Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 6700-6701 [2018-03046]

Download as PDF 6700 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 14, 2018 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0235] 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 27 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 January 11, 2018. The exemptions expire on January 11, 2020. 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: SUMMARY: daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:07 Feb 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 II. Background On December 11, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from 27 individuals requesting an exemption from diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from the public (82 FR 58253). The public comment period ended on January 10, 2018, and one comment was 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 one comment in this proceeding. Vicky Johnson stated that Minnesota Department of Public Safety is in favor of granting exemptions to the following Minnesota drivers: Guy K. Paquette and Joseph M. Pellish, Jr. 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 December 11, 2017, Federal Register notice (82 FR 58253) and will not be repeated in this notice. These 27 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one to 31 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 PO 00000 Frm 00194 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 27 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above: Larry L. Alirez (NM) Samuel L. Boothe (MO) Edward C. Carlson (MA) E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 14, 2018 / Notices Andrew W. Carstens (IN) Timothy R. Conaway (DE) Ronald E. Cope, Sr. (TN) Jeffrey Dockhorn (NJ) Elias O. Eniade (MO) Michael L. Evans (IN) Billy E. Hickman, Jr. (MO) Lejuan K. Holmes (TX) Roy J. McDonald (NY) Michael D. Mook (IA) Nathon J. Owens (IN) Guy K. Paquette (MN) Robert C. Payne (VA) Lyle S. Pearson (IL) Joseph M. Pellish, Jr. (MN) Daniel R. Plecki (IL) Victor H. Pulgarin-Gomez (NJ) Stephen D. Reintsma (IA) Charles W. Wakefield (MS) John L. Whitehead, Jr. (TN) Keith L. Wilson (WI) Adam J. Writz (ID) Rave Y. Yarron (MD) Willie C. Young (TX) 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: February 7, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–03046 Filed 2–13–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0058] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 91 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on December 26, 2017. The exemptions expire on December 26, 2019. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:07 Feb 13, 2018 Jkt 244001 6701 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: use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5–1951. 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). 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. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. Don Lefeve, President and CEO of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) wrote opposing over the road training of hearing-impaired individuals, pointing out the Safety Risks and the Liability it poses, and in addition expressed concerns for the far reaching ramifications of allowing deaf or hard of hearing drivers to test, train and/or drive commercially and concerns regarding the process by which hearing exemptions are granted from parts 49 CFR 394.41. FMCSA acknowledges CVTA’s concerns and a response to these comments will be published in a subsequent notice. Ira Levinson, a hearing exemption applicant wrote inquiring when he may expect to receive his exemption. II. Background On October 11, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from 91 individuals requesting an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (FR 82 47294). The public comment period ended on November 13, 2017 and two comments were 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)(11). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to driver a CMV if that person first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by PO 00000 Frm 00195 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) 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 current medical information and literature, and the 2008 Evidence Report, ‘‘Executive Summary on Hearing, Vestibular Function and Commercial Motor Driving Safety.’’ The evidence report reached two conclusions regarding the matter of hearing loss and CMV driver safety: (1) No studies that examined the relationship between hearing loss and crash risk exclusively among CMV drivers were identified; and (2) evidence from studies of the private driver’s license holder population does not support the contention that individuals with hearing impairment are at an increased risk for a crash. In addition, the Agency reviewed each applicant’s driving record found in the Commercial E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 14, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6700-6701]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03046]



[[Page 6700]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0235]


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 27 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 January 11, 2018. The 
exemptions expire on January 11, 2020.

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 December 11, 2017, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt 
of applications from 27 individuals requesting an exemption from 
diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from 
the public (82 FR 58253). The public comment period ended on January 
10, 2018, and one comment was 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 one comment in this proceeding. Vicky Johnson stated 
that Minnesota Department of Public Safety is in favor of granting 
exemptions to the following Minnesota drivers: Guy K. Paquette and 
Joseph M. Pellish, Jr.

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 December 11, 2017, Federal 
Register notice (82 FR 58253) and will not be repeated in this notice.
    These 27 applicants have had ITDM over a range of one to 31 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 27 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above:

Larry L. Alirez (NM)
Samuel L. Boothe (MO)
Edward C. Carlson (MA)

[[Page 6701]]

Andrew W. Carstens (IN)
Timothy R. Conaway (DE)
Ronald E. Cope, Sr. (TN)
Jeffrey Dockhorn (NJ)
Elias O. Eniade (MO)
Michael L. Evans (IN)
Billy E. Hickman, Jr. (MO)
Lejuan K. Holmes (TX)
Roy J. McDonald (NY)
Michael D. Mook (IA)
Nathon J. Owens (IN)
Guy K. Paquette (MN)
Robert C. Payne (VA)
Lyle S. Pearson (IL)
Joseph M. Pellish, Jr. (MN)
Daniel R. Plecki (IL)
Victor H. Pulgarin-Gomez (NJ)
Stephen D. Reintsma (IA)
Charles W. Wakefield (MS)
John L. Whitehead, Jr. (TN)
Keith L. Wilson (WI)
Adam J. Writz (ID)
Rave Y. Yarron (MD)
Willie C. Young (TX)

    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: February 7, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-03046 Filed 2-13-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.