Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 9867-9868 [2011-3898]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / Notices Privacy Act Statement for the Federal Docket Management System (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. take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. Issued on: February 11, 2011. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2011–3900 Filed 2–18–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0427] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt fifteen individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions are effective February 22, 2011. The exemptions expire on February 22, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical Programs, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Room W64–224, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of DOT’s dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other entity). You may review DOT’s VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:51 Feb 18, 2011 Jkt 223001 Background On January 10, 2011, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from fifteen individuals and requested comments from the public (76 FR 1496). The public comment period closed on February 9, 2011 and one comment was received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the fifteen applicants and determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3). Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants The Agency established the current standard for diabetes in 1970 because several risk studies indicated that drivers with diabetes had a higher rate of crash involvement than the general population. The diabetes rule provides that ‘‘A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control’’ (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)). FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A Report to Congress on the Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the Transportation Act for the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded that a safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with ITDM to operate CMVs is feasible. The September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441) Federal Register notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) Federal Register notice provides the current protocol for allowing such drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. These fifteen applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 33 years. These applicants report no severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness or seizure, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning symptoms, in the past 12 months and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past 5 PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9867 years. In each case, an endocrinologist verified that the driver has demonstrated a willingness to properly monitor and manage his/her diabetes mellitus, received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable insulin regimen. These drivers report no other disqualifying conditions, including diabetes-related complications. Each meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were stated and discussed in detail in the January 10, 2010, Federal Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice. Discussion of Comment FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment was considered and discussed below. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation stated that it had reviewed the driving records for Vincent J. Laird and are in favor of granting him a Federal diabetes exemption. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicants to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. To evaluate the effect of these exemptions on safety, FMCSA considered medical reports about the applicants’ ITDM and vision, and reviewed the treating endocrinologists’ medical opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin. Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these applicants from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the applicants in the exemption document and they include the following: (1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1 9868 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / Notices not it is related to an episode of hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (4) that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy in his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a copy of the certification when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. If the exemption is still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time. Issued on: February 14, 2011. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2011–3898 Filed 2–18–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the fifteen exemption applications, FMCSA exempts, Alvin H. Banghart, Neal S. Faulkner, Stephen D. Ford, Jason J. Hamilton, Robert D. Hamrick, Harlan L. Janssen, Vincent J. Laird, Steven J. Lefebvre, Mitchell J. Moore, James R. Parker, Charles C. Quast, James E. Steele, Kole B. Stevens, Timothy D. Swanson and Raymond E. Williams from the ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the conditions listed under ‘‘Conditions and Requirements’’ above. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has Application No. Docket No. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Office of Hazardous Materials Safety; Notice of Application for Special Permits Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: List of Applications for Special Permits. AGENCY: In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, special permits from the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR Part 107, Subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office SUMMARY: Applicant of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. Each mode of transportation for which a particular special permit is requested is indicated by a number in the ‘‘Nature of Application’’ portion of the table below as follows: 1—Motor vehicle, 2—Rail freight, 3—Cargo vessel, 4—Cargo aircraft only, 5—Passengercarrying aircraft. DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 24, 2011. Address Comments To: Record Center, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590. Comments should refer to the application number and be submitted in triplicate. If confirmation of receipt of comments is desired, include a selfaddressed stamped postcard showing the special permit number. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the applications are available for inspection in the Records Center, East Building, PHH–30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Washington DC or at https://regulations.gov. This notice of receipt of applications for special permit is published in accordance with Part 107 of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5117(b); 49 CFR 1.53(b)). Issued in Washington, DC, on February 15, 2011. Donald Burger, Chief, Special Permits and Approvals Branch. Regulation(s) affected Nature of special permits thereof NEW SPECIAL PERMITS ............................ Centronic LLC, Houston, TX. 49 CFR 172.101 Column 9 and 173.310 15229–N ...... ............................ Linde Gas North America LLC, NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ. 49 CFR 179.300–15 ................................. 15235–N ...... ............................ Enco Industries, Inc., Plaistow, NH. 49 CFR 173,173(b) and 173.242 ............. 15238–N ...... mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 15213–N ...... ............................ Reeder Flying Service, Inc., Twin Falls, ID. 15240–N ...... ............................ R&R Hunting & Outdoor Adventures, LLC, Anchorage, AK. 49 CFR 49 CFR Table § 172.101, Column (9B), § 172.204(c)(3), § 173.27(b)(2) § 175.30(a)(1) § 172.200, 172.300, and 172.400. 49 CFR 49 CFR, 172.101 column (8C), 173.241, 173.242, 175.310. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:51 Feb 18, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 To authorize the transportation in commerce of Boron Trifluoride in electron tubes that are part of a radiation detector. (modes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain DOT 106 tank cars containing chlorine that are not fitted with a pressure relief device. (modes 1, 2, 3) To authorize the manufacture, marking, sale and use of UN 11G fiberboard intermediate bulk containers for use as the outer packaging for certain Class waste paints and waste paint related material. (mode 1) To authorize the transportation in commerce of Acetylene, dissolved exceeding the quantity limitations for transportation by cargo only aircraft. (mode 4) To authorize the transportation in commerce of certain flammable and combustible liquids in alternative packaging having a capacity of 119 gallons or more by air. (mode 4) E:\FR\FM\22FEN1.SGM 22FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9867-9868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-3898]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0427]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt fifteen individuals 
from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes 
mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in 
interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to 
operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions are effective February 22, 2011. The exemptions 
expire on February 22, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical 
Programs, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Room W64-224, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, 
DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document 
Management System (FDMS) at: https://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12-140 on the 
ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of DOT's dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other 
entity). You may review DOT's Privacy Act Statement for the Federal 
Docket Management System (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.

Background

    On January 10, 2011, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from fifteen individuals and requested 
comments from the public (76 FR 1496). The public comment period closed 
on February 9, 2011 and one comment was received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the fifteen applicants and 
determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would 
achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level 
that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(3).

Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants

    The Agency established the current standard for diabetes in 1970 
because several risk studies indicated that drivers with diabetes had a 
higher rate of crash involvement than the general population. The 
diabetes rule provides that ``A person is physically qualified to drive 
a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical 
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring 
insulin for control'' (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)).
    FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the 
Agency's July 2000 study entitled ``A Report to Congress on the 
Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated 
Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the 
Transportation Act for the 21st Century.'' The report concluded that a 
safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with ITDM to 
operate CMVs is feasible. The September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441) Federal 
Register notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) 
Federal Register notice provides the current protocol for allowing such 
drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    These fifteen applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 33 
years. These applicants report no severe hypoglycemic reactions 
resulting in loss of consciousness or seizure, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that 
occurred without warning symptoms, in the past 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past 5 years. 
In each case, an endocrinologist verified that the driver has 
demonstrated a willingness to properly monitor and manage his/her 
diabetes mellitus, received education related to diabetes management, 
and is on a stable insulin regimen. These drivers report no other 
disqualifying conditions, including diabetes-related complications. 
Each meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
    The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were 
stated and discussed in detail in the January 10, 2010, Federal 
Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice.

Discussion of Comment

    FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment was 
considered and discussed below.
    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation stated that it had 
reviewed the driving records for Vincent J. Laird and are in favor of 
granting him a Federal diabetes exemption.

Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is 
likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would 
be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicants 
to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    To evaluate the effect of these exemptions on safety, FMCSA 
considered medical reports about the applicants' ITDM and vision, and 
reviewed the treating endocrinologists' medical opinion related to the 
ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin.
    Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these 
applicants from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely 
to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.

Conditions and Requirements

    The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the 
applicants in the exemption document and they include the following: 
(1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist 
completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual 
checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each 
individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes 
of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to 
manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other 
adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or

[[Page 9868]]

not it is related to an episode of hypoglycemia; (3) that each 
individual provide a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's 
report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical 
examination; and (4) that each individual provide a copy of the annual 
medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver's 
qualification file, or keep a copy in his/her driver's qualification 
file if he/she is self-employed. The driver must also have a copy of 
the certification when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized 
Federal, State, or local enforcement official.

Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the fifteen exemption applications, 
FMCSA exempts, Alvin H. Banghart, Neal S. Faulkner, Stephen D. Ford, 
Jason J. Hamilton, Robert D. Hamrick, Harlan L. Janssen, Vincent J. 
Laird, Steven J. Lefebvre, Mitchell J. Moore, James R. Parker, Charles 
C. Quast, James E. Steele, Kole B. Stevens, Timothy D. Swanson and 
Raymond E. Williams from the ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), 
subject to the conditions listed under ``Conditions and Requirements'' 
above.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 each exemption will 
be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption 
will be revoked if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower 
level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) 
continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals 
and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. If the exemption is 
still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply 
to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time.

    Issued on: February 14, 2011.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator, Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2011-3898 Filed 2-18-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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