Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 13185-13187 [2017-04643]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices 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. 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. 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 individual listed in this notice has requested renewal of his exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated the application for renewal on its merits and decided to extend the exemption for a renewable two-year period. 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, the applicant has satisfied the conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder requirements and were published in the Federal Register (78 FR 67449). 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 driver in this notice remains in good standing with the Agency, has maintained his medical monitoring and has not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise his ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year 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 the exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, this driver has received a renewed exemption. As of January 12, 2016, Lyle Trimm (NJ) 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 (78 FR 67449). This driver was included in FMCSA– 2013–0107. This exemption is effective on January 12, 2016, and will expire on January 12, 2018. II. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that this driver is not currently achieving the statutory level of 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 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. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Mar 08, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13185 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 this exemption application, FMCSA renews the exemption of the aforementioned driver 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: February 28, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–04679 Filed 3–8–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0008] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt nine individuals from the requirement in the Federal SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09MRN1.SGM 09MRN1 13186 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices 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 antiseizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were effective on December 21, 2016. The exemptions will expire on December 21, 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– 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 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 November 17, 2016, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from nine individuals requesting an exemption from the epilepsy prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) and requested comments from the public (81 FR 81233). The public comment period ended on December 19, 2016, and one comment was received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Mar 08, 2017 Jkt 241001 granting 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)(8). 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 1 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.] III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment from Shenella Carlisle, in this preceding, who cited information from a 2004 article from the American Academy of Neurology regarding the relative low crash risk of individuals who have seizures or epilepsy. She believes that an individual’s primary care provider, who is familiar with the individual’s history and treatment plan, is best suited to decide his or her vehicle crash risk. IV. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) 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. In reaching the decision to grant these exemption requests, FMCSA 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 grant seizure exemptions. The Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on an 1 See https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID= e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d9 7970&mc=true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn =div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/ fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. In addition, the Agency reviewed the treating clinician’s medical opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV with a history of seizure and each applicant’s driving record found in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, and interstate and intrastate inspections recorded in the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviewed the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These nine applicants have been seizure-free over a range of 10 to 32 years while taking anti-seizure medication and maintained a stable medication treatment regimen for the last two years. In each case, the applicant’s treating physician verified his or her seizure history and supports the ability to drive commercially. A summary of each applicant’s seizure history was discussed in the November 17, 2016, Federal Register notice (81 FR 81233) and will not be repeated in this notice. The Agency acknowledges the potential consequences of a driver experiencing a seizure while operating a CMV. However, the Agency believes the drivers granted this exemption have demonstrated that they are unlikely to have a seizure and their medical condition does not pose a risk to public safety. Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these applicants from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. IV. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the applicants in the exemption document and includes the following: (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 E:\FR\FM\09MRN1.SGM 09MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices 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. 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 nine exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the epilepsy/seizure standard, 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements cited above: Mark Beery (PA) Douglas Cantwell (TN) Mark McDaniel (IL) Ronnie Moody (NC) Tye Moore (IN) Jack Porcellini (PA) Jeffrey Rathman (CO) Douglas Simms Jr. (NC) Tara Van Horn (PA) In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), each exemption is valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (1) The individual 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 prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315. Issued on: March 3, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–04643 Filed 3–8–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0213] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Mar 08, 2017 Jkt 241001 FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 18 individuals for exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 10, 2017. All comments will be investigated by FMCSA. The exemptions will be issued the day after the comment period closes. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2016–0213 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: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13187 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: 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 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. 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 ‘‘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.’’ FMCSA can renew exemptions at the end of each 2-year period. The 18 individuals listed in this notice have each requested such an exemption from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce. Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting an exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute. II. Qualifications of Applicants James M. Demgard Mr. Demgard, 49, has a prosthetic left eye due to a traumatic incident in 1996. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/ 20, and in his left eye, no light perception. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist stated, ‘‘I can certify James has a perfectly normal right eye in all aspects to perform the visual tasks required for commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Demgard reported that he has driven straight trucks for 29 years, accumulating 536,500 miles. He holds an operator’s license from New Jersey. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. David L. Erickson Mr. Erickson, 66, has had amblyopia in his right eye since birth. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/70, and in E:\FR\FM\09MRN1.SGM 09MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13185-13187]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04643]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0008]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt nine individuals from 
the requirement in the Federal

[[Page 13186]]

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 operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions were effective on December 21, 2016. The 
exemptions will expire on December 21, 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 W64-224, 
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.

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 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 November 17, 2016, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt 
of applications from nine individuals requesting an exemption from the 
epilepsy prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) and requested comments from 
the public (81 FR 81233). The public comment period ended on December 
19, 2016, and one comment was received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that granting 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)(8).
    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 \1\ 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.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d97970&mc=true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn=div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received one comment from Shenella Carlisle, in this 
preceding, who cited information from a 2004 article from the American 
Academy of Neurology regarding the relative low crash risk of 
individuals who have seizures or epilepsy. She believes that an 
individual's primary care provider, who is familiar with the 
individual's history and treatment plan, is best suited to decide his 
or her vehicle crash risk.

IV. Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) 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.
    In reaching the decision to grant these exemption requests, FMCSA 
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 grant seizure exemptions.
    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. In addition, the Agency 
reviewed the treating clinician's medical opinion related to the 
ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV with a history of seizure 
and each applicant's driving record found in the Commercial Driver's 
License Information System (CDLIS) for commercial driver's license 
(CDL) holders, and interstate and intrastate inspections recorded in 
the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). For non-CDL 
holders, the Agency reviewed the driving records from the State 
Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA).
    These nine applicants have been seizure-free over a range of 10 to 
32 years while taking anti-seizure medication and maintained a stable 
medication treatment regimen for the last two years. In each case, the 
applicant's treating physician verified his or her seizure history and 
supports the ability to drive commercially.
    A summary of each applicant's seizure history was discussed in the 
November 17, 2016, Federal Register notice (81 FR 81233) and will not 
be repeated in this notice.
    The Agency acknowledges the potential consequences of a driver 
experiencing a seizure while operating a CMV. However, the Agency 
believes the drivers granted this exemption have demonstrated that they 
are unlikely to have a seizure and their medical condition does not 
pose a risk to public safety.
    Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these 
applicants from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) is 
likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the 
applicants in the exemption document and includes the following: (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

[[Page 13187]]

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.

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 nine exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the epilepsy/seizure standard, 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements cited above:

Mark Beery (PA)
Douglas Cantwell (TN)
Mark McDaniel (IL)
Ronnie Moody (NC)
Tye Moore (IN)
Jack Porcellini (PA)
Jeffrey Rathman (CO)
Douglas Simms Jr. (NC)
Tara Van Horn (PA)
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), each exemption is valid 
for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be 
revoked if the following occurs: (1) The individual 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 prior to being 
granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent 
with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315.

    Issued on: March 3, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-04643 Filed 3-8-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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