Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 9862-9865 [2011-3897]

Download as PDF 9862 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / Notices Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 9 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (65 FR 45817; 65 FR 66286; 65 FR 77066; 66 FR 13825; 68 FR 10300; 70 FR 7546; 71 FR 14566; 71 FR 30227; 72 FR 180; 72 FR 7111; 72 FR 9397; 73 FR 27014; 74 FR 6211; 74 FR 6212). Each of these 9 applicants has requested renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a particular driver’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit comments by March 24, 2011. FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published notices of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt these 9 individuals from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an exemption to each of these individuals was made on the merits of each case and made only after careful consideration of the comments received to its notices of applications. The notices of applications stated in VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:51 Feb 18, 2011 Jkt 223001 detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register publications. Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. Issued on: February 10, 2011. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2011–3899 Filed 2–18–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2011–0025] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption from the diabetes mellitus standard; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 21 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 March 24, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2011–0025 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • 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 Federal Docket Management System (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. 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 DOT’s Privacy Act Statement for the FDMS published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/ E8-785.pdf. 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 E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / Notices exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The 21 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 CMVs in interstate commerce. Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the statutes. more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Causey 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 Maryland. Qualifications of Applicants Steven J. Ceckiewicz Mr. Ceckiewicz, 43, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Ceckiewicz 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 Wisconsin. Kevin J. Agler Mr. Agler, age 45, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Agler 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 Commerical Drivers License (CDL) from Ohio. Roger R. Cabana Mr. Cabana, 61, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cabana 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 Maine. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Andrew J. Causey Mr. Causey, 31, has had ITDM since 2006. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:51 Feb 18, 2011 Jkt 223001 Jamie P. Chapman Mr. Chapman, 38, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Chapman 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. Dennis J. Dallmann Mr. Dallmann, 43, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9863 last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dallmann 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 proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Minnesota. Wade Dawson Mr. Dawson, 54, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dawson 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 Arizona. Craig A. Fisher Mr. Fisher, 36, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Fisher 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 F operator’s license from Missouri. Ryan D. Gibson Mr. Gibson, 30, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1 9864 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / Notices and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gibson 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 Iowa. and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hohnerlein 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. Omar S. Griffin, Jr. Mr. Griffin, 53, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Griffin 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 Minnesota. Joshua P. Kramer Mr. Kramer, 27, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kramer 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 Minnesota. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES George W. Heffernan Mr. Heffernan, 41, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Heffernan 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 operator’s license from Utah. Dennis Hohnerlein Mr. Hohnerlein, 54, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:51 Feb 18, 2011 Jkt 223001 Chad M. Kunkel Mr. Kunkel, 37, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kunkel 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 Minnesota. Donald L. Kurtz Mr. Kurtz, 66, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kurtz meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 His optometrist examined him in 2010 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Michigan. Jeffrey S. Lomber Mr. Lomber, 46, has had ITDM since 1992. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Lomber 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 Chauffeur license from Michigan. Rodney C. McCowan Mr. McCowan, 50, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. McCowan 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 Minnesota. Jennifer L. Moran Ms. Moran, 39, has had ITDM since 1997. Her endocrinologist examined her in 2010 and certified that she has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of her diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Moran meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / Notices Her optometrist examined her in 2010 and certified that she does not have diabetic retinopathy. She holds a Class C operator’s license from Iowa. diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator’s license from Ohio. Kevin J. Van Horn Mr. Van Horn, 54, has had ITDM since 2003. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Van Horn 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 Michigan. 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 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 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. 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. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Jimmy M. Welch Mr. Welch, 56, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Welch 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 Montana. Michael L. Wintrow Mr. Wintrow, 53, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Wintrow 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:51 Feb 18, 2011 Jkt 223001 Request for Comments Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Issued on: February 14, 2011. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2011–3897 Filed 2–18–11; 8:45 am] 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 9865 BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7006; FMCSA– 2006–25246; FMCSA–2006–26066] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 13 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has 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. SUMMARY: This decision is effective March 1, 2011. Comments must be received on or before March 24, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) numbers: FMCSA– 2000–7006; FMCSA–2006–25246; FMCSA–2006–26066, 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. Instructions: 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:// DATES: E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9862-9865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-3897]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0025]


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 21 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 March 24, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0025 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 Federal Docket Management System (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 acknowledgment 
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 DOT's Privacy Act Statement for the FDMS published in 
the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit 
https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf.

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

[[Page 9863]]

exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The 21 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 CMVs in interstate commerce. Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate 
the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting the 
exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by the 
statutes.

Qualifications of Applicants

Kevin J. Agler

    Mr. Agler, age 45, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Agler 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 Commerical 
Drivers License (CDL) from Ohio.

Roger R. Cabana

    Mr. Cabana, 61, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Cabana 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 
Maine.

Andrew J. Causey

    Mr. Causey, 31, has had ITDM since 2006. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Causey 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 Maryland.

Steven J. Ceckiewicz

    Mr. Ceckiewicz, 43, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Ceckiewicz 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 
Wisconsin.

Jamie P. Chapman

    Mr. Chapman, 38, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Chapman 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.

Dennis J. Dallmann

    Mr. Dallmann, 43, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Dallmann 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 proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class 
A CDL from Minnesota.

Wade Dawson

    Mr. Dawson, 54, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Dawson 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 
Arizona.

Craig A. Fisher

    Mr. Fisher, 36, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Fisher 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 F operator's 
license from Missouri.

Ryan D. Gibson

    Mr. Gibson, 30, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin;

[[Page 9864]]

and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gibson 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 Iowa.

Omar S. Griffin, Jr.

    Mr. Griffin, 53, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Griffin 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 Minnesota.

George W. Heffernan

    Mr. Heffernan, 41, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Heffernan 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 operator's 
license from Utah.

Dennis Hohnerlein

    Mr. Hohnerlein, 54, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Hohnerlein 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.

Joshua P. Kramer

    Mr. Kramer, 27, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Kramer 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 
Minnesota.

Chad M. Kunkel

    Mr. Kunkel, 37, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Kunkel 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 
Minnesota.

Donald L. Kurtz

    Mr. Kurtz, 66, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Kurtz 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 
Michigan.

Jeffrey S. Lomber

    Mr. Lomber, 46, has had ITDM since 1992. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Lomber 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 
Chauffeur license from Michigan.

Rodney C. McCowan

    Mr. McCowan, 50, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
McCowan 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 
Minnesota.

Jennifer L. Moran

    Ms. Moran, 39, has had ITDM since 1997. Her endocrinologist 
examined her in 2010 and certified that she has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
her diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. 
Moran meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10).

[[Page 9865]]

Her optometrist examined her in 2010 and certified that she does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. She holds a Class C operator's license from 
Iowa.

Kevin J. Van Horn

    Mr. Van Horn, 54, has had ITDM since 2003. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Van 
Horn 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 Michigan.

Jimmy M. Welch

    Mr. Welch, 56, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Welch 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 
Montana.

Michael L. Wintrow

    Mr. Wintrow, 53, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2010 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years; 
understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin; and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Wintrow 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 Ohio.

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 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. 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: February 14, 2011.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator, Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2011-3897 Filed 2-18-11; 8:45 am]
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