Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators, 74200-74202 [2015-30156]

Download as PDF 74200 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). III. Request for Exemption ODOT requests an exemption from the Agency’s CLP requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). The regulation provides that the CLP be valid for no more than 180 days from the date of issuance. The State may renew the CLP for an additional 180 days without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. ODOT proposes that it be allowed to extend the 180-day timeline to one year for CLPs issued to its drivers. ODOT provided multiple reasons for regulatory relief from the CLP rule. First, ODOT believes that the 180-day time line required to renew the CLP adds nothing to the effectiveness of the rule itself, the purpose of which is to ‘‘enhance safety by ensuring that only qualified drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on our nation’s highways’’ (76 FR 26854, May 9, 2011). ODOT asserts that neither FMCSA staff nor the States were able to identify any highway safety enhancement arising from this requirement. ODOT states that it is unaware of any data suggesting that persons who have not renewed their CLP or obtained their CDL within six months pose less risk on the Nation’s highways. Second, ODOT agrees that requiring CLP holders to retake the knowledge test after not obtaining a CDL within one year improves highway safety, but disagrees that the requirement for renewal at six months is needed. According to ODOT, if the exemption is granted, ODOT’s CLP would have a validity period of one year with no renewal allowed. All applicable knowledge tests would be required before a new CDL could be issued, which would accomplish the objective of not allowing a person to have a CLP longer than one year without passing knowledge tests. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:01 Nov 25, 2015 Jkt 238001 The third reason for the request ODOT advises; is that Oregon’s ‘‘Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) field offices have a very large volume of work to accomplish and, at best, limited resources with which to accomplish it. Adding the bureaucratic requirement for a CLP holder to visit a DMV office and pay a fee in order to get a second six months of CLP validity will add unnecessary workload to offices already stretched to the limit. ODOT is confident there would be no negative impact on safety if the exemption is granted.’’ According to ODOT, ‘‘If this exemption is not granted, Oregon drivers with CLPs who have not passed the CDL skills test within six months of CLP issuance would have to go to a DMV office and pay for a renewal of the CLP. This would cause undue hardship to the drivers, from the perspectives of both their time and their pocketbooks. It would also cause undue hardship to our agency, where scarce resources would be used to process bureaucratic transactions that add nothing to highway safety.’’ ODOT advises that it would not be able to change the validity period of the CLP until a statutory change can be made. In addition, because the issues concerning ODOT’s request could be applicable in each State, FMCSA requests public comment on whether the exemption, if granted, should apply to all SDLAs. A copy of ODOT’s application for exemption is available for review in the docket for this notice. Dated: November 6, 2015. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2015–30143 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0371] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of 7 applications for exemptions from the cardiovascular standard [49 CFR 391.41(b)(4)]. These 7 individuals are requesting an exemption due to the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00130 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 presence of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) as a result of their underlying cardiac condition. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ICDs to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce for up to 2 years. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 28, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 2015–0371 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket ID for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to www.regulations.gov, at any time 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. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Notices New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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 number ‘‘FMCSA–2015–0371’’ 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 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 To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice, or to submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number ‘‘FMCSA– 2015–0371’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to the proposed rulemaking. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Background FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from certain parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register [49 CFR 381.315(a)]. The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:01 Nov 25, 2015 Jkt 238001 provide an opportunity for public comment on the request. The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The Agency may grant an exemption subject to specified terms and conditions. The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). The FMCSA provides medical advisory criteria for use by medical examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions should be certified to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. The advisory criteria are currently set out as part of the medical examination report published with 49 CFR 391.43. The advisory criteria for section 391.41(b)(4) indicate that the term ‘‘has no current clinical diagnosis of’’ is specifically designed to encompass: ‘‘a clinical diagnosis of’’ (1) a current cardiovascular condition, or (2) a cardiovascular condition which has not fully stabilized regardless of the time limit. The term ‘‘known to be accompanied by’’ is designed to include a clinical diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease (1) which is accompanied by symptoms of syncope, dyspnea, collapse or congestive cardiac failure; and/or (2) which is likely to cause syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure. Summary of Applications Ellis James Benson Mr. Benson is a 53 year old Class A CDL holder in Minnesota. A June 2, 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Benson’s defibrillator was implanted on November 12, 2008. His records show that his defibrillator delivered therapies on February 27, 2014, and on February 28, 2015. In 2008 (his most recent study) showed a left ejection fraction of 55–60%. Jon Carey Mr. Carey is a 51 year old route salesman in Colorado. A May 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 74201 Carey’s ICD ‘‘was implanted in March 2009 after he experienced a ventricular fibrillation arrest’’. ‘‘Since that incident, his defibrillator has never gone off and he’s had no progression of coronary disease’’. Recent echocardiography shows ‘‘improved ventricular function with an EF of 40–50%’’. ‘‘Mr. Carey is active without limitations without angina, heart failure, or arrhythmia symptoms’’. ‘‘The patient is clear to receive a CDL license from my standpoint. I see no issues with him driving commercial vehicles.’’ Martin Carter Mr. Carter is a 47 year old Class A CDL holder in Maine. A March 11, 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Carter underwent ICD implantation on 4/1/2011. ‘‘At the time of the ICD placement, his ejection fraction was between 30–35%’’. His cardiologists note that ‘‘since that time, the patient has gotten progressively stronger’’. ‘‘Ejection fraction 10/5/2012 was 37% and 11/26/13 was 44%’’. ‘‘The patient had a stress test 11/26/2013 which showed no inducible myocardial ischemia’’. ‘‘In a patient such as this, the ICD would never have been considered for implantation’’. ‘‘His ICD has never discharged and he has been followed regularly’’. ‘‘The patient’s cardiovascular status has recovered to the point that the ICD is no longer medically necessary but no cardiologist is willing to remove the device’’. ‘‘It is my medical opinion that the patient has recovered sufficiently from his ischemic cardiomyopathy that he no longer meets the restriction of ejection fraction less than 40% limiting his ability to drive. I would ask that he be considered for reinstatement of commercial tractortrailer license’’. ‘‘Prior to the placement of his ICD, Mr. Carter was treated medically and surgically and responded well’’. ‘‘He had a near syncopal episode on 3/2/2010 felt to be secondary to excessive medication and dehydration. He has had no recurrences since that time.’’ Carl Jeglum Mr. Jeglum is a 58 year old Class A CDL holder in Washington. An October 22, 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that in ‘‘March of 2005, (Mr. Jeglum) had an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator placed.’’ ‘‘Since then his implantable device has been checked frequently and has remained stable without further incident.’’ ‘‘The device has never been discharged or deployed since the time he has had the device in place.’’ ‘‘He has not had any ongoing cardiac symptoms and in my opinion is fully capable of performing his usual E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 74202 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Notices duties as a driver as per the guidelines for the Department of Transportation.’’ Mr. Jeglum writes, ‘‘I already have a intrastate waiver with no problems in the past 10 years.’’ William Kastner Mr. Kastner is a 61 year old CDL holder in New Jersey. A May 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Kastner’s defibrillator ‘‘was implanted in 2006 after he experienced a myocardial infarction resulting in reduced left ventricular ejection fraction’’. His cardiologist notes that ‘‘Mr. Kastner has never had an episode of syncope, symptomatic palpitations, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, documented ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.’’ His electrophysiology group has recommended ‘‘that it is safe for him to continue to ride his motorcycle, and he has had no adverse events or effects from this’’. He is followed regularly by his electrophysiologist office and has no untoward events with his defibrillator. ‘‘He has never had any syncope, palpitations, or discharges from his cardiac defibrillator.’’ mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mark Todd Smith Mr. Smith is a 52 year old class A– CDL holder in Georgia. Medical documentation from his cardiologist between 2013 and June 2015 reports that he was upgraded from a dual chamber ICD to a biventricular ICD for ventricular arrhythmias. Mr. Smith had a pulmonary valve replacement in 2015. A September 2015 report from his cardiologist states ‘‘he has no complaints of PND (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), orthopnea, LE (lower extremity) edema, syncope, or pre-syncope’’. An October 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that his ICD has ‘‘shown normal function’’. ‘‘He also uses it as a pacemaker.’’ ‘‘Since 2014, he has not had ICD therapy because he underwent a procedure to correct that problem’’. ‘‘Considering his cardiac issues, he is safer to drive professionally now than he ever has been.’’ Andre Williams Mr. Williams is a 57 year old CDL holder in Georgia. An August 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Williams’s ICD was implanted in February 2013. ‘‘His ICD has been checked every 6 months and has not fired/deployed’’. ‘‘He has done well with no ICD shocks’’. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:01 Nov 25, 2015 Jkt 238001 comment from all interested persons on the exemption applications described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated earlier in the notice. Issued on: November 13, 2015. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2015–30156 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0394] Driver Qualification Files: Application for Exemption; Atlantic and Pacific Freightways, Inc. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces that Atlantic and Pacific Freightways, Inc. (A&P) has applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 391.51(b)(7)(ii) requiring motor carriers to obtain an updated motor vehicle record (MVR) of any driver holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) when he or she undergoes a new medical examination. A&P is requesting the exemption of behalf of all motor carriers that are required to obtain an MVR under this rule. FMCSA requests public comments on the application for exemption. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 28, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 2015–0394 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-line FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information concerning this notice, contact Mr. Robert Schultz, Transportation Specialist, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 202–366– 4325; email MCPSD@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation and Request for Comments FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and related materials. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (FMCSA–2015–0394), indicate the specific section of this document to which the comment applies, and provide a reason for suggestions or recommendations. 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 the Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and put the docket E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74200-74202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30156]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0371]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable 
Cardioverter Defibrillators

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

ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of 7 applications for exemptions from 
the cardiovascular standard [49 CFR 391.41(b)(4)]. These 7 individuals 
are requesting an exemption due to the presence of implantable 
cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) as a result of their underlying 
cardiac condition. If granted, the exemptions would enable these 
individuals with ICDs to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in 
interstate commerce for up to 2 years.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 28, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2015-0371 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket ID for 
this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change 
to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in 
a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to www.regulations.gov, at any time 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. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical 
Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200

[[Page 74201]]

New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office 
hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

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 number ``FMCSA-2015-0371'' 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 8\1/2\ 
by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit 
comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, 
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed 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

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this 
notice, or to submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and 
in the search box insert the docket number ``FMCSA-2015-0371'' and 
click ``Search.'' Next, click ``Open Docket Folder'' and you will find 
all documents and comments related to the proposed rulemaking.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant 
exemptions from certain parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Regulations. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in 
the Federal Register [49 CFR 381.315(a)]. The Agency must provide the 
public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the 
application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. 
The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public comment on the 
request.
    The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted, 
and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a 
level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 
achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The Agency may 
grant an exemption subject to specified terms and conditions. The 
decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 
CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the 
application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons 
receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the 
exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period 
and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption 
may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).
    The FMCSA provides medical advisory criteria for use by medical 
examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical 
conditions should be certified to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. 
The advisory criteria are currently set out as part of the medical 
examination report published with 49 CFR 391.43. The advisory criteria 
for section 391.41(b)(4) indicate that the term ``has no current 
clinical diagnosis of'' is specifically designed to encompass:
    ``a clinical diagnosis of'' (1) a current cardiovascular condition, 
or (2) a cardiovascular condition which has not fully stabilized 
regardless of the time limit. The term ``known to be accompanied by'' 
is designed to include a clinical diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease 
(1) which is accompanied by symptoms of syncope, dyspnea, collapse or 
congestive cardiac failure; and/or (2) which is likely to cause 
syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.

Summary of Applications

Ellis James Benson

    Mr. Benson is a 53 year old Class A CDL holder in Minnesota. A June 
2, 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Benson's 
defibrillator was implanted on November 12, 2008. His records show that 
his defibrillator delivered therapies on February 27, 2014, and on 
February 28, 2015. In 2008 (his most recent study) showed a left 
ejection fraction of 55-60%.

Jon Carey

    Mr. Carey is a 51 year old route salesman in Colorado. A May 2015 
letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Carey's ICD ``was 
implanted in March 2009 after he experienced a ventricular fibrillation 
arrest''. ``Since that incident, his defibrillator has never gone off 
and he's had no progression of coronary disease''. Recent 
echocardiography shows ``improved ventricular function with an EF of 
40-50%''. ``Mr. Carey is active without limitations without angina, 
heart failure, or arrhythmia symptoms''. ``The patient is clear to 
receive a CDL license from my standpoint. I see no issues with him 
driving commercial vehicles.''

Martin Carter

    Mr. Carter is a 47 year old Class A CDL holder in Maine. A March 
11, 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Carter underwent 
ICD implantation on 4/1/2011. ``At the time of the ICD placement, his 
ejection fraction was between 30-35%''. His cardiologists note that 
``since that time, the patient has gotten progressively stronger''. 
``Ejection fraction 10/5/2012 was 37% and 11/26/13 was 44%''. ``The 
patient had a stress test 11/26/2013 which showed no inducible 
myocardial ischemia''. ``In a patient such as this, the ICD would never 
have been considered for implantation''. ``His ICD has never discharged 
and he has been followed regularly''. ``The patient's cardiovascular 
status has recovered to the point that the ICD is no longer medically 
necessary but no cardiologist is willing to remove the device''. ``It 
is my medical opinion that the patient has recovered sufficiently from 
his ischemic cardiomyopathy that he no longer meets the restriction of 
ejection fraction less than 40% limiting his ability to drive. I would 
ask that he be considered for reinstatement of commercial tractor-
trailer license''. ``Prior to the placement of his ICD, Mr. Carter was 
treated medically and surgically and responded well''. ``He had a near 
syncopal episode on 3/2/2010 felt to be secondary to excessive 
medication and dehydration. He has had no recurrences since that 
time.''

Carl Jeglum

    Mr. Jeglum is a 58 year old Class A CDL holder in Washington. An 
October 22, 2015 letter from his cardiologist reports that in ``March 
of 2005, (Mr. Jeglum) had an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator placed.'' 
``Since then his implantable device has been checked frequently and has 
remained stable without further incident.'' ``The device has never been 
discharged or deployed since the time he has had the device in place.'' 
``He has not had any ongoing cardiac symptoms and in my opinion is 
fully capable of performing his usual

[[Page 74202]]

duties as a driver as per the guidelines for the Department of 
Transportation.'' Mr. Jeglum writes, ``I already have a intrastate 
waiver with no problems in the past 10 years.''

William Kastner

    Mr. Kastner is a 61 year old CDL holder in New Jersey. A May 2015 
letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Kastner's defibrillator 
``was implanted in 2006 after he experienced a myocardial infarction 
resulting in reduced left ventricular ejection fraction''. His 
cardiologist notes that ``Mr. Kastner has never had an episode of 
syncope, symptomatic palpitations, loss of consciousness, cardiac 
arrest, documented ventricular tachycardia or ventricular 
fibrillation.'' His electrophysiology group has recommended ``that it 
is safe for him to continue to ride his motorcycle, and he has had no 
adverse events or effects from this''. He is followed regularly by his 
electrophysiologist office and has no untoward events with his 
defibrillator. ``He has never had any syncope, palpitations, or 
discharges from his cardiac defibrillator.''

Mark Todd Smith

    Mr. Smith is a 52 year old class A-CDL holder in Georgia. Medical 
documentation from his cardiologist between 2013 and June 2015 reports 
that he was upgraded from a dual chamber ICD to a biventricular ICD for 
ventricular arrhythmias. Mr. Smith had a pulmonary valve replacement in 
2015. A September 2015 report from his cardiologist states ``he has no 
complaints of PND (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), orthopnea, LE (lower 
extremity) edema, syncope, or pre-syncope''. An October 2015 letter 
from his cardiologist reports that his ICD has ``shown normal 
function''. ``He also uses it as a pacemaker.'' ``Since 2014, he has 
not had ICD therapy because he underwent a procedure to correct that 
problem''. ``Considering his cardiac issues, he is safer to drive 
professionally now than he ever has been.''

Andre Williams

    Mr. Williams is a 57 year old CDL holder in Georgia. An August 2015 
letter from his cardiologist reports that Mr. Williams's ICD was 
implanted in February 2013. ``His ICD has been checked every 6 months 
and has not fired/deployed''. ``He has done well with no ICD shocks''.

Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests 
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption 
applications described in this notice. We will consider all comments 
received before the close of business on the closing date indicated 
earlier in the notice.

    Issued on: November 13, 2015.
 Larry W. Minor,
 Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015-30156 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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