Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Application; Narcolepsy, 60953-60954 [2018-25848]

Download as PDF amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 27, 2018 / Notices received, to include both pre-CDL and post-CDL training. FMCSA Response: FMCSA agrees that this information should be requested, and has updated data collection forms to reflect these items. However, FMCSA will not preclude a carrier from participation for not providing these details if other requirements are met. 13. Consider a formal review process for motor carriers who temporarily fall out of compliance with the pilot program requirements and want to reenter the program. FMCSA Response: Carriers who fall out of compliance with the pilot program requirements will be dealt with on an individual basis depending on several factors, including evaluating the severity of their lapse of compliance. 14. Allow for carriers to report driver infractions (e.g., failure of a drug test, crashes, violations, etc.) in one business day as opposed to one 24-hour period. FMCSA Response: FMCSA does not agree that one business day is the correct time frame for reporting these infractions; however, FMCSA has clarified that they should be reported within one day of the carrier being informed of any of these infractions. Commenters Opposed to the Pilot Program: Of the 14 commenters who were against the pilot program, 13 comments were submitted by individuals, while one comment was submitted by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates). Several commenters mentioned general knowledge that younger drivers tend to be less safe than older drivers. One commenter mentioned concern over the potential for younger drivers to be treated harshly by the industry, and several mentioned a lack of experience that would be concerning. Advocates additionally recommended requiring both the use of an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and the use of an OnBoard Monitoring System (OBMS). FMCSA Response: For those commenters who expressed concern due to immaturity and lack of experience of younger drivers, FMCSA reiterates that the pilot program will have stringent participation criteria which includes military training that exceeds most entry-level driver training programs as well as military experience operating a heavy vehicle that is comparable to a CMV. Participants must be trained in a specific MOS which have been selected as those most closely mirroring experience with CMVs. Drivers will be required to comply with current regulations regarding ELDs, and while most CMVs are equipped with OBMS systems, FMCSA’s position is that requiring use of an OBMS would limit VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:45 Nov 26, 2018 Jkt 247001 the ability of smaller carriers to apply for the program. In an effort to not bias the sample, OBMS data will be collected from participating drivers if the vehicle they operate is already equipped with that system; however, it is not a requirement for participation. Comments Neutral towards the Pilot Program: There were three commenters who did not voice whether they supported or opposed the pilot program. These comments included one voicing concern over the industry turning away these young drivers due to the difficult nature of the industry and its lifestyle (e.g., long periods away from home), a commenter raising the need for a lot of hands on training for anyone entering the industry, and one commenter who had questions and commentary regarding expanding the pilot program, current regulations, and the practices their carrier follows. This commenter also felt the current study design was too onerous for small carriers and geared more towards large carriers. FMCSA Response: These comments were not actionable with regard to this pilot program. The FAST Act specifies who should be included in the pilot program, and the military training offers extensive classroom and behind-thewheel training prior to being certified in one of the relevant MOSs. Regarding the burden on small carriers, FMCSA has designed a study that is open to having all carriers (small, medium, and large) apply to the program, while still being able to meet the safety needs of this pilot program and collect enough data to conduct a statistically meaningful analysis. FMCSA has made several efforts to assist with reducing the burden on small carriers, such as not making OBMS data a requirement, and not requiring carriers to provide a driver for each group on a one-for-one basis. Issued under the authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87 on: November 20, 2018. G. Kelly Regal, Associate Administrator for Office of Research and Information Technology. [FR Doc. 2018–25846 Filed 11–26–18; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0320] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Application; Narcolepsy Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. AGENCY: Frm 00133 Fmt 4703 Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. ACTION: FMCSA announces receipt of an application from Mr. Terry L. Curtner for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce by persons with either a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV, or a mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a CMV safely. If granted, the exemption would enable Mr. Curtner who has been diagnosed with narcolepsy and is receiving medical treatment to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2018. DATES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–2018–0320 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public-Participation’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments. ADDRESSES: 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., ET, 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P PO 00000 60953 Sfmt 4703 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 60954 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 27, 2018 / Notices I. Public Participation amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0320), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. 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, put the docket number, FMCSA–2018–0320, in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ When the new screen appears, click on the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button and type your comment into the text box on the following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party and then submit. 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, self-addressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. B. Viewing Documents and Comments To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2018–0320, in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ button and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. C. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:45 Nov 26, 2018 Jkt 247001 the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. II. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for a five-year period 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 individual listed in this notice has requested an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) and (9). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of the applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute. The physical qualification standard for drivers 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 loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle. The physical qualification standard for drivers found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(9) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle safely. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria1 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 advisory criteria states that if an individual has had a sudden episode of a non-epileptic seizure or loss of consciousness of unknown cause that did not require anti-seizure medication, 1 See https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID= e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d97970&mc= true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn=div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391appA.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the decision whether that person’s condition is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or loss of ability to control a CMV should be made on an individual basis by the Medical Examiner in consultation with the treating physician. The advisory criteria also states that a variety of functional disorders can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, weakness or paralysis that may lead to incoordination, inattention, loss of functional control and susceptibility to accidents while driving. In those individual cases where a driver had a seizure or an episode of loss of consciousness that resulted from a known medical condition (e.g., drug reaction, high temperature, acute infectious disease, dehydration, or acute metabolic disturbance), certification should be deferred until the driver has fully recovered from that condition, has no existing residual complications, and is not taking anti-seizure medication. III. Qualifications of Applicants Terry L. Curtner Mr. Curtner, is a commercial driver in Illinois. A letter dated August 10, 2018, from Mr. Curtner’s neurologist reports that at his last July 31, 2018, follow-up evaluation, he was stable on a moderate daily dose of Nuvigil, and has not had any narcoleptic attacks or cataplexy in over 20 years. IV. 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. Issued on: November 20, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–25848 Filed 11–26–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0208] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 27, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60953-60954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25848]


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 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0320]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Application; Narcolepsy

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

ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of an application from Mr. Terry L. 
Curtner for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against operation of a commercial 
motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce by persons with either a 
clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to 
cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV, 
or a mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric 
disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a CMV 
safely. If granted, the exemption would enable Mr. Curtner who has been 
diagnosed with narcolepsy and is receiving medical treatment to operate 
CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2018-0320 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., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public-Participation'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments.

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., ET, 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: 

[[Page 60954]]

I. Public Participation

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0320), indicate the specific section of 
this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for 
each suggestion or recommendation. 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, 
put the docket number, FMCSA-2018-0320, in the keyword box, and click 
``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on the ``Comment Now!'' 
button and type your comment into the text box on the following screen. 
Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on 
behalf of a third party and then submit.
    If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them 
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ 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, 
self-addressed postcard or envelope.
    FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the 
comment period.

B. Viewing Documents and Comments

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice 
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov. 
Insert the docket number, FMCSA-2018-0320, in the keyword box, and 
click ``Search.'' Next, click the ``Open Docket Folder'' button and 
choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the 
internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the DOT West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

C. 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 www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

II. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the FMCSRs for a five-year period 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 individual listed in this notice has requested an exemption 
from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) and (9). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate 
the qualifications of the applicant to determine whether granting the 
exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by 
statute.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers 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 
loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial 
motor vehicle.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers found in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(9) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a 
CMV if that person has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional 
disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her 
ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle safely.
    In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory 
criteria\1\ 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.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d97970&mc=true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn=div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The advisory criteria states that if an individual has had a sudden 
episode of a non-epileptic seizure or loss of consciousness of unknown 
cause that did not require anti-seizure medication, the decision 
whether that person's condition is likely to cause the loss of 
consciousness or loss of ability to control a CMV should be made on an 
individual basis by the Medical Examiner in consultation with the 
treating physician. The advisory criteria also states that a variety of 
functional disorders can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, 
weakness or paralysis that may lead to incoordination, inattention, 
loss of functional control and susceptibility to accidents while 
driving.
    In those individual cases where a driver had a seizure or an 
episode of loss of consciousness that resulted from a known medical 
condition (e.g., drug reaction, high temperature, acute infectious 
disease, dehydration, or acute metabolic disturbance), certification 
should be deferred until the driver has fully recovered from that 
condition, has no existing residual complications, and is not taking 
anti-seizure medication.

III. Qualifications of Applicants

Terry L. Curtner

    Mr. Curtner, is a commercial driver in Illinois. A letter dated 
August 10, 2018, from Mr. Curtner's neurologist reports that at his 
last July 31, 2018, follow-up evaluation, he was stable on a moderate 
daily dose of Nuvigil, and has not had any narcoleptic attacks or 
cataplexy in over 20 years.

IV. 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.

    Issued on: November 20, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-25848 Filed 11-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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