Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 34670-34671 [2018-15578]
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34670
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 140 / Friday, July 20, 2018 / Notices
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 15, 2018, FMCSA
published a notice announcing its
decision to renew exemptions for five
individuals from the epilepsy and
seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(8) to operate a CMV in
interstate commerce and requested
comments from the public (FR 83 6927).
The public comment period ended on
March 19, 2018, and no comments were
received.
As stated in the previous notice,
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of
these applicants and determined that
renewing these exemptions 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)(8).
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.]
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this
preceding.
IV. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the five
renewal exemption applications,
FMCSA announces its’ decision to
exempt the following drivers from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8):
As of December 23, 2017, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following five individuals
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:06 Jul 19, 2018
Jkt 244001
have satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate
CMV drivers (83 FR 6927):
Gary Freeman (AL)
Aaron Gillette (SD)
David L. Kestner (VA)
Chad B. Smith (MA)
Trever A. Williams (MN)
The drivers were included in docket
numbers FMCSA–2006–25854;
FMCSA–2013–0108; FMCSA–2014–
0382. Their exemptions are applicable
as of December 23, 2017, and will expire
on December 23, 2019.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 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 and
31315.
Issued on: July 13, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018–15576 Filed 7–19–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0443]
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 five
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.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00135
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
The exemptions were applicable
on May 19, 2018. The exemptions
expire on May 19, 2020. Comments
must be received on or before August
20, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
bearing the Federal Docket Management
System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–
2013–0443 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., e.t., 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
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.
DATES:
Ms.
Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical
Programs Division, 202–366–4001,
fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
E:\FR\FM\20JYN1.SGM
20JYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 140 / Friday, July 20, 2018 / Notices
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. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
FMCSA may grant an exemption for five
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 five-year period. FMCSA grants
exemptions from the FMCSRs for a twoyear period to align with the maximum
duration of a driver’s medical
certification.
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 five 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
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
Interested parties or organizations
possessing information that would
otherwise show that any, or all, of these
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:06 Jul 19, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, each of the five applicants
has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition. The five 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. 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. Therefore, FMCSA
concludes that extending the exemption
for each renewal applicant for a period
of two years is likely to achieve a level
of safety equal to that existing without
the exemption.
As of May 19, 2018, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following five individuals
have satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate
CMV drivers:
Thomas Bynum (NC)
Ronald A. Hartl (WI)
Craig Hoisington (NH)
Michael W. Miller (WI)
Peter M. Thompson (FL)
The drivers were included in docket
number FMCSA–2013–0443. Their
PO 00000
Frm 00136
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
34671
exemptions are applicable as of May 19,
2018, and will expire on May 19, 2020.
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
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 five
exemption applications, FMCSA renews
the exemptions of the aforementioned
drivers from the epilepsy and seizure
disorders prohibition 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: July 13, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018–15578 Filed 7–19–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
E:\FR\FM\20JYN1.SGM
20JYN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 140 (Friday, July 20, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34670-34671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15578]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0443]
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 five
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 exemptions were applicable on May 19, 2018. The exemptions
expire on May 19, 2020. Comments must be received on or before August
20, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0443 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., e.t., 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
Medical Programs Division, 202-366-4001, [email protected], FMCSA,
Department of Transportation, 1200
[[Page 34671]]
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. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption
for five 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 five-year period. FMCSA
grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-year period to align with
the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification.
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 five 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
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the five
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an
exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The five
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. 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. Therefore, FMCSA concludes
that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of
two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing
without the exemption.
As of May 19, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following five individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:
Thomas Bynum (NC)
Ronald A. Hartl (WI)
Craig Hoisington (NH)
Michael W. Miller (WI)
Peter M. Thompson (FL)
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2013-0443. Their
exemptions are applicable as of May 19, 2018, and will expire on May
19, 2020.
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 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 five exemption applications, FMCSA
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the epilepsy
and seizure disorders prohibition 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: July 13, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-15578 Filed 7-19-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P