Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 62793-62795 [2016-21828]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
1312, 1537, Dec. 4, 2015], amended 49
U.S.C. 31315(b) by adding a new
paragraph (2) which permits exemptions
for no longer than 5 years from their
dates of inception, instead of the
previous 2 years. This statutory
provision will be codified in 49 CFR
part 381 in a forthcoming rulemaking.
III. Request for Exemption
On behalf of Henning Oeltjenbruns,
Daimler has applied for a 5-year
exemption from 49 CFR 383.23, which
prescribes licensing requirements for
drivers operating CMVs in interstate or
intrastate commerce. Mr. Oeltjenbruns
is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the
States due to his lack of residency in the
United States. A copy of the application
is in Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032.
The exemption would allow Mr.
Oeltjenbruns to operate CMVs in
interstate or intrastate commerce to
support Daimler field tests designed to
meet future vehicle safety and
environmental requirements and to
promote technological advancements in
vehicle safety systems and emissions
reductions. Mr. Oeltjenbruns needs to
drive Daimler vehicles on public roads
to better understand ‘‘real world’’
environments in the U.S. market.
According to Daimler, Mr. Oeltjenbruns
will typically drive for no more than 6
hours per day, and 10 percent of the test
driving will be on two-lane state
highways, while 90 percent will be on
interstate highways. The driving will
consist of no more than 200 miles per
day, during a two-day period on a
quarterly basis. He will in all cases be
accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL
who is familiar with the routes to be
traveled.
Mr. Oeltjenbruns would be required
to comply with all applicable Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) (49 CFR parts 350–399)
except the CDL provisions described in
this notice.
Mr. Oeltjenbruns holds a valid
German commercial license, and as
explained by Daimler in its exemption
request, the requirements for that
license ensure that the same level of
safety is met or exceeded as if this
driver had a U.S. CDL. Furthermore,
according to Daimler, Mr. Oeltjenbruns
is familiar with the operation of CMVs
worldwide.
FMCSA has previously determined
that the process for obtaining a German
commercial license is comparable to, or
as effective as, the requirements of part
383, and adequately assesses the
driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the
U.S. Since 2012, FMCSA has granted
Daimler drivers similar exemptions
[May 25, 2012 (77 FR 31422); July 22,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:40 Sep 09, 2016
Jkt 238001
2014 (79 FR 42626); March 27, 2015 (80
FR 16511); October 5, 2015 (80 FR
60220); December 7, 2015 (80 FR
76059); December 21, 2015 (80 FR
79410)].
Public Comments
On May 4, 2016, FMCSA published
notice of this application and requested
public comments (81 FR 26865). No
comments were submitted.
FMCSA Decision
Based upon the merits of this
application, including Mr. Oeltjenbruns’
extensive driving experience and safety
record, FMCSA concluded that the
exemption would likely achieve a level
of safety that is equivalent to or greater
than the level that would be achieved
absent such exemption, in accordance
with § 381.305(a).
Terms and Conditions for the
Exemption
FMCSA grants Daimler and Henning
Oeltjenbruns an exemption from the
CDL requirement in 49 CFR 383.23 to
allow Mr. Oeltjenbruns to drive CMVs
in this country without a U.S. Stateissued CDL, subject to the following
terms and conditions: (1) The driver and
carrier must comply with all other
applicable provisions of the FMCSRs
(49 CFR parts 350–399); (2) the driver
must be in possession of this notice or
an equivalent signed letter, and a valid
German commercial license; (3) the
driver must be employed by and operate
the CMV within the scope of his duties
for Daimler; (4) at all times while
operating a CMV under this exemption,
the driver must be accompanied by a
holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar
with the routes traveled; (5) Daimler
must notify FMCSA in writing within 5
business days of any accident, as
defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving this
driver; and (6) Daimler must notify
FMCSA in writing if this driver is
convicted of a disqualifying offense
under § 383.51 or § 391.15 of the
FMCSRs.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315
and 31136(e), the exemption will be
valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier
by the FMCSA. The exemption will be
revoked if: (1) Mr. Oeltjenbruns fails to
comply with the terms and conditions
of the exemption; (2) the exemption
results in a lower level of safety than
was maintained before it was granted; or
(3) continuation of the exemption would
be inconsistent with the goals and
objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136.
VIII. Preemption
In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31315(d), as implemented by 49 CFR
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
62793
381.600, during the period this
exemption is in effect, no State shall
enforce any law or regulation applicable
to interstate or intrastate commerce that
conflicts with or is inconsistent with
this exemption with respect to a firm or
person operating under the exemption.
Issued on: August 31, 2016.
T.F. Scott Darling, III,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016–21827 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–[2016–0042]
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 58 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 July 28, 2016. The exemptions expire
on July 28, 2018.
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:
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
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
E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM
12SEN1
62794
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices
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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
II. Background
On June 28, 2016, FMCSA published
a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes
exemption applications from 58
individuals and requested comments
from the public (81 FR 42044. The
public comment period closed on July
28, 2016, and one comment was
received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of the 58 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 58 applicants have had ITDM
over a range of one 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:40 Sep 09, 2016
Jkt 238001
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 June 28,
2016, Federal Register notice and they
will not be repeated in this notice.
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received one comments in
this proceeding. An anonymous
commenter stated that they believe
drivers should not have to be placed in
the comment period before receiving the
exemptions. As discussed in the initial
request for comments published on June
28, 2016, all exemptions that the
Agency considers granting must be put
forth in a 30 day public comment
period, as required by law.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00094
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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.
VI. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 58
exemption applications, FMCSA
exempts the following drivers from the
diabetes requirement in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10), subject to the
requirements cited above 49 CFR
391.64(b)):
Scott D. Allen (NE)
Timothy K. Beal (NJ)
Casey G. Bergman (MN)
Chad B. Bramblett (NC)
Robert J. Brearley, Jr. (AL)
Gary R. Butts (NY)
Carey P. Cole (PA)
John W. Cyrus (VA)
Paul J. Dematas (NY)
Tara DiPierri (NY)
William G. Edgell (OH)
Robert M. Flory (OH)
Jason L. Garrett (TX)
Faustino P. Garza (TX)
Robert D. Golding (NM)
Bruce E. Gusler (NH)
Seth R. Hamilton (NY)
Travis L. Handy (DE)
Paul D. Hollenbeck (UT)
Larry J. Huisman (NE)
Brian J. Hurley (IL)
Jarmone W. Johnson (MD)
Dan M. Kirk (OR)
Sung Y. Kong (NJ)
Kevin M. Krug (IN)
Brian C. Link (NY)
Timothy J. Loeschen (TX)
Bruce A. Mattison (WA)
Brian K. McGowan (AR)
James K. Medeiros (RI)
Brian C. Moffett, Jr. (MD)
Gregory S. Montierth (CA)
Daniel M. Mulligan (NJ)
John N. Mulready, Jr. (MA)
Jerry L. Niichel (IA)
Donald S. Oakes (PA)
Ardell Parks (IL)
Terry D. Paxton (PA)
Lawrence C. Powers (MI)
Reynier Prieto (FL)
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Notices
Charles V. Radford, Jr. (NC)
Manuel A. Samayoa (GA)
Malcolm D. Small (TX)
Russell F. Smith (PA)
Trenton W. Socha (TX)
Edward D. Sprague (WI)
Carla J. Stafford (TN)
Jennifer N. Stout (TX)
Virgil W. Sykes (WI)
Luis M. Torres (CT)
Lyle D. Tunink (IA)
Fasitupe Tupuola (CA)
Christa VanHook (KY)
Saverio Verre (NJ)
Raymond R. Webker (OH)
James A. Wiggins (OK)
Reed R. Wilken (IL)
Abraham K. Yohannan (NY)
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: August 25, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016–21828 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0116]
Denial of Exemption Applications;
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of denial.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces its
decision to deny applications from 11
individuals who requested an
exemption from the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
prohibiting persons with a clinical
diagnosis of epilepsy or any other
condition that is likely to cause a loss
of consciousness or any loss of ability to
operate a commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) from operating CMVs in
interstate commerce.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:40 Sep 09, 2016
Jkt 238001
Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,
fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64–
224, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. If you have questions
regarding viewing or submitting
material to the docket, contact Docket
Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.
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 https://www.regulations.gov,
as described in the system of records
notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can
be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/
privacy.
II. Background
On July 13, 2015, FMCSA published
a notice announcing receipt of
applications from 21 individuals
requesting an exemption from the
prohibition against persons with a
clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any
other condition that is likely to cause a
loss of consciousness or any loss of
ability to operate a CMV in interstate
commerce and requested comments
from the public (80 FR 40127). The
public comment period closed on
August 12, 2015, and 10 comments were
received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of these applicants and concluded that
granting 11 of the 21 exemptions would
not provide a level of safety that would
be equivalent to or greater than, the
level of safety that would be obtained by
complying with the regulation 49 CFR
391.41(b)(8). A final notice announcing
the decision to grant nine of 21
exemptions and providing a response to
the 10 comments received was
published on September 14, 2015 (80 FR
55170). One of the applicants in this
notice withdrew his request for an
exemption.
PO 00000
Frm 00095
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
62795
III. Basis for Exemption Determination
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), FMCSA may grant an
exemption from the Federal epilepsy
standard for a renewable two-year
period if it finds ‘‘such exemption is
likely achieve a level of safety that is
equivalent to or greater than the level
that would be achieved absent such
exemption.’’
The Agency’s decision regarding these
exemption applications is based on an
individualized assessment of each
applicant’s medical information,
including the root cause of the
respective seizure(s) and medical
information about the applicant’s
seizure history, the length of time that
has elapsed since the individual’s last
seizure, the stability of each individual’s
treatment regimen and the duration of
time on or off of anti-seizure
medication. The Agency considered the
2007 recommendations of the Agency’s
Medical Expert Panel (MEP). The
January 15, 2013 Federal Register notice
(78 FR 3069) provides the current MEP
recommendations which is the criteria
the Agency uses to make decisions
regarding seizure exemptions.
IV. Conclusion
The Agency has determined that these
11 applicants do not satisfy the criteria
eligibility or meet the terms and
conditions for a Federal exemption and
granting these exemptions would not
provide a level of safety that would be
equivalent to or greater than, the level
of safety that would be obtained by
complying with the regulation 49 CFR
391.41(b)(8). Therefore, the applicants
listed in this notice have been denied an
exemption from the physical
qualification standards in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(8).
Each applicant has, prior to this
notice, received a letter of final
disposition regarding his/her exemption
request. Those decision letters fully
outlined the basis for the denial and
constitutes final action by the Agency.
This notice summarizes the Agency’s
recent denials as required under 49
U.S.C. 31315(b)(4) by periodically
publishing names and reasons for
denial. The following drivers were
listed previously in Federal Register
Notice FMCSA–2015–0116 published
on July 13, 2015:
Leo Arnold Burns—Mr. Burns has a
history of a seizure disorder. His last
seizure was in 2010. He takes antiseizure medication. He does not meet
the MEP guidelines at this time.
Rodney Lee Ericson—Mr. Ericson has
a history of epilepsy. His last seizure
was in 2010. He takes anti-seizure
E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 176 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62793-62795]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21828]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-[2016-0042]
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 58 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 July 28, 2016. The exemptions
expire on July 28, 2018.
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
[[Page 62794]]
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 June 28, 2016, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal
diabetes exemption applications from 58 individuals and requested
comments from the public (81 FR 42044. The public comment period closed
on July 28, 2016, and one comment was received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 58 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 58 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one 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 June 28, 2016, Federal Register
notice and they will not be repeated in this notice.
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received one comments in this proceeding. An anonymous
commenter stated that they believe drivers should not have to be placed
in the comment period before receiving the exemptions. As discussed in
the initial request for comments published on June 28, 2016, all
exemptions that the Agency considers granting must be put forth in a 30
day public comment period, as required by law.
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 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 58 exemption applications, FMCSA
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above 49 CFR
391.64(b)):
Scott D. Allen (NE)
Timothy K. Beal (NJ)
Casey G. Bergman (MN)
Chad B. Bramblett (NC)
Robert J. Brearley, Jr. (AL)
Gary R. Butts (NY)
Carey P. Cole (PA)
John W. Cyrus (VA)
Paul J. Dematas (NY)
Tara DiPierri (NY)
William G. Edgell (OH)
Robert M. Flory (OH)
Jason L. Garrett (TX)
Faustino P. Garza (TX)
Robert D. Golding (NM)
Bruce E. Gusler (NH)
Seth R. Hamilton (NY)
Travis L. Handy (DE)
Paul D. Hollenbeck (UT)
Larry J. Huisman (NE)
Brian J. Hurley (IL)
Jarmone W. Johnson (MD)
Dan M. Kirk (OR)
Sung Y. Kong (NJ)
Kevin M. Krug (IN)
Brian C. Link (NY)
Timothy J. Loeschen (TX)
Bruce A. Mattison (WA)
Brian K. McGowan (AR)
James K. Medeiros (RI)
Brian C. Moffett, Jr. (MD)
Gregory S. Montierth (CA)
Daniel M. Mulligan (NJ)
John N. Mulready, Jr. (MA)
Jerry L. Niichel (IA)
Donald S. Oakes (PA)
Ardell Parks (IL)
Terry D. Paxton (PA)
Lawrence C. Powers (MI)
Reynier Prieto (FL)
[[Page 62795]]
Charles V. Radford, Jr. (NC)
Manuel A. Samayoa (GA)
Malcolm D. Small (TX)
Russell F. Smith (PA)
Trenton W. Socha (TX)
Edward D. Sprague (WI)
Carla J. Stafford (TN)
Jennifer N. Stout (TX)
Virgil W. Sykes (WI)
Luis M. Torres (CT)
Lyle D. Tunink (IA)
Fasitupe Tupuola (CA)
Christa VanHook (KY)
Saverio Verre (NJ)
Raymond R. Webker (OH)
James A. Wiggins (OK)
Reed R. Wilken (IL)
Abraham K. Yohannan (NY)
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: August 25, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-21828 Filed 9-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P