Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus, 18633-18634 [2018-08922]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2018 / Notices the last five years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Vasquez understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Vasquez meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from California. Travis J. Womack Mr. Womack, 33, has had ITDM since 1993. His endocrinologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has had no severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Womack understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Womack meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator’s license from North Carolina. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES III. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated in the dates section of the notice. IV. Submitting Comments You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2018–0025 and click the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button on the right hand side of the page. On the new page, enter information required including the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:18 Apr 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and materials received during the comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after the close of the comment period. V. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this preamble, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2018–0025 and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to this notice. Issued on: April 18, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–08909 Filed 4–26–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0289] 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 26 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 March 17, 2018. The exemptions expire on March 17, 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 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00133 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18633 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 February 14, 2018, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from 26 individuals requesting an exemption from diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from the public (83 FR 6725). The public comment period ended on March 16, 2017, 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 Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) has no objections in granting exemptions to the following Minnesota drivers: Wade A. Demarais and David V. Bartel. E:\FR\FM\27APN1.SGM 27APN1 18634 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2018 / 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 February 14, 2018, Federal Register notice (83 FR 6725) and will not be repeated in this notice. These 26 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 17 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. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:18 Apr 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 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. would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. Issued on: April 18, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–08922 Filed 4–26–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0009] 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 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of denials. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from 103 individuals who requested an exemption from the vision standard in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Based upon its evaluation of the 26 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above: David V. Bartel (MN) Michael A. Brady (NH) Junior K. Brewer (NE) Marvin D. Buitt (MS) Larry E. Burchett (FL) Pasquale Cala (PA) Byron D. Christian (LA) Bryon D. Cowell (IA) Walter B. Cromwell, 3rd (NJ) Eric C. Delio (IN) Wade A. Demarais (MN) Gary D. Detwiler (CA) Willis L. Drake, Jr. (MD) Doyle J. Dreisow (WI) Anthony Episcopo (WI) Herve H. Estime (GA) Gregory A. Gruber (KS) Clifford J. Hughes (NY) Brian J. Lanzim (NJ) Michael E. Luttrell (GA) William R. Mizell (AR) Frank E. Myers, Jr. (OK) John W. Olenczak (NJ) Michael A. Randazzo (PA) Jonathan M. Trussell (TX) Raymond L. Underwood, Jr. (CT) 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 PO 00000 Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Sfmt 4703 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. E:\FR\FM\27APN1.SGM 27APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18633-18634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08922]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0289]


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 26 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 March 17, 2018. The exemptions 
expire on March 17, 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 February 14, 2018, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt 
of applications from 26 individuals requesting an exemption from 
diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from 
the public (83 FR 6725). The public comment period ended on March 16, 
2017, 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 Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) has no objections in 
granting exemptions to the following Minnesota drivers: Wade A. 
Demarais and David V. Bartel.

[[Page 18634]]

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 February 14, 2018, Federal 
Register notice (83 FR 6725) and will not be repeated in this notice.
    These 26 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 17 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 26 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above:

David V. Bartel (MN)
Michael A. Brady (NH)
Junior K. Brewer (NE)
Marvin D. Buitt (MS)
Larry E. Burchett (FL)
Pasquale Cala (PA)
Byron D. Christian (LA)
Bryon D. Cowell (IA)
Walter B. Cromwell, 3rd (NJ)
Eric C. Delio (IN)
Wade A. Demarais (MN)
Gary D. Detwiler (CA)
Willis L. Drake, Jr. (MD)
Doyle J. Dreisow (WI)
Anthony Episcopo (WI)
Herve H. Estime (GA)
Gregory A. Gruber (KS)
Clifford J. Hughes (NY)
Brian J. Lanzim (NJ)
Michael E. Luttrell (GA)
William R. Mizell (AR)
Frank E. Myers, Jr. (OK)
John W. Olenczak (NJ)
Michael A. Randazzo (PA)
Jonathan M. Trussell (TX)
Raymond L. Underwood, Jr. (CT)

    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: April 18, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-08922 Filed 4-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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