Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 43901-43902 [2012-17980]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 144 / Thursday, July 26, 2012 / Notices Ziff, Laura M. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Daugherty, Linda El-Sibaie, Magdy A. Mayberry, Alan K. Posten, R. Ryan Poyer, Scott A. Summitt, Monica J. Wiese, Jeffrey D. Research and Innovative Technology Administration Aylward, Anne D. Hu, Patricia S. Ishihara, David S. Johns, Robert C. Russo, Anthony J. Winfree, Gregory D. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Middlebrook, Craig H. Pisani, Salvatore L. [FR Doc. 2012–18007 Filed 7–25–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0108] 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 23 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 July 26, 2012. The exemptions expire on July 28, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Room W64–224, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Jul 25, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 June 6, 2012, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from 23 individuals and requested comments from the public (77 FR 33551). The public comment period closed on July 6, 2012, and no comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 23 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 requirement 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 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 43901 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 23 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 40 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 requirement at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were stated and discussed in detail in the June 6, 2012, Federal Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice. Discussion of Comments FMCSA did not receive any comments in this proceeding. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the diabetes requirement 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 requirement 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 E:\FR\FM\26JYN1.SGM 26JYN1 43902 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 144 / Thursday, July 26, 2012 / Notices and they include the following: (1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or not 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. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 23 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts, Larry J. Anderson (MN), Kevin J. Blue (IL), Wade D. Calvin (WA), Carl A. Candelaria (NM), Owen R. Dossett (MS), David K. Dylak (IL), Jennifer A. Ferguson (SC), Michael E. Fritz (MN), Jason W. Griffith (KS), Lee A. Haerterich (WI), Eric W. Holland (CO), Richard P. Holmen (MN), Edward Jones (NJ), Paul A. Lacina (ND), Robert L. Lawson (SC), Richard N. Listro (FL), Bradley J. Moore (MO), Jeremy T. Newton (MO), Ross W. Petermann (MN), James W. Pickard, Jr. (CO), Robert G. Shane (NY), Randall J. Tatum (MA), and Curtis J. Young (FL) from the ITDM requirement 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 the following occurs: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the 1/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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Jul 25, 2012 Jkt 226001 Issued on: July 18, 2012. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2012–17980 Filed 7–25–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Notice of Availability of a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the California High-Speed Train Project Fresno to Bakersfield Section Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), United States Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Availability. AGENCY: FRA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared for the Fresno to Bakersfield Section of the California High-Speed Train (HST) Project (Project). FRA is the lead Federal agency and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is the lead state agency for the environmental review process. The Supplemental Draft EIS was prepared by FRA and the Authority to meet the federal requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and to serve as the Authority’s Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the state law requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a Cooperating Agency for the Supplemental Draft EIS. DATES: Written comments on the Supplemental Draft EIS for the Fresno to Bakersfield Section should be provided to the Authority at the address listed below on or before September 20, 2012. Public hearings are scheduled on August 27, August 28, and August 29, 2012, at the times and dates listed in the Addresses Section below in Fresno, Hanford, and Bakersfield, CA. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the Supplemental Draft EIS should be sent to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, EIR/EIS Comments, 770 L Street, Suite 800, Sacramento, CA 95814, or may be submitted online at Fresno_Bakersfield@hsr.ca.gov. Comments may also be provided orally or in writing at the public hearings scheduled at the following times and locations: • Fresno, CA, Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Fresno Convention Center, Exhibit Hall III, 848 M Street, Fresno, CA; SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • Hanford, CA, Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Hanford Fraternal Hall, 1015 N. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA; and • Bakersfield, CA, Monday, August 27, 2012, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxton Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Valenstein, Chief, Environment and Systems Planning Division, Office of Railroad Policy and Development, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., MS–20, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: 202– 493–6368). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed California HST system would provide intercity, high-speed passenger rail service on more than 800 miles of tracks throughout California, connecting the major population centers of Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego. It will use state-of-the-art, electrically powered, high-speed, steelwheel-on-steel-rail technology, including contemporary safety, signaling, and automated train-control systems, with trains capable of operating up to 220 miles per hour (mph) over a fully graded-separated, dedicated double track alignment. The HST System is comprised of multiple sections, one of which is the Fresno to Bakersfield Section analyzed in the Supplemental Draft EIS. This project-level EIS tiers off of the Statewide Program EIR/EIS published by the Authority and the FRA in 2005 and builds off of subsequent decisions. The Fresno to Bakersfield Section is comprised of a 114-mile dedicated, double-track high-speed passenger rail corridor between Fresno and Bakersfield, CA. The Project includes proposed stations in downtown Fresno and Bakersfield, and a possible Kings/ Tulare Regional Station in the vicinity of Hanford, CA. A heavy maintenance facility for assembly, testing, and commissioning of trains, train inspection and service, and train overhaul may be constructed in the Fresno to Bakersfield Section. In August 2011, FRA issued a Draft EIS and circulated the document for a 60-day public and agency review and comment period. The Draft EIS analyzed a no action alternative and various action alternatives for the construction and operation of the California HST Project Fresno to Bakersfield Section, including alignment alternatives and station locations. FRA and Authority held three public hearings on the Draft E:\FR\FM\26JYN1.SGM 26JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 144 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43901-43902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17980]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0108]


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 23 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 July 26, 2012. The exemptions 
expire on July 28, 2014.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document 
Management System (FDMS) at: https://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12-140 on the 
ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of DOT's dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other 
entity). You may review DOT's 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 June 6, 2012, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from 23 individuals and requested 
comments from the public (77 FR 33551). The public comment period 
closed on July 6, 2012, and no comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 23 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 requirement 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 23 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 40 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 requirement at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
    The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were 
stated and discussed in detail in the June 6, 2012, Federal Register 
notice and they will not be repeated in this notice.

Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA did not receive any comments in this proceeding.

Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the diabetes requirement 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 requirement 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

[[Page 43902]]

and they include the following: (1) That each individual submit a 
quarterly monitoring checklist completed by the treating 
endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a comprehensive 
medical evaluation; (2) that each individual reports within 2 business 
days of occurrence, all episodes of severe hypoglycemia, significant 
complications, or inability to manage diabetes; also, any involvement 
in an accident or any other adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, 
whether or not 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 23 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts, Larry J. Anderson (MN), Kevin J. Blue (IL), Wade D. Calvin 
(WA), Carl A. Candelaria (NM), Owen R. Dossett (MS), David K. Dylak 
(IL), Jennifer A. Ferguson (SC), Michael E. Fritz (MN), Jason W. 
Griffith (KS), Lee A. Haerterich (WI), Eric W. Holland (CO), Richard P. 
Holmen (MN), Edward Jones (NJ), Paul A. Lacina (ND), Robert L. Lawson 
(SC), Richard N. Listro (FL), Bradley J. Moore (MO), Jeremy T. Newton 
(MO), Ross W. Petermann (MN), James W. Pickard, Jr. (CO), Robert G. 
Shane (NY), Randall J. Tatum (MA), and Curtis J. Young (FL) from the 
ITDM requirement 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 the following occurs: (1) The person fails to comply 
with the terms and conditions of the 1/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: July 18, 2012.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2012-17980 Filed 7-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.