Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 77784-77785 [2013-30716]

Download as PDF 77784 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 247 / Tuesday, December 24, 2013 / Notices emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 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. Submitting Comments You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket numbers FMCSA–1999–5748; FMCSA–2001– 9561; FMCSA–2003–15268; FMCSA– 2003–15892; FMCSA–2005–20560; FMCSA–2005–21254; FMCSA–2005– 21711; FMCSA–2006–24783; FMCSA– 2007–26653; FMCSA–2007–27897; FMCSA–2009–0054; FMCSA–2009– 0121; FMCSA–2009–0154; FMCSA– 2009–0206; FMCSA–2010–0354; FMCSA–2011–0092; FMCSA–2011– 0124; FMCSA–2011–0141; FMCSA– 2011–0142; FMCSA–2011–0189 and click the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button on the right hand side of the page. On the new page, enter information required including the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Dec 23, 2013 Jkt 232001 facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change this proposed rule based on your comments. FMCSA may issue a final rule at any time after the close of the comment period. Viewing Comments and Documents 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 Issued on: December 17, 2013. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. 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). [FR Doc. 2013–30715 Filed 12–23–13; 8:45 am] Background To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this preamble, to submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–1999–5748; FMCSA–2001– 9561; FMCSA–2003–15268; FMCSA– 2003–15892; FMCSA–2005–20560; FMCSA–2005–21254; FMCSA–2005– 21711; FMCSA–2006–24783; FMCSA– 2007–26653; FMCSA–2007–27897; FMCSA–2009–0054; FMCSA–2009– 0121; FMCSA–2009–0154; FMCSA– 2009–0206; FMCSA–2010–0354; FMCSA–2011–0092; FMCSA–2011– 0124; FMCSA–2011–0141; FMCSA– 2011–0142; FMCSA–2011–0189 and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to the proposed rulemaking. BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0184] [4910–EX–P] 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 26 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 December 24, 2013. The exemptions expire on December 24, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Room SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00142 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 On October 28, 2013, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from 26 individuals and requested comments from the public (78 FR 64267). The public comment period closed on November 27, 2013, and one comment was received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 26 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)). E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 247 / Tuesday, December 24, 2013 / Notices 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 26 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 37 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 October 28, 2013, Federal Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment is considered and discussed below. Ted Whitish is in favor of granting an exemption to Sean T. McMahon. 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’ VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Dec 23, 2013 Jkt 232001 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. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 26 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts Daniel L. Alcaraz (IL), John Baltich (PA), Rodney G. Bell (IA), John D. Clark, 4th (NJ), Theeir L. Coleman (VA), Michael W. Denney (KY), Charles G. Garabedian (NH), William I. Harbolt (MT), Ryan L. Harrier (MI), John D. Heffington (KS), Matthew L. Herscowitz (CA), Larry W. Hines (NM), Mark G. Kahler (TX), Roger B. Larson (MN), Michael W. McCrary (GA), Sean T. McMahon (MN), David S. Monroe (KS), Steven M. Oliver (AZ), John E. Parker (KS), Thomas B. Quirk (CT), Michael R. Shields (ND), David G. Shultz (PA), Donald A. Spivey (TN), James S. Tracy (ID), James S. Wolfe (IA), and Jerry D. Zimmerman (ND) 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 PO 00000 Frm 00143 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77785 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: December 16, 2013. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2013–30716 Filed 12–23–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2013–0125] Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System In accordance with Part 235 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations and 49 U.S.C. 20502(a), this document provides the public notice that by a document dated September 3, 2013, Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and BNSF Railway (BNSF) jointly petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeking approval for the discontinuance or modification of a signal system. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2013–0125. Applicants: Union Pacific Railroad, Mr. Phillip A. Danner, AVP Engineering–Signal, 1400 Douglas Street, MS 0910, Omaha, NE 68179 BNSF Railway, Mr. James G. Levere, AVP Signal, 2600 Lou Menk Drive, OOB–3, Fort Worth, TX 76131 UP and BNSF jointly seek approval of the proposed temporary discontinuance of the signal system at Tower 55 in Fort Worth, TX. The limits of the temporary discontinuance are as follows: • Fort Worth Subdivision from Milepost (MP) 249.5 to MP 251.0 • Fort Worth Subdivision Ney Bypass from MP 248.84 to MP 250.50 • Dallas Subdivision from MP 247.8 to MP 244.20 • Choctaw Subdivision #1 Track and Gauntlet Track from MP 754.20 to MP 755.50 • Choctaw Subdivision #2 Track and North Yard Siding from MP 752.20 to MP 754.40 E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 24, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77784-77785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30716]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0184] [4910-EX-P]


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 26 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 December 24, 2013. The exemptions 
expire on December 24, 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 October 28, 2013, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from 26 individuals and requested 
comments from the public (78 FR 64267). The public comment period 
closed on November 27, 2013, and one comment was received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 26 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)).

[[Page 77785]]

    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 26 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 37 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 October 28, 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.
    Ted Whitish is in favor of granting an exemption to Sean T. 
McMahon.

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 26 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts Daniel L. Alcaraz (IL), John Baltich (PA), Rodney G. Bell (IA), 
John D. Clark, 4th (NJ), Theeir L. Coleman (VA), Michael W. Denney 
(KY), Charles G. Garabedian (NH), William I. Harbolt (MT), Ryan L. 
Harrier (MI), John D. Heffington (KS), Matthew L. Herscowitz (CA), 
Larry W. Hines (NM), Mark G. Kahler (TX), Roger B. Larson (MN), Michael 
W. McCrary (GA), Sean T. McMahon (MN), David S. Monroe (KS), Steven M. 
Oliver (AZ), John E. Parker (KS), Thomas B. Quirk (CT), Michael R. 
Shields (ND), David G. Shultz (PA), Donald A. Spivey (TN), James S. 
Tracy (ID), James S. Wolfe (IA), and Jerry D. Zimmerman (ND) 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: December 16, 2013.
 Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2013-30716 Filed 12-23-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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