25, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Price meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2009 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from North 
Carolina.

Frankie R. Ramey

    Mr. Ramey, 55, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Ramey meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Alabama.

Michael Romero

    Mr. Romero, 48, has had ITDM since 2007. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Romero meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 and certified that he does not 
have

[[Page 34209]]

diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New Mexico.

Gary L. Sager

    Mr. Sager, 42, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sager meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Illinois.

Darrel D. Schroeder

    Mr. Schroeder, 54, has had ITDM since 1985. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Schroeder meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Kansas.

Steven M. Sernett

    Mr. Sernett, 24, has had ITDM since 1988. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sernett meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from South Dakota.

Scott C. Sevedge

    Mr. Sevedge, 55, has had ITDM since 2007. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2009 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sevedge meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's license from 
Wisconsin.

Steven G. Woltman

    Mr. Woltman, 47, has had ITDM since 1982. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning in the past 5 years; understands diabetes 
management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Woltman meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class R operator's 
license from Colorado, which allows him to drive any motor vehicle with 
a gross weight of less than 26,001 pounds.

Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests 
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions 
described in this Notice. We will consider all comments received before 
the close of business on the closing date indicated in the date section 
of the Notice.
    FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible 
and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users requires 
the Secretary to revise its diabetes exemption program established on 
September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441).\1\ The revision must provide for 
individual assessment of drivers with diabetes mellitus, and be 
consistent with the criteria described in section 4018 of the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Section 4129(a) refers to the 2003 Notice as a ``final 
rule.'' However, the 2003 Notice did not issue a ``final rule'' but 
did establish the procedures and standards for issuing exemptions 
for drivers with ITDM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 4129 requires: (1) elimination of the requirement for 3 
years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin; 
and (2) establishment of a specified minimum period of insulin use to 
demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate 
a CMV.
    In response to section 4129, FMCSA made immediate revisions to the 
diabetes exemption program established by the September 3, 2003 Notice. 
FMCSA discontinued use of the 3-year driving experience and fulfilled 
the requirements of section 4129 while continuing to ensure that 
operation of CMVs by drivers with ITDM will achieve the requisite level 
of safety required of all exemptions granted under 49 U.S.C. 31136 (e).
    Section 4129(d) also directed FMCSA to ensure that drivers of CMVs 
with ITDM are not held to a higher standard than other drivers, with 
the exception of limited operating, monitoring and medical requirements 
that are deemed medically necessary. The FMCSA concluded that all of 
the operating, monitoring and medical requirements set out in the 
September 3, 2003 Notice, except as modified, were in compliance with 
section 4129(d). Therefore, all of the requirements set out in the 
September 3, 2003 Notice, except as modified by the Notice in the 
Federal Register on November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777), remain in effect.

    Issued on: June 10, 2010.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2010-14538 Filed 6-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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