Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 47308-47309 [2017-21897]

Download as PDF 47308 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 11, 2017 / Notices for the crash was assigned to the rental truck driver. Terms and Conditions of the Exemption Terms of the Exemption • This exemption from the requirements of 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i) is effective from October 11, 2017 through October 11, 2022. • This exemption covers a rental period of 8 days or fewer, regardless of reason for the rental. Evidence that a carrier has replaced one rental CMV with another on 8-day cycles or attempted to renew a rental agreement for the same CMV for an additional 8 days will be regarded as a violation of the exemption and subject the carrier to the penalties for failure to use an ELD. • Drivers must have a copy of this notice or equivalent signed FMCSA exemption document in their possession while operating under the terms of the exemption. The exemption document must be presented to law enforcement officials upon request. • Drivers must have a copy of the rental agreement in the CMV, and make it available to law enforcement officers on request. The agreement must clearly identify the parties to the agreement, the vehicle, and the dates of the rental period. • Driver must possess copies of their RODS for the current day and the prior 7 days, if required on those days. Preemption In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31313(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 381.600, during the period this exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption with respect to a firm or person operating under the exemption. States may, but are not required to, adopt the same exemption with respect to operations in intrastate commerce. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES Notification to FMCSA Carriers operating under this exemption must notify FMCSA within 5 business days of any accident (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5), involving any of the motor carrier’s drivers operating under the terms of this exemption. The notification must include the following information: (a) Identity of Exemption: ‘‘TRALA’’ (b) Date of the accident, (c) City or town, and State, in which the accident occurred, or closest to the accident scene, (d) Driver’s name and license number, (e) Co-driver’s name and license number, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Oct 10, 2017 Jkt 244001 (f) Vehicle number and State license number, (g) Number of individuals suffering physical injury, (h) Number of fatalities, (i) The police-reported cause of the accident, (j) Whether the driver was cited for violation of any traffic laws, motor carrier safety regulations, and (k) The total driving time and total onduty time period prior to the accident. Accident notifications shall be emailed to MCPSD@dot.gov. Termination FMCSA believes that drivers of shortterm rental vehicles will continue to maintain their previous safety record while operating under this exemption. However, should problems occur, FMCSA will take all steps necessary to protect the public interest, including revocation or restriction of the exemption. FMCSA will immediately restrict participation in the exemption for failure to comply with its terms and conditions. Issued on: September 28, 2017. Daphne Y. Jefferson, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2017–21892 Filed 10–10–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0038] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 47 individuals from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on August 29, 2017. The exemptions expire on August 29, 2019. 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 July 27, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from 47 individuals requesting an exemption from diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from the public (82 FR 35033). The public comment period ended on August 28, 2017, and two comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these 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). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding diabetes found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. Givonna Hymel stated that she believes the exemption application process should be shortened, and that the program in its current form is unfair and E:\FR\FM\11OCN1.SGM 11OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 11, 2017 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES discriminatory. On May 4, 2015, FMCSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (80 FR 25260) proposed changes to the Diabetes standard and requesting comments from the public. FMCSA is currently evaluating comments received and drafting a Final Rule. Information related to this action can be found in the Docket at FMCSA–2005–23151. Marisol Aguilar stated that she agrees with the decision to grant exemptions to Mark A. Brede, Bradley J. Holmstrom, Delbert E. Holt, and Anthony A. Kronbeck. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the diabetes standard 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. The Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on the program eligibility criteria and an individualized assessment of information submitted by each applicant. The qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant were stated and discussed in detail in the July 27, 2017, Federal Register notice (85 FR 35033) and will not be repeated in this notice. These 47 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one to 42 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past five 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). 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. IV. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the applicants in the exemption document VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Oct 10, 2017 Jkt 244001 and includes the following: (1) Each driver must submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) each driver must report within two 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) each driver must 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) each driver must provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keeping a copy in 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 47 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above: Miguel A. Alicea (CT) Ralph W. Boyatt (WA) Eduard Braun (AR) Mark A. Brede (MN) Lawrence P. Butler (CA) Keith T. Campbell (TX) Larry W. Carruth (AL) Dennis R. Carte (MO) Steven B. Carter (NC) Gregory L. Crawford (MI) James D. Duvall (VT) Reginald D. Evans (NE) Daniel F. Foder (NY) Daniel J. Fowler (CT) Michael F. Greene (MA) Cindy E. Grimes (NE) Leo J. Hoffman, Jr. (PA) Bradley J. Holmstrom (MN) Delbert E. Holt (MN) Alexander C. Jennings (NJ) Calvin W. Johnson (WI) Shannon E. Johnson (AZ) Kenneth E. King (IN) Anthony A. Kronbeck (MN) Charles P. Lane, Jr. (AL) PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47309 Gjasi A. Leite (GA) Richard V. Madden (PA) Landon H. McCuddin (SD) Damien R. Mitchell (NC) Steven J. Mooney (AL) Luther G. Mumaw, Jr. (WV) Roberto Noa (FL) Benjamin P. Peirce (CA) Judah G. Pira (WA) Robert E. Racy II (OH) Robert P. Rowean, Jr. (MA) Wesley R. Schmid (CT) Royal J. Schultz (NY) Joseph B. Simon (NJ) Andrew J. Slionski (NY) Samuel L. Smith (NC) Terry D. Stumpff (WA) Manuel A. Vasquez (NJ) Paul O. Verly (CO) Alvin G. Welch (NY) Damien E. Wiggins (CA) Frank R. Woitel (NM) In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, 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(e) and 31315. Issued on: October 2, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–21897 Filed 10–10–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0022] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 22 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11OCN1.SGM 11OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47308-47309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21897]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0038]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 47 individuals from the 
prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) 
against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from 
operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The 
exemptions enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions were applicable on August 29, 2017. The 
exemptions expire on August 29, 2019.

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 July 27, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of 
applications from 47 individuals requesting an exemption from diabetes 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from the 
public (82 FR 35033). The public comment period ended on August 28, 
2017, and two comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these 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).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding diabetes 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person:

    Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of 
diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control.

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. Givonna Hymel 
stated that she believes the exemption application process should be 
shortened, and that the program in its current form is unfair and

[[Page 47309]]

discriminatory. On May 4, 2015, FMCSA published a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) (80 FR 25260) proposed changes to the Diabetes 
standard and requesting comments from the public. FMCSA is currently 
evaluating comments received and drafting a Final Rule. Information 
related to this action can be found in the Docket at FMCSA-2005-23151. 
Marisol Aguilar stated that she agrees with the decision to grant 
exemptions to Mark A. Brede, Bradley J. Holmstrom, Delbert E. Holt, and 
Anthony A. Kronbeck.

Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the diabetes standard 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.
    The Agency's decision regarding these exemption applications is 
based on the program eligibility criteria and an individualized 
assessment of information submitted by each applicant. The 
qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant 
were stated and discussed in detail in the July 27, 2017, Federal 
Register notice (85 FR 35033) and will not be repeated in this notice.
    These 47 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one to 42 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 (two 
or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past five 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).
    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.

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 submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by 
the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a 
comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) each driver must report within 
two 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) each driver must 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) each driver must 
provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for 
retention in the driver's qualification file, or keeping a copy in 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 47 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above:

Miguel A. Alicea (CT)
Ralph W. Boyatt (WA)
Eduard Braun (AR)
Mark A. Brede (MN)
Lawrence P. Butler (CA)
Keith T. Campbell (TX)
Larry W. Carruth (AL)
Dennis R. Carte (MO)
Steven B. Carter (NC)
Gregory L. Crawford (MI)
James D. Duvall (VT)
Reginald D. Evans (NE)
Daniel F. Foder (NY)
Daniel J. Fowler (CT)
Michael F. Greene (MA)
Cindy E. Grimes (NE)
Leo J. Hoffman, Jr. (PA)
Bradley J. Holmstrom (MN)
Delbert E. Holt (MN)
Alexander C. Jennings (NJ)
Calvin W. Johnson (WI)
Shannon E. Johnson (AZ)
Kenneth E. King (IN)
Anthony A. Kronbeck (MN)
Charles P. Lane, Jr. (AL)
Gjasi A. Leite (GA)
Richard V. Madden (PA)
Landon H. McCuddin (SD)
Damien R. Mitchell (NC)
Steven J. Mooney (AL)
Luther G. Mumaw, Jr. (WV)
Roberto Noa (FL)
Benjamin P. Peirce (CA)
Judah G. Pira (WA)
Robert E. Racy II (OH)
Robert P. Rowean, Jr. (MA)
Wesley R. Schmid (CT)
Royal J. Schultz (NY)
Joseph B. Simon (NJ)
Andrew J. Slionski (NY)
Samuel L. Smith (NC)
Terry D. Stumpff (WA)
Manuel A. Vasquez (NJ)
Paul O. Verly (CO)
Alvin G. Welch (NY)
Damien E. Wiggins (CA)
Frank R. Woitel (NM)

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, 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(e) and 31315.

    Issued on: October 2, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-21897 Filed 10-10-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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