Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 79401-79402 [2015-31981]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 244 / Monday, December 21, 2015 / Notices
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 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 9, 2015.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015–31980 Filed 12–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0067]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
AGENCY:
FMCSA confirms its decision
to exempt 52 individuals from its rule
prohibiting persons with insulin-treated
diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating
commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in
interstate commerce. The exemptions
enable these individuals to operate
CMVs in interstate commerce.
DATES: The exemptions were effective
on November 3, 2015. The exemptions
expire on November 3, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical
Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,
fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64–
113, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
e.t., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
I. 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:38 Dec 18, 2015
Jkt 238001
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: 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.
II. Background
On October 1, 2015, FMCSA
published a notice of receipt of Federal
diabetes exemption applications from
52 individuals and requested comments
from the public (80 FR 59237). The
public comment period closed on
November 2, 2015, and no comments
were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of the 52 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 52 applicants have had ITDM
over a range of 1 to 40 years. These
PO 00000
Frm 00100
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
79401
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
1, 2015, Federal Register notice and
they will not be repeated in this notice.
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this
proceeding.
IV. 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.
V. 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
E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM
21DEN1
79402
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 244 / Monday, December 21, 2015 / Notices
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.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
VI. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 52
exemption applications, FMCSA
exempts the following drivers from the
diabetes requirement in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10), subject to the
requirements cited above 949 CFR
391.64(b)):
Melvin S. Adams (MD)
Kevin R. Arnett (MO)
David A. Ash (KS)
Louis Barrios (NV)
Robert W. Brown (TN)
Gallaspy C. Chapman (CO)
Frederick R. Conner (PA)
Charles A. Culler (OH)
Allan E. Dover (ID)
Warren L. Duncan (ME)
Larry D. Everett (CA)
James Ferrone (PA)
Kenneth C. Fosdick (OH)
Mark J. Greig (OR)
Todd E. Gross (WI)
Ricky V. Hoffman (KS)
Bernis Hursey (MD)
Gary A. Jackson (PA)
Wayne O. Jennings (KS)
Rocky N. Kennedy, Jr. (WV)
Larian A. Koger (NC)
Donald L. Kuhn (PA)
Richard C. Lakas (MO)
Amondo D. Lark (FL)
Walter L. Loyd, Jr. (IL)
Daniel T. Morse (MA)
Deborah C. Neece (NC)
Paul Neville (NJ)
Thomas M. Nicolaus (IA)
James D. Rast, III (SC)
Kevin B. Reese (FL)
Andrew R.W. Rictor (OR)
Jason K. Riley (WV)
Bryan N. Ripley (MN)
David C. Ripley (WA)
Scottie L. Russell (NY)
Jerome A. Shapiro (AL)
Joseph D. Shehan (NC)
Amanda K. Shelman (IA)
Michael Shuler (DC)
Joseph A. Sitarchyk (PA)
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:38 Dec 18, 2015
Jkt 238001
Max F. Smith (IA)
Vann H. Smith (AL)
Donald Snead (GA)
Arron L. Snook (WA)
John L. Stauffer (IA)
David L. Stephenson (SD)
Timothy R. Stirn (MD)
Connie E. Wideman (FL)
Gary W. Wood (AR)
Richard O. Yethman (MA)
Willard Zylstra (CA)
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315 each exemption is 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 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 9, 2015.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015–31981 Filed 12–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0339]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA).
ACTION: Notice of applications for
exemptions; request for comments.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces receipt of
applications from 56 individuals for
exemption from the prohibition against
persons with insulin-treated diabetes
mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial
motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate
commerce. If granted, the exemptions
would enable these individuals with
ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate
commerce.
SUMMARY:
Comments must be received on
or before January 20, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
bearing the Federal Docket Management
System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–
2015–0339 using any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00101
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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: 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.
Instructions: Each submission must
include the Agency name and the
docket numbers for this notice. Note
that all comments received will be
posted without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. Please
see the Privacy Act heading below for
further information.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or
comments, go to https://
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
Federal Docket Management System
(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 of 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
New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64–
113, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
FMCSA may grant an exemption from
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations for a 2-year period if it finds
E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM
21DEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 244 (Monday, December 21, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79401-79402]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31981]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0067]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes
Mellitus
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 52 individuals from its
rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM)
from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate
commerce.
DATES: The exemptions were effective on November 3, 2015. The
exemptions expire on November 3, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical
Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-113,
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. 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: 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.
II. Background
On October 1, 2015, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal
diabetes exemption applications from 52 individuals and requested
comments from the public (80 FR 59237). The public comment period
closed on November 2, 2015, and no comments were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 52 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 52 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 40 years.
These applicants report no severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting in
loss of consciousness or seizure, requiring the assistance of another
person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred
without warning symptoms, in the past 12 months and no recurrent (2 or
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past 5 years. In each case,
an endocrinologist verified that the driver has demonstrated a
willingness to properly monitor and manage his/her diabetes mellitus,
received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable
insulin regimen. These drivers report no other disqualifying
conditions, including diabetes-related complications. Each meets the
vision requirement at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were
stated and discussed in detail in the October 1, 2015, Federal Register
notice and they will not be repeated in this notice.
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding.
IV. 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.
V. 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
[[Page 79402]]
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.
VI. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 52 exemption applications, FMCSA
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above 949 CFR
391.64(b)):
Melvin S. Adams (MD)
Kevin R. Arnett (MO)
David A. Ash (KS)
Louis Barrios (NV)
Robert W. Brown (TN)
Gallaspy C. Chapman (CO)
Frederick R. Conner (PA)
Charles A. Culler (OH)
Allan E. Dover (ID)
Warren L. Duncan (ME)
Larry D. Everett (CA)
James Ferrone (PA)
Kenneth C. Fosdick (OH)
Mark J. Greig (OR)
Todd E. Gross (WI)
Ricky V. Hoffman (KS)
Bernis Hursey (MD)
Gary A. Jackson (PA)
Wayne O. Jennings (KS)
Rocky N. Kennedy, Jr. (WV)
Larian A. Koger (NC)
Donald L. Kuhn (PA)
Richard C. Lakas (MO)
Amondo D. Lark (FL)
Walter L. Loyd, Jr. (IL)
Daniel T. Morse (MA)
Deborah C. Neece (NC)
Paul Neville (NJ)
Thomas M. Nicolaus (IA)
James D. Rast, III (SC)
Kevin B. Reese (FL)
Andrew R.W. Rictor (OR)
Jason K. Riley (WV)
Bryan N. Ripley (MN)
David C. Ripley (WA)
Scottie L. Russell (NY)
Jerome A. Shapiro (AL)
Joseph D. Shehan (NC)
Amanda K. Shelman (IA)
Michael Shuler (DC)
Joseph A. Sitarchyk (PA)
Max F. Smith (IA)
Vann H. Smith (AL)
Donald Snead (GA)
Arron L. Snook (WA)
John L. Stauffer (IA)
David L. Stephenson (SD)
Timothy R. Stirn (MD)
Connie E. Wideman (FL)
Gary W. Wood (AR)
Richard O. Yethman (MA)
Willard Zylstra (CA)
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 each exemption is
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 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 9, 2015.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2015-31981 Filed 12-18-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P