Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 50140-50141 [2013-20014]

Download as PDF 50140 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Notices CDL provisions of part 383 of the FMCSRs for itself and 50 European drivers. It wishes to employ the foreign drivers to conduct approximately 87 motorcoach tours in the United States. Miami states that these drivers ‘‘have a long-term relationship with the passengers; the passengers simply would not book the tour without [these drivers] accompanying them. . . . .’’ A copy of the application for exemption is in the docket listed at the beginning of this notice. Part 383 requires motorcoach drivers to hold a CDL. The foreign drivers do not hold CDLs issued by a U.S. State, but they are licensed to operate motorcoaches in their respective country of residence (Germany, Austria, or Switzerland). Miami seeks the exemption because the foreign drivers cannot satisfy the residency requirement that all States require of applicants for a CDL. Miami states that an exemption is appropriate because Miami asserts that these drivers are likely to achieve a level of safety operating motorcoaches in the U.S. that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be obtained if they held U.S. CDLs. vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions are effective August 16, 2013. The exemptions expire on August 16, 2015. 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. Request for Comments and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the 31315(b)(4) and 31136(e), FMCSA electronic form of all comments requests public comment on Miami’s received into any of DOT’s dockets by application for an exemption from the the name of the individual submitting CDL requirements of 49 CFR 383.23. The Agency will consider all comments the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of received by close of business on an association, business, labor union, or September 16, 2013. Comments will be other entity). You may review DOT’s available for examination in the docket as explained in the ADDRESSES section of Privacy Act Statement for the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) this notice under the term ‘‘Docket.’’ published in the Federal Register on Issued on: August 9, 2013. January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316). Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. Background [FR Doc. 2013–20011 Filed 8–15–13; 8:45 am] On May 31, 2013, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from 24 individuals and requested comments from the public (78 FR 32704). The public comment period closed on July 1, 2013, and one comment was received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 24 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). BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0019] emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 24 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants The Agency established the current requirement for diabetes in 1970 because several risk studies indicated PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 24 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 38 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 May 31, 2013, Federal Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment is considered and discussed below. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is in favor of granting an exemption to Kyle P. Cerra, Jeffrey S. Hubbell, and Thomas R. Yecker after reviewing their driving histories. E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Notices 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 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. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 24 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts Herlen D. Barner (TN), Paul D. Blakeslee (AK), James W. Bledsoe (AL), Bryant M. Bosler (IL), Daniel L. Bosley (KY), Richard J. Buckman (MA), Fred S. Carpenter (NJ), Verland G. Casper (WI), Kyle P. Cerra (PA), David M. Galler VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 (MO), Raymond K. Harper (KS), Shane B. Henninger (IA), Ronald A. Hersch (NJ), Lucius L. Holmes, Jr. (VA), Jeffrey S. Hubbell (PA), Jason L. Jarman (OK), Kevin T. Johnson (SD), Randall L. Krider (IN), Jose R. Monroy (IL), Eric J. Mullins (VA), William S. Panoch (WI), James E. Smith (TN), Kevin R. Treichel (IA), and Thomas R. Yecker (PA) 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 8, 2013. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2013–20014 Filed 8–15–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35753] Illinois Central Railroad Company— Trackage Rights Exemption—BNSF Railway Company 50141 The purpose of the transaction is to permit IC to interchange loaded and empty cars with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company (NS) at NS’s Forrest Yard. As a condition to this exemption, any employees affected by the trackage rights will be protected by the conditions imposed in Norfolk & Western Railway—Trackage Rights— Burlington Northern, Inc., 354 I.C.C. 605 (1978), as modified in Mendocino Coast Railway—Lease & Operate—California Western Railroad, 360 I.C.C. 653 (1980). This notice is filed under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(7). If the notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void ab initio. Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the effectiveness of the exemption. Petitions for stay must be filed by August 23, 2013 (at least 7 days before the exemption becomes effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to Docket No. FD 35753, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20423–0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on Audrey L. Brodrick, Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 North Wacker Drive, Suite 920, Chicago, IL 60606– 2832. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at ‘‘www.stb.dot.gov.’’ Decided: August 13, 2013. By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell, Director, Office of Proceedings. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2013–19937 Filed 8–15–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), pursuant to a written trackage rights agreement dated June 17, 2013, has agreed to grant overhead trackage rights to Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC), a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Canadian National Railway Company, over BNSF’s Thayer South Subdivision, between milepost 483.8 at CN Junction and milepost 485.8 at KC Junction in Memphis, Shelby County, Tenn., a distance of approximately 2.0 miles.1 The transaction is scheduled to be consummated on or after August 30, 2013, the effective date of the exemption (30 days after the exemption was filed). 1 A redacted trackage rights agreement between IC and BNSF was filed with the notice of exemption. An unredacted version was filed under seal along with a motion for protective order, which will be addressed in a separate decision. PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50140-50141]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20014]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0019]


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 24 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 16, 2013. The exemptions 
expire on August 16, 2015.

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).

Background

    On May 31, 2013, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from 24 individuals and requested 
comments from the public (78 FR 32704). The public comment period 
closed on July 1, 2013, and one comment was received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 24 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 24 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 38 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 May 31, 2013, Federal Register 
notice and they will not be repeated in this notice.

Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment is 
considered and discussed below.
    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is in favor of 
granting an exemption to Kyle P. Cerra, Jeffrey S. Hubbell, and Thomas 
R. Yecker after reviewing their driving histories.

[[Page 50141]]

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 24 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts Herlen D. Barner (TN), Paul D. Blakeslee (AK), James W. Bledsoe 
(AL), Bryant M. Bosler (IL), Daniel L. Bosley (KY), Richard J. Buckman 
(MA), Fred S. Carpenter (NJ), Verland G. Casper (WI), Kyle P. Cerra 
(PA), David M. Galler (MO), Raymond K. Harper (KS), Shane B. Henninger 
(IA), Ronald A. Hersch (NJ), Lucius L. Holmes, Jr. (VA), Jeffrey S. 
Hubbell (PA), Jason L. Jarman (OK), Kevin T. Johnson (SD), Randall L. 
Krider (IN), Jose R. Monroy (IL), Eric J. Mullins (VA), William S. 
Panoch (WI), James E. Smith (TN), Kevin R. Treichel (IA), and Thomas R. 
Yecker (PA) 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 8, 2013.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2013-20014 Filed 8-15-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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