Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 58683-58684 [2017-26871]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / Notices 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). A summary of each applicant’s seizure history was discussed in the October 11, 2017 Federal Register notice (82 FR 47299) and will not be repeated in this notice. These five applicants have been seizure-free over a range of 23 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. 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 and seizure disorder prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 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 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:53 Dec 12, 2017 Jkt 244001 VI. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the five exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorder prohibition, 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements cited above: Gary T. Clark (KY) Gary J. Gress (PA) Joseph R. Lamkin (KY) Kenneth L. Lewis (NC) Sean C. Moran (MA) 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: December 6, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–26874 Filed 12–12–17; 8:45 am] 58683 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. BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0041] 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 51 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 September 26, 2017. The exemptions expire on September 26, 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., SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 II. Background On August 24, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from 51 individuals requesting an exemption from diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from the public (82 FR 40221). The public comment period ended on September 25, 2017, and four 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 four comments in this proceeding. Randall Lambdin, Trenton Colyer, and Joe Schneider stated that they are in favor of granting Matthew Follis an exemption because they believe he is a safe driver. Vicky Johnson stated that Minnesota DVS is in favor of granting exemptions to the E:\FR\FM\13DEN1.SGM 13DEN1 58684 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 13, 2017 / Notices following Minnesota drivers: Mohannad S. Alomran, Ryan M. Chesemore, Mark D. Nelson, and Louis L. Sorenson. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES IV. 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 August 24, 2017, Federal Register notice (82 FR 40221) and will not be repeated in this notice. These 51 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one to 47 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. 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 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:53 Dec 12, 2017 Jkt 244001 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. 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 51 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above: Mohannad S. Alomran (MN) Richard B. Aungier (MT) Samantha F. Austin (WY) Peter A. Baines (VA) Charles B. Blythe (NC) Robert A. Brown (NC) Joseph M. Cangialosi (NY) Ryan M. Chesemore (MN) Adam W. Clindaniel (IN) Roy S. Decker (KY) John P. Dice, Sr. (NE) Gary Downer (NH) Charles E. Ellis (KY) Jesus M. Figueroa (IL) Matthew F. Follis (IL) Laura J. Gardocki (NH) Timothy P. Gatzke (CT) Heith A. Gibbs (MO) Ralp E. Gibson (VA) Robert J. Gough (SD) Milton Green (NJ) James R. Grosso (MI) Trevor D. Hollingsworth (MA) Dwight R. James (WA) Gailen E. Jarrett (NE) Terry L. King (OR) Dennis V. Klima (KS) Nelson F. Kuney (WA) Robert J. Landers, Jr. (MA) Donald A. Launsby (NH) Jesse R. Leedom (DE) Ronald Liggins (OH) Theodore G. Lynn, III (FL) James T. McBride (GA) Charles L. McDaniel, Jr. (NH) PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Mark D. Nelson (MN) John B. Nodine (SC) Joseph D. Pawlikowski, Jr. (CO) Steven R. Post (WV) Henry A. Reyenga (CA) Jay B. Ruby (IL) Donald J. Schinner, Jr. (IN) Randy A. Shannon (MT) Brian B. Singer (ID) Louis L. Sorenson (MN) Norman M. Tello (WA) Dean T. VonHagen (IA) Thomas Windley, Jr. (CA) Joshua G. Wolfzahn (MA) Christopher T. Worsley (MA) Mark F. Yoder (IL) 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: December 6, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–26871 Filed 12–12–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0043] 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 31 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 October 20, 2017. The exemptions expire on October 20, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13DEN1.SGM 13DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58683-58684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26871]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0041]


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 51 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 September 26, 2017. The 
exemptions expire on September 26, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, [email protected], 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 August 24, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of 
applications from 51 individuals requesting an exemption from diabetes 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from the 
public (82 FR 40221). The public comment period ended on September 25, 
2017, and four 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 four comments in this proceeding. Randall Lambdin, 
Trenton Colyer, and Joe Schneider stated that they are in favor of 
granting Matthew Follis an exemption because they believe he is a safe 
driver. Vicky Johnson stated that Minnesota DVS is in favor of granting 
exemptions to the

[[Page 58684]]

following Minnesota drivers: Mohannad S. Alomran, Ryan M. Chesemore, 
Mark D. Nelson, and Louis L. Sorenson.

IV. 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 August 24, 2017, Federal 
Register notice (82 FR 40221) and will not be repeated in this notice.
    These 51 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one to 47 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.

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 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.

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 51 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above:

Mohannad S. Alomran (MN)
Richard B. Aungier (MT)
Samantha F. Austin (WY)
Peter A. Baines (VA)
Charles B. Blythe (NC)
Robert A. Brown (NC)
Joseph M. Cangialosi (NY)
Ryan M. Chesemore (MN)
Adam W. Clindaniel (IN)
Roy S. Decker (KY)
John P. Dice, Sr. (NE)
Gary Downer (NH)
Charles E. Ellis (KY)
Jesus M. Figueroa (IL)
Matthew F. Follis (IL)
Laura J. Gardocki (NH)
Timothy P. Gatzke (CT)
Heith A. Gibbs (MO)
Ralp E. Gibson (VA)
Robert J. Gough (SD)
Milton Green (NJ)
James R. Grosso (MI)
Trevor D. Hollingsworth (MA)
Dwight R. James (WA)
Gailen E. Jarrett (NE)
Terry L. King (OR)
Dennis V. Klima (KS)
Nelson F. Kuney (WA)
Robert J. Landers, Jr. (MA)
Donald A. Launsby (NH)
Jesse R. Leedom (DE)
Ronald Liggins (OH)
Theodore G. Lynn, III (FL)
James T. McBride (GA)
Charles L. McDaniel, Jr. (NH)
Mark D. Nelson (MN)
John B. Nodine (SC)
Joseph D. Pawlikowski, Jr. (CO)
Steven R. Post (WV)
Henry A. Reyenga (CA)
Jay B. Ruby (IL)
Donald J. Schinner, Jr. (IN)
Randy A. Shannon (MT)
Brian B. Singer (ID)
Louis L. Sorenson (MN)
Norman M. Tello (WA)
Dean T. VonHagen (IA)
Thomas Windley, Jr. (CA)
Joshua G. Wolfzahn (MA)
Christopher T. Worsley (MA)
Mark F. Yoder (IL)

    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: December 6, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-26871 Filed 12-12-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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