Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 96188-96189 [2016-31549]

Download as PDF 96188 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 driver in this notice remains in good standing with the Agency and has not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise his ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous twoyear exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemption for this applicant is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 for a two-year period. As of May 21, 2016, Timothy Gallagher (PA) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate commerce. This driver was included in FMCSA–2014–0102. This exemption was effective on May 21, 2016, and will expire on May 21, 2018. IV. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. In addition, 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 driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was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. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of this exemption application, FMCSA renews VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Dec 28, 2016 Jkt 241001 the exemption of the aforementioned driver from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: December 21, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–31553 Filed 12–28–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-[2016–0223] 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 46 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 22, 2016. The exemptions expire on November 22, 2018. 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– 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., e.t., 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 PO 00000 Frm 00233 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 20, 2016, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from 46 individuals and requested comments from the public (81 FR 72644. The public comment period closed on November 21, 2016, and no comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 46 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 46 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 E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 250 / Thursday, December 29, 2016 / Notices 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 20, 2016, Federal Register notice and they will not be repeated in this notice. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:41 Dec 28, 2016 Jkt 241001 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 46 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the requirements cited above 49 CFR 391.64(b): Colter E. Allen (MT) Bert F. Asa (CO) Brandon D. Baird (TN) Glenn C. Blank (PA) Michael H. Blosser (WA) Francis A. Boadu (MA) John K. Brown (KY) Timothy L. Dahlberg (WI) Randy S. Dorn (WI) Troy E. Dreisbach (PA) Janice K. Epperson (MO) Chase L. Fugere (ND) Richard A. Geiger (IL) Kenneth B. Golden, Jr. (NY) Todd K. Grama (NY) Rick L. Hendrickson (ND) Glenn E. Hoffman (FL) Jeffrey S. Horvath (OH) Herbert S. Johnson, II (IA) Randall L. Johnson (GA) Gary D. Jones (IA) Charles C. Kennedy (UT) John A. Larson (MN) Jose A. Lucero (AZ) Gerry A. Lutz (IA) Gary P. Marquez (CA) George F. McCrory (MO) Richard R. McDonald (NY) William P. McLemore, Jr. (IL) Jason M. Moch (ND) George K. Namauu, Jr. (HI) Ashby J. Nuckols (VA) Encarnacion Oranday, Jr. (TX) Jonathan P. Preissler (MA) Charles R. Quilty (IL) Joseph M. Rowe (MO) Donald G. Runyon (IN) John B. Simpson (NH) Ronnie J. Smith (NC) Troy Smith (OH) Mitchell A. Thomas (MN) James M. Vavao (CA) Steven A. Vilardo (KY) Joseph H. Wamsley (WV) Richelle Y. Wyatt (PA) Roy O. Young (PA) 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 PO 00000 Frm 00234 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 96189 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 15, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–31549 Filed 12–28–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0313] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from eight individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) 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 control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 30, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2016–0313 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 96188-96189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31549]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-[2016-0223]


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 46 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 22, 2016. The 
exemptions expire on November 22, 2018.

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 W64-113, 
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., e.t., 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 20, 2016, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from 46 individuals and requested 
comments from the public (81 FR 72644. The public comment period closed 
on November 21, 2016, and no comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 46 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 46 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

[[Page 96189]]

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 20, 2016, 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 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 46 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(3), subject to the requirements cited above 49 CFR 391.64(b):

Colter E. Allen (MT)
Bert F. Asa (CO)
Brandon D. Baird (TN)
Glenn C. Blank (PA)
Michael H. Blosser (WA)
Francis A. Boadu (MA)
John K. Brown (KY)
Timothy L. Dahlberg (WI)
Randy S. Dorn (WI)
Troy E. Dreisbach (PA)
Janice K. Epperson (MO)
Chase L. Fugere (ND)
Richard A. Geiger (IL)
Kenneth B. Golden, Jr. (NY)
Todd K. Grama (NY)
Rick L. Hendrickson (ND)
Glenn E. Hoffman (FL)
Jeffrey S. Horvath (OH)
Herbert S. Johnson, II (IA)
Randall L. Johnson (GA)
Gary D. Jones (IA)
Charles C. Kennedy (UT)
John A. Larson (MN)
Jose A. Lucero (AZ)
Gerry A. Lutz (IA)
Gary P. Marquez (CA)
George F. McCrory (MO)
Richard R. McDonald (NY)
William P. McLemore, Jr. (IL)
Jason M. Moch (ND)
George K. Namauu, Jr. (HI)
Ashby J. Nuckols (VA)
Encarnacion Oranday, Jr. (TX)
Jonathan P. Preissler (MA)
Charles R. Quilty (IL)
Joseph M. Rowe (MO)
Donald G. Runyon (IN)
John B. Simpson (NH)
Ronnie J. Smith (NC)
Troy Smith (OH)
Mitchell A. Thomas (MN)
James M. Vavao (CA)
Steven A. Vilardo (KY)
Joseph H. Wamsley (WV)
Richelle Y. Wyatt (PA)
Roy O. Young (PA)

    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 15, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-31549 Filed 12-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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