Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 51845-51846 [2012-21025]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2012 / Notices ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 21, 2012. Rebecca Pennington, Chief Financial Officer, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. 2012–20989 Filed 8–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Intelligent Transportation Systems Program Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Issued in Washington, DC, on the 21st day of August 2012. John Augustine, Managing Director, ITS Joint Program Office. [FR Doc. 2012–20988 Filed 8–24–12; 8:45 am] The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program Advisory Committee (ITS PAC) will hold a meeting by teleconference on September 11, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EDT). The ITS PAC, established under Section 5305 of Public Law 109–59, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, August 10, 2005, and re-chartered on January 23, 2012, was created to advise the Secretary of Transportation on all matters relating to the study, development, and implementation of intelligent transportation systems. Through its sponsor, the ITS Joint Program Office, the ITS PAC makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding ITS Program needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and progress. The following is a summary of the web conference tentative agenda: (1) Committee high level plan of action; and (2) Requirements for ITS Joint Program Office and external subject matter experts. Participation in the teleconference is open to the public, but limited conference lines will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public who wish to participate must notify Mr. Stephen Glasscock, the Committee Designated Federal Official, at (202) 366–9126 no later than VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Aug 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 September 5, 2012, at which time the teleconference phone number will be provided. Members of the public may present oral statements during the teleconference with Mr. Glasscock’s approval. Persons wishing to present oral statements or obtain information should contact Mr. Glasscock. Questions about the agenda or written comments may be submitted by U.S. Mail to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, ITS Joint Program Office, Attention: Stephen Glasscock, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., HOIT, Washington, DC 20590 or faxed to (202) 493–2027. The ITS Joint Program Office requests that written comments be submitted prior to the teleconference. Notice of this teleconference is provided in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the General Services Administration regulations (41 CFR part 102–3) covering management of Federal advisory committees. BILLING CODE 4910–HY–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0163] 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 August 27, 2012. The exemptions expire on August 27, 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 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51845 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 July 11, 2012, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from 23 individuals and requested comments from the public (77 FR 40941). The public comment period closed on August 10, 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 E:\FR\FM\27AUN1.SGM 27AUN1 51846 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 166 / Monday, August 27, 2012 / Notices 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 35 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 July 11, 2012, Federal Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Aug 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 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. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 23 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts Randall W. Amtower (WV), Steven G. Brickey (CO), Ronald K. Coleman (KY), Randall L. Corrick (ND), Raymond G. Gravesandy (NY), John T. Green (TX), Gregory M. Harris (TX), Bryan R. Hopkins (NY), Kelly M. Keller (ND), Roger S. Kumbalek (WI), Timothy J. Loeschen (TX), Gary K. McCord (IN), Joseph L. Miska (MN), Susan L. Mosel (WI), Mark T. L. Owings (KS), Jacob D. Oxford (ID), Derek W. Palmer (MA), Robert D. Regavich (NJ), Jack W. Schlichting (MN), Lonnie H. Shere (WA), Craig A. Trimmer (OH), Lisa E. Williams (IN), and Ramon I. ZimoraOrtiz (WA) 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 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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: August 20, 2012. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2012–21025 Filed 8–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0160] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 10 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these CMV drivers. DATES: The exemptions are effective August 27, 2012. The exemptions expire on August 27, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (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: SUMMARY: 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:// E:\FR\FM\27AUN1.SGM 27AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 166 (Monday, August 27, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51845-51846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21025]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0163]


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 August 27, 2012. The exemptions 
expire on August 27, 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 July 11, 2012, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from 23 individuals and requested 
comments from the public (77 FR 40941). The public comment period 
closed on August 10, 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

[[Page 51846]]

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 35 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 July 11, 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 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 Randall W. Amtower (WV), Steven G. Brickey (CO), Ronald K. 
Coleman (KY), Randall L. Corrick (ND), Raymond G. Gravesandy (NY), John 
T. Green (TX), Gregory M. Harris (TX), Bryan R. Hopkins (NY), Kelly M. 
Keller (ND), Roger S. Kumbalek (WI), Timothy J. Loeschen (TX), Gary K. 
McCord (IN), Joseph L. Miska (MN), Susan L. Mosel (WI), Mark T. L. 
Owings (KS), Jacob D. Oxford (ID), Derek W. Palmer (MA), Robert D. 
Regavich (NJ), Jack W. Schlichting (MN), Lonnie H. Shere (WA), Craig A. 
Trimmer (OH), Lisa E. Williams (IN), and Ramon I. Zimora-Ortiz (WA) 
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: August 20, 2012.
 Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2012-21025 Filed 8-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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