Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 71171-71173 [2016-24930]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 199 / Friday, October 14, 2016 / Notices MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] The five individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES II. Request for Comments 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. III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the five applicants has satisfied the conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder requirements and were published in the Federal Register (79 FR 74170). In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The five drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency, have maintained their medical monitoring and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period. In VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Oct 13, 2016 Jkt 241001 accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed exemption. As of May 19, 2016, the following five individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (79 FR 74170): Thomas Bynum (NC) Ronald Hartl (WI) Craig Hoisington (NH) Michael Miller (WI) Peter Thompson (FL) These drivers were included in FMCSA–2013–0443. The exemptions were effective on May 19, 2016, and will expire on May 19, 2018. IV. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment during the two-year exemption period; (2) each driver must submit annual reports from their treating physicians attesting to the stability of treatment and that the driver has remained seizure-free; (3) each driver must undergo an annual medical examination by a certified Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5; and (4) each driver must provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy of his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is self-employed. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The exemption will be rescinded if: (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. V. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VI. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 5 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders requirement in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption PO 00000 Frm 00133 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71171 will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: October 7, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–24923 Filed 10–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0442; FMCSA– 2013–0445] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions of two individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ‘‘no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before November 14, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical 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 from 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. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2013–0442; FMCSA–2013–0445 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14OCN1.SGM 14OCN1 71172 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 199 / Friday, October 14, 2016 / Notices rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES online 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 number(s) 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 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 online. 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. I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for two years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Oct 13, 2016 Jkt 241001 condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391— MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] The two individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. II. Request for Comments 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. III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the two applicants has satisfied the conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder requirements and were published in the Federal Register (79 FR 73690, 79 FR 73693). In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The two drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency, have maintained their medical monitoring PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed exemption. As of July 8, 2016, Michael Duprey (CT) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (79 FR 73690). This driver was included in FMCSA–2013–0442. The exemption was effective on July 8, 2016, and will expire on July 8, 2018. As of July 14, 2016, Ronald Blout (GA) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (79 FR 73693). This driver was included in FMCSA–2013–0445. The exemption was effective on July 14, 2016, and will expire on July 14, 2018. IV. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment during the two-year exemption period; (2) each driver must submit annual reports from their treating physicians attesting to the stability of treatment and that the driver has remained seizure-free; (3) each driver must undergo an annual medical examination by a certified Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5; and (4) each driver must provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy of his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is self-employed. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The exemption will be rescinded if: (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. E:\FR\FM\14OCN1.SGM 14OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 199 / Friday, October 14, 2016 / Notices V. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. Based upon its evaluation of the two exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: October 7, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–24930 Filed 10–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7006; FMCSA– 2000–7165; FMCSA–2000–8398; FMCSA– 2001–11426; FMCSA–2002–11714; FMCSA– 2002–12294; FMCSA–2004–17195; FMCSA– 2004–17984; FMCSA–2004–18885; FMCSA– 2005–21711; FMCSA–2006–23773; FMCSA– 2006–24783; FMCSA–2007–0071; FMCSA– 2007–27897; FMCSA–2008–0106; FMCSA– 2008–0174; FMCSA–2008–0231; FMCSA– 2008–0266; FMCSA–2009–0303; FMCSA– 2010–0082; FMCSA–2010–0114; FMCSA– 2010–0161; FMCSA–2010–0187; FMCSA– 2010–0385; FMCSA–2011–0366; FMCSA– 2011–0379; FMCSA–2011–0380; FMCSA– 2012–0040; FMCSA–2012–0160; FMCSA– 2012–0161; FMCSA–2012–0214; FMCSA– 2012–0215; FMCSA–2012–0216; FMCSA– 2013–0167; FMCSA–2013–0169; FMCSA– 2013–0170; FMCSA–2013–0174; FMCSA– 2014–0003; FMCSA–2014–0004; FMCSA– 2014–0005; FMCSA–2014–0006; FMCSA– 2014–0007; FMCSA–2014–0010; FMCSA– 2014–0011; FMCSA–2014–0296] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 125 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 14:29 Oct 13, 2016 Each group of renewed exemptions are effective from the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before November 14, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) numbers: [Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7006; FMCSA–2000– 7165; FMCSA–2000–8398; FMCSA– 2001–11426; FMCSA–2002–11714; FMCSA–2002–12294; FMCSA–2004– 17195; FMCSA–2004–17984; FMCSA– 2004–18885; FMCSA–2005–21711; FMCSA–2006–23773; FMCSA–2006– 24783; FMCSA–2007–0071; FMCSA– 2007–27897; FMCSA–2008–0106; FMCSA–2008–0174; FMCSA–2008– 0231; FMCSA–2008–0266; FMCSA– 2009–0303; FMCSA–2010–0082; FMCSA–2010–0114; FMCSA–2010– 0161; FMCSA–2010–0187; FMCSA– 2010–0385; FMCSA–2011–0366; FMCSA–2011–0379; FMCSA–2011– 0380; FMCSA–2012–0040; FMCSA– 2012–0160; FMCSA–2012–0161; FMCSA–2012–0214; FMCSA–2012– 0215; FMCSA–2012–0216; FMCSA– 2013–0167; FMCSA–2013–0169; FMCSA–2013–0170; FMCSA–2013– 0174; FMCSA–2014–0003; FMCSA– 2014–0004; FMCSA–2014–0005; FMCSA–2014–0006; FMCSA–2014– 0007; FMCSA–2014–0010; FMCSA– 2014–0011; FMCSA–2014–0296], using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. DATES: VI. Conclusion VerDate Sep<11>2014 exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71173 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: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our 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, etc.). 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). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, Medical 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 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The procedures for requesting an exemption (including renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. Exemption Decision This notice addresses 125 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 125 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. Each individual is identified according to the renewal date. E:\FR\FM\14OCN1.SGM 14OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 199 (Friday, October 14, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71171-71173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24930]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0442; FMCSA-2013-0445]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions of two 
individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 
drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of 
epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of 
consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions 
enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are 
taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the 
discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the 
discussions below. Comments must be received on or before November 14, 
2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical 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 from 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.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0442; FMCSA-2013-0445 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the

[[Page 71172]]

online 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 number(s) 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 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 online.
    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.

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
for two years if it finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level 
of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be 
achieved absent such exemption.'' The statute also allows the Agency to 
renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person:

    Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of 
epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of 
consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.

    In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory 
criteria to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers 
with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in 
interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391--MEDICAL 
ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: Sec.  391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 
3, 4, and 5.]
    The two individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, 
FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and 
decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period.

II. Request for Comments

    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.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of 
the two applicants has satisfied the conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder requirements and were 
published in the Federal Register (79 FR 73690, 79 FR 73693). In 
addition, for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, the Commercial 
Driver's License information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier 
Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and 
violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving 
records from the State Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors 
provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to 
continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
    The two drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the 
Agency, have maintained their medical monitoring and have not exhibited 
any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely 
operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has 
concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is 
likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a 
two-year period. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each 
driver has received a renewed exemption.
    As of July 8, 2016, Michael Duprey (CT) has satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure 
Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), from driving CMVs in 
interstate commerce (79 FR 73690). This driver was included in FMCSA-
2013-0442. The exemption was effective on July 8, 2016, and will expire 
on July 8, 2018.
    As of July 14, 2016, Ronald Blout (GA) has satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure 
Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), from driving CMVs in 
interstate commerce (79 FR 73693). This driver was included in FMCSA-
2013-0445. The exemption was effective on July 14, 2016, and will 
expire on July 14, 2018.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable 
treatment during the two-year exemption period; (2) each driver must 
submit annual reports from their treating physicians attesting to the 
stability of treatment and that the driver has remained seizure-free; 
(3) each driver must undergo an annual medical examination by a 
certified Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5; and (4) each 
driver must provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the 
employer for retention in the driver's qualification file, or keep a 
copy of his/her driver's qualification file if he/she is self-employed. 
The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for 
presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement 
official. The exemption will be rescinded if: (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.

[[Page 71173]]

V. Preemption

    During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall 
enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with 
respect to a person operating under the exemption.

VI. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the two exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the Epilepsy 
and Seizure Disorders requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). In accordance 
with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two 
years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: October 7, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-24930 Filed 10-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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