Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 43652-43654 [2017-19762]
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43652
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 179 / Monday, September 18, 2017 / Notices
MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA,
section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8),
paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.]
sradovich on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with NOTICES
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this
proceeding. However, FMCSA was
informed that the notice published on
June 29, 2017, identified the driver but
not their resident State. It has been
corrected in this notice. 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.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Sep 15, 2017
Jkt 241001
System (MCMIS). For non-CDL holders,
the Agency reviewed the driving records
from the State Driver’s Licensing
Agency (SDLA). A summary of each
applicant’s seizure history was
discussed in the June 29, 2017, Federal
Register notice (82 FR 29624) and will
not be repeated in this notice.
These seven applicants have been
seizure-free over a range of 8–36 years
while taking anti-seizure medication
and have 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.
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.
V. 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
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.
VI. 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.
VII. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the seven
exemption applications, FMCSA
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Frm 00139
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
exempts the following drivers from the
seizure standard, 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11),
subject to the requirements cited above:
Richard A. Bailey (IA)
Roosevelt J. Chambers (WA)
Donnie D. Kuck (MT)
Mark A. Parish (GA)
Mario A. Polomares (TX)
Rickie M. Rineer (PA)
Timothy Wolsieffer (PA)
In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31315(b)(1), each exemption will be
valid for two years from the effective
date 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 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: September 8, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017–19757 Filed 9–15–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0381; FMCSA–
2014–0382; FMCSA–2015–0115]
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 for three
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
applicable on June 10, 2017. The
renewed exemptions will expire on June
10, 2019. Comments must be received
on or before October 18, 2017.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM
18SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 179 / Monday, September 18, 2017 / Notices
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–
2014–0381; FMCSA–2014–0382;
FMCSA–2015–0115 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
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 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
e.t., 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
sradovich on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with NOTICES
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Sep 15, 2017
Jkt 241001
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: § 391.41(b)(8),
paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.]
The three 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)
PO 00000
Frm 00140
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
43653
and 31315, each of the three applicants
has satisfied the conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder
requirements and were published in the
Federal Register (80 FR 60744; 80 FR
55164; 80 FR 57034). 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 three 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 for the
following applicants:
Monte J. DeRocini (PA)
Teddy H. Dixon (GA)
Bryan R. Jones (PA)
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
E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM
18SEN1
43654
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 179 / Monday, September 18, 2017 / Notices
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 three
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: September 8, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017–19762 Filed 9–15–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket Number FRA–2017–0087]
sradovich on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with NOTICES
Petition for Waiver of Compliance
Under part 211 of Title 49 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), this provides
the public notice that on August 10,
2017, the Fort Worth Transportation
Authority (FWTA) on behalf of TexRail
Commuter Railroad (TEXR) petitioned
the Federal Railroad Administration
(FRA) for a waiver of compliance from
certain provisions of the Federal
railroad safety regulations for the
purchase of eight new trainsets from
Stadler Bussnang AG (Stadler).
Specifically, TEXR is requesting relief
from 49 CFR part 229, Railroad
Locomotive Safety Standards (§ 229.47);
49 CFR part 231, Railroad Safety
Appliance Standards (§§ 231.14(a)(2),
(b)–(d), (f), (g)); and 49 CFR part 238,
Passenger Equipment Safety Standards
(§ 238.305). FRA assigned the petition
docket number FRA–2017–0087.
The TexRail commuter rail system
consists of a single rail line, running
from Fort Worth, Texas, to the DallasFort Worth International Airport (DFW),
a distance of 27-miles, with 9 stations.
Service is scheduled to begin in
December 2018.
TexRail will purchase eight new
FLIRT Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)
trainsets manufactured by Stadler in
Salt Lake City, Utah. The delivery of
vehicles is expected to begin in October
2017 and end in May 2018. TexRail
asserts that the FLIRT trainset is a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:54 Sep 15, 2017
Jkt 241001
service-proven design built to European
design standards. It was first delivered
to European customers in 2004. There
are approximately 1,100 FLIRT trainsets
in operation worldwide. TexRail
vehicles will be the first FLIRT models
in the United States. The new vehicles
are designed and built to current
European design and regulatory
standards, which differ in several areas
from current U.S. design standards and
regulations. TexRail believes that the
design characteristics of the Stadler
FLIRT vehicles provide an equivalent or
higher level of safety and security to the
passengers and crew.
TexRail has organized its regulatory
compliance efforts into two distinct but
related parts: Part 1 represents the
‘‘base’’ compliance assessment effort
(this petition) and Part 2 represents a
separate petition to utilize Alternative
Vehicle Technology crashworthiness
technology as outlined in ‘‘Technical
Criteria and Procedures for Evaluating
the Crashworthiness and Occupant
Protection Performance of AlternativelyDesigned Passenger Rail Equipment for
Use in Tier I Service’’ and the recent
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
on Passenger Equipment Safety
Standards; Standards for Alternative
Compliance and High-Speed Trainsets
(81 FR 88006, December 6, 2016).
Noting that certain provisions in 49 CFR
part 231 pertaining to safety appliances
are statutorily required, and therefore
not subject to FRA’s waiver authority,
TEXR also requested that FRA exercise
its authority under 49 U.S.C. 20306 to
exempt TEXR from certain provisions of
Chapter 203, Title 49 of the United
States Code because the FLIRT DMU
vehicles will be equipped with their
own array of safety devices resulting in
equivalent safety.
A copy of the petition, as well as any
written communications concerning the
petition, is available for review online at
www.regulations.gov and in person at
the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
(DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590. The Docket
Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal Holidays.
Interested parties are invited to
participate in these proceedings by
submitting written views, data, or
comments. FRA does not anticipate
scheduling a public hearing in
connection with these proceedings since
the facts do not appear to warrant a new
hearing. If any interested parties desire
an opportunity for oral comment and a
public hearing, they should notify FRA,
in writing, before the end of the
PO 00000
Frm 00141
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
comment period and specify the basis
for their request.
All communications concerning these
proceedings should identify the
appropriate docket number and may be
submitted by any of the following
methods:
• Web site: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Docket Operations Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal Holidays.
Communications received by
November 2, 2017 will be considered by
FRA before final action is taken.
Comments received after that date will
be considered if practicable.
Anyone can search the electronic
form of any written communications
and comments received into any of our
dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or signing the
document, if submitted on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc.).
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT
solicits comments from the public to
better inform its processes. 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
https://www.transportation.gov/privacy.
See also https://www.regulations.gov/
privacyNotice for the privacy notice of
regulations.gov.
Robert C. Lauby,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety,
Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017–19687 Filed 9–15–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket Number FRA–2013–0095]
Notice of Application for Approval To
Discontinue or Modify a Railroad
Signal System
Under part 235 of Title 49 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) and 49
U.S.C. 20502(a), this provides the public
notice that on July 27, 2017, the
Grenada Railroad, LLC (GRYR)
petitioned the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) seeking extension
E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM
18SEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 179 (Monday, September 18, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43652-43654]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19762]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0381; FMCSA-2014-0382; FMCSA-2015-0115]
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 for three
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 applicable on June 10, 2017. The
renewed exemptions will expire on June 10, 2019. Comments must be
received on or before October 18, 2017.
[[Page 43653]]
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-2014-0381; FMCSA-2014-0382;
FMCSA-2015-0115 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 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 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 e.t.,
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 three 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 three applicants has satisfied the conditions for obtaining an
exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder requirements and were
published in the Federal Register (80 FR 60744; 80 FR 55164; 80 FR
57034). 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 three 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 for the following applicants:
Monte J. DeRocini (PA)
Teddy H. Dixon (GA)
Bryan R. Jones (PA)
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
[[Page 43654]]
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 three 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: September 8, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-19762 Filed 9-15-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P