Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 36775-36778 [2010-15673]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 123 / Monday, June 28, 2010 / Notices Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The comment period ended on April 23, 2010 (75 FR 20881). Conclusion The Agency has not received any adverse evidence on any of these drivers that indicates that safety is being compromised. Based upon its evaluation of the 17 renewal applications, FMCSA renews the Federal vision exemptions for Roy L. Allen, Lyle H. Banser, Lloyd J. Botsford, Walter M. Brown, Charley J. Davis, Derek T. Ford, Paul D. Gaither, Taras G. Hamilton, Thomas R. Hedden, Laurent G. Jacques, Lucio Leal, Earl R. Mark, Douglas A. Mendoza, Michael R. Moore, Richard W. Neyens, John P. Rodrigues and Charles W. Towner, Jr. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each renewal exemption will be valid for 2 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 and 31315. Issued on: June 21, 2010. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. 2010–15663 Filed 6–25–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES [Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0162] 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:02 Jun 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 20 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 28, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2010–0162 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 ID 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00147 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36775 (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 20 individuals listed in this Notice have recently requested 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 the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the statutes. Qualifications of Applicants Gary L. Alexander Mr. Alexander, age 54, 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. Alexander 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 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from Missouri. Michael J. Baron Mr. Baron, 43, has had ITDM since 1987. 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 E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 36776 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 123 / Monday, June 28, 2010 / Notices 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. Baron 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 Georgia. Daniel E. Bergstresser Mr. Bergstresser, 54, has had ITDM since 2005. 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. Bergstresser 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 York. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Neil H. Buchner Mr. Buchner, 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. Buchner 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 Wisconsin. Charles L. Cheeseboro, Sr. Mr. Cheeseboro, 56, has had ITDM since 1989. 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. Cheeseboro 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:02 Jun 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from New York. Stephen F. Clendenin Mr. Clendenin, 58, 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. Clendenin 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 B CDL from New York. Donald P. Dean Mr. Dean, 38, 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. Dean 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 Michigan. Pradip B. Desai Mr. Desai, 59, 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. Desai 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 diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator’s license from Pennsylvania. Howard M. Galton Mr. Galton, 29, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. Galton 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 Illinois. Chad C. Gittings Mr. Gittings, 34, has had ITDM since 1996. 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. Gittings 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 C operator’s license from Pennsylvania. Steve Gummienny Mr. Gummienny, 31, 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. Gummienny 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 C operator’s license from California. Richard L. Harding Mr. Harding, 57, 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; E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 123 / Monday, June 28, 2010 / Notices and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Harding 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. Mark D. Huffine Mr. Huffine, 51, has had ITDM since 1998. 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. Huffine 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 Texas. Brian M. Katayama Mr. Katayama, 50, 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. Katayama 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 California. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Rajendra Narine Mr. Narine, 39, 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. Narine 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 B CDL from Georgia. VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:02 Jun 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 James M. Parr Mr. Parr, 55, has had ITDM since 2003. 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. Parr 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 D operator’s license from Alaska. Scott H. Paxton Mr. Paxton, 38, 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. Paxton 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 Kentucky. Gerald J. Scheeler Mr. Scheeler, 56, 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. Scheeler 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 Pennsylvania. Daniel L. Smith Mr. Smith, 40, has had ITDM since 2006. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00149 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36777 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. Smith 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 A CDL from Nebraska. Steven C. Vanscoyoc Mr. Vanscoyoc, 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. Vanscoyoc 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 Michigan. 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 (SAFETEA–LU) 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) The elimination of the requirement for three years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin; and (2) the establishment of a specified minimum period of insulin use to demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate a CMV. 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. E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 36778 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 123 / Monday, June 28, 2010 / Notices 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 USC. 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. 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 21, 2010. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. 2010–15673 Filed 6–25–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–1999–6156; FMCSA– 2000–7006; FMCSA–2001–9561; FMCSA– 2001–10578; FMCSA–2001–11426; FMCSA– 2002–11714; FMCSA–2002–13411; FMCSA– 2003–16241; FMCSA–2003–16564; FMCSA– 2004–17195; FMCSA–2005–21711; FMCSA– 2005–22194; FMCSA–2005–23099; FMCSA– 2005–23238; FMCSA–2006–23773; FMCSA– 2006–24015; FMCSA–2006–24783; FMCSA– 2006–25246; FMCSA–2008–0021] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 60 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:02 Jun 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. DATES: This decision is effective July 20, 2010. Comments must be received on or before July 28, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 1999–6156; FMCSA–2000–7006; FMCSA–2001–9561; FMCSA–2001– 10578; FMCSA–2001–11426; FMCSA– 2002–11714; FMCSA–2002–13411; FMCSA–2003–16241; FMCSA–2003– 16564; FMCSA–2004–17195; FMCSA– 2005–21711; FMCSA–2005–22194; FMCSA–2005–23099; FMCSA–2005– 23238; FMCSA–2006–23773; FMCSA– 2006–24015; FMCSA–2006–24783; FMCSA–2006–25246; FMCSA–2008– 0021, 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 or Courier: 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 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 acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments on-line. PO 00000 Frm 00150 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 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. Exemption Decision This Notice addresses 60 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 60 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Jawad K. Al-Shaibani Harold J. Bartley, Jr. Delmas C. Bergdoll Kenneth J. Bernard Allen G. Bors Brad T. Braegger Michael C. Branham John E. Breslin Trixie L. Brown Raymond L. Brush Scott F. Chalfant Leroy A. Chambers Harvis P. Cosby Rodney D. Curtis Ronald D. Danberry Norman J. Day Michael D. DeBerry John K. DeGolier Francisco Espinal William L. Foote Daniel R. Franks E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 123 (Monday, June 28, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36775-36778]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-15673]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0162]


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 20 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 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0162 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 ID 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 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 20 individuals 
listed in this Notice have recently requested 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 the 
exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the 
statutes.

Qualifications of Applicants

Gary L. Alexander

    Mr. Alexander, age 54, 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. Alexander 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 Commercial Driver's 
License (CDL) from Missouri.

Michael J. Baron

    Mr. Baron, 43, has had ITDM since 1987. 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

[[Page 36776]]

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. Baron 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 Georgia.

Daniel E. Bergstresser

    Mr. Bergstresser, 54, has had ITDM since 2005. 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. Bergstresser 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 York.

Neil H. Buchner

    Mr. Buchner, 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. Buchner 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 Wisconsin.

Charles L. Cheeseboro, Sr.

    Mr. Cheeseboro, 56, has had ITDM since 1989. 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. Cheeseboro 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 D operator's 
license from New York.

Stephen F. Clendenin

    Mr. Clendenin, 58, 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. Clendenin 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 B CDL from New 
York.

Donald P. Dean

    Mr. Dean, 38, 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. Dean 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 Michigan.

Pradip B. Desai

    Mr. Desai, 59, 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. Desai 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 diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from 
Pennsylvania.

Howard M. Galton

    Mr. Galton, 29, 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. Galton 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 Illinois.

Chad C. Gittings

    Mr. Gittings, 34, has had ITDM since 1996. 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. Gittings 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 C operator's license from 
Pennsylvania.

Steve Gummienny

    Mr. Gummienny, 31, 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. Gummienny 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 C operator's license from 
California.

Richard L. Harding

    Mr. Harding, 57, 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;

[[Page 36777]]

and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Harding 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.

Mark D. Huffine

    Mr. Huffine, 51, has had ITDM since 1998. 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. Huffine 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 
Texas.

Brian M. Katayama

    Mr. Katayama, 50, 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. Katayama 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 California.

Rajendra Narine

    Mr. Narine, 39, 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. Narine 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 B CDL from 
Georgia.

James M. Parr

    Mr. Parr, 55, has had ITDM since 2003. 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. Parr 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 D operator's license from Alaska.

Scott H. Paxton

    Mr. Paxton, 38, 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. Paxton 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 
Kentucky.

Gerald J. Scheeler

    Mr. Scheeler, 56, 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. Scheeler 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 Pennsylvania.

Daniel L. Smith

    Mr. Smith, 40, has had ITDM since 2006. 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. Smith 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 A CDL from 
Nebraska.

Steven C. Vanscoyoc

    Mr. Vanscoyoc, 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. Vanscoyoc 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 Michigan.

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 (SAFETEA-
LU) 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) The elimination of the requirement for 
three years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with 
insulin; and (2) the establishment of a specified minimum period of 
insulin use to demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being 
allowed to operate a CMV.

[[Page 36778]]

    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 USC. 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. 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 21, 2010.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2010-15673 Filed 6-25-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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