Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 52157-52159 [2019-21280]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Notices The members of RSTAC receive no compensation for their services and are required to provide for the expenses incidental to their service, including travel expenses. Currently, RSTAC members have elected to submit annual dues to pay for RSTAC expenses. RSTAC members must be citizens of the United States and represent as broadly as practicable the various segments of the railroad and rail shipper industries. They may not be full-time employees of the United States. According to revised guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, it is permissible for federally registered lobbyists to serve on advisory committees, such as RSTAC, as long as they do so in a representative capacity, rather than an individual capacity. See Revised Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to Fed. Advisory Comms., Bds., & Comm’ns, 79 FR 47482 (Aug. 13, 2014). Members of RSTAC are appointed to serve in a representative capacity. Each RSTAC member is appointed for a term of three years. A member may serve after the expiration of his or her term until a successor has taken office. No member will be eligible to serve in excess of two consecutive terms. Due to the upcoming expiration of two members’ second terms, two large shipper representative vacancies will exist on RSTAC. Suggestions for candidates to fill the vacancies should be submitted in letter form, identifying the name of the candidate, providing a summary of why the candidate is qualified to serve on RSTAC, and containing a representation that the candidate is willing to serve as an RSTAC member effective immediately upon appointment. RSTAC candidate suggestions should be filed with the Board by October 31, 2019. Members selected to serve on RSTAC are chosen at the discretion of the Board Chairman. Please note that submissions will be posted on the Board’s website under Docket No. EP 526 (Sub-No. 13) and can also be obtained by contacting the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at RCPA@ stb.gov or (202) 245–0238. jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1325. Decided: September 26, 2019. By the Board, Allison C. Davis, Director, Office of Proceedings. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2019–21270 Filed 9–30–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 Sep 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2019–0772] Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a New Approval of Information Collection: Pilot Reports (PIREP) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The collection involves an aircraft pilot’s voluntary submission of weather conditions that were encountered while in flight. The information to be collected is necessary because Pilot Report (PIREP) Solicitation and Dissemination has been identified by the ATO as one of the Top 5 hazards in the National Airspace System (NAS). For certain weather conditions, PIREPs are the only means of confirmation that forecasted conditions are occurring. The FAA 7110–2 PIREP Form is a guide to assist pilots in submitting Pilot Weather Reports into the NAS. DATES: Written comments should be submitted by November 30, 2019. ADDRESSES: Please send written comments: By Electronic Docket: www.regulations.gov (Enter docket number into search field). By mail: Federal Aviation Administration, Mail Stop AJR–B1, 800 Independence Ave SW, Suite 300 W, Washington, DC 20591. By fax: 202–267–6310. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Helwig by email at: michael.helwig@faa.gov; phone: 202– 267–1666. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for FAA’s performance; (b) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (c) ways for FAA to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (d) ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include your PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52157 comments in the request for OMB’s clearance of this information collection. OMB Control Number: 2120–XXXX. Title: Pilot Reports (PIREP). Form Numbers: FAA 7110–2. Type of Review: New information collection. Background: The guidance for collecting PIREP information is contained in FAAO 7110. 10, Flight Service, of which System Operations Services (AJR) is the office of primary responsibility. Respondents: Pilots, as of 9/21/19, 53,976 PIREPs have been entered in the NAS. Frequency: On occasion, depending on the weather conditions encountered. Estimated Average Burden per Response: 2–3 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden: <1 hour per respondent. Issued in Washington, DC, on September, 26, 2019. Michael C. Artist, Vice President, System Operations Services, Air Traffic Organization. [FR Doc. 2019–21257 Filed 9–30–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0355; FMCSA– 2012–0050; FMCSA–2013–0106; FMCSA– 2014–0214; FMCSA–2014–0381; FMCSA– 2015–0115; FMCSA–2015–0117; FMCSA– 2017–0180] 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: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for ten 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: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 52158 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Notices and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before October 31, 2019. You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0355, Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0050, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0106, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0214, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0381, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0115, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0117, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0180. • 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: (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, 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 Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: I. Public Participation jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0355, Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0050, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0106, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0214, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0381, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0115, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0117, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0180), 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 Sep 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 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–2008–0355; FMCSA–2012–0050; FMCSA–2013– 0106; FMCSA–2014–0214; FMCSA– 2014–0381; FMCSA–2015–0115; FMCSA–2015–0117; FMCSA–2017– 0180, 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–2008–0355; FMCSA–2012–0050; FMCSA–2013– 0106; FMCSA–2014–0214; FMCSA– 2014–0381; FMCSA–2015–0115; FMCSA–2015–0117; FMCSA–2017– 0180, 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– PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. II. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-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 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2year 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 1 to assist medical examiners (MEs) in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The ten individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in § 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 2-year period. III. 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(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. 1 These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5, which is available on the internet at https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/ CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Notices IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the ten applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The ten 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 2-year exemption period. In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency. 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 2 years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of September and are discussed below. As of September 2, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following individual has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV driver: Daniel Maben (MI). The driver was included in docket number FMCSA–2017–0180. Their exemption is applicable as of September 2, 2019, and will expire on September 2, 2021. As of September 12, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following nine individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Ronald Boogay (NJ) Todd W. Brock (CO) Jason Kirkham (WI) Ivan M. Martin (PA) Charles A. McCarthy, III (MA) Douglas S. Slagel (OH) Cory R. Wagner (IL) Timothy M. Zahratka (MN) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2008–0355; FMCSA– 2012–0050; FMCSA–2013–0106; VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 Sep 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 52159 FMCSA–2014–0214; FMCSA–2014– 0381; FMCSA–2015–0115; FMCSA– 2015–0117. Their exemptions are applicable as of September 12, 2019, and will expire on September 12, 2021. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION V. Conditions and Requirements Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment during the 2-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 ME, as defined by § 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 selfemployed. 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(b). 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 on its evaluation of the ten exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: September 25, 2019. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2019–21280 Filed 9–30–19; 8:45 am] Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 [Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0104] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of denials. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from three individuals treated with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) who requested an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) prohibiting operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce by persons with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope (transient loss of consciousness), dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive heart failure. 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 materials in the docket, contact Docket Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Public Participation A. 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/docket? D=FMCSA-2019-0104 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. B. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P PO 00000 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52157-52159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21280]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2008-0355; FMCSA-2012-0050; FMCSA-2013-0106; FMCSA-
2014-0214; FMCSA-2014-0381; FMCSA-2015-0115; FMCSA-2015-0117; FMCSA-
2017-0180]


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 ten 
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: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates 
stated in the discussions below

[[Page 52158]]

and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments 
must be received on or before October 31, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2008-0355, Docket No. FMCSA-
2012-0050, Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0106, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0214, 
Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0381, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0115, Docket No. 
FMCSA-2015-0117, Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0180.
     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: (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 Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2008-0355, Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0050, Docket 
No. FMCSA-2013-0106, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0214, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-
0381, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0115, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0117, Docket 
No. FMCSA-2017-0180), 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-2008-0355; FMCSA-2012-0050; FMCSA-2013-
0106; FMCSA-2014-0214; FMCSA-2014-0381; FMCSA-2015-0115; FMCSA-2015-
0117; FMCSA-2017-0180, 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-2008-0355; FMCSA-2012-0050; FMCSA-2013-
0106; FMCSA-2014-0214; FMCSA-2014-0381; FMCSA-2015-0115; FMCSA-2015-
0117; FMCSA-2017-0180, 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(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-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 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the 
FMCSRs for a 2-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 \1\ to assist medical examiners (MEs) in determining whether 
drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV 
in interstate commerce.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO PART 391--
MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: Sec.  391.41(b)(8), 
paragraphs 3, 4, and 5, which is available on the internet at 
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ten individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 
Sec.  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 2-year period.

III. 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(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

[[Page 52159]]

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the ten 
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The ten 
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 2-year exemption period. In addition, for 
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver's 
License Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information 
System are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, 
the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver's 
Licensing Agency. 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 2 years is likely 
to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of September 
and are discussed below.
    As of September 2, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following individual has satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure 
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV driver: Daniel 
Maben (MI).
    The driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2017-0180. Their 
exemption is applicable as of September 2, 2019, and will expire on 
September 2, 2021.
    As of September 12, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following nine individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure 
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Ronald Boogay (NJ)
Todd W. Brock (CO)
Jason Kirkham (WI)
Ivan M. Martin (PA)
Charles A. McCarthy, III (MA)
Douglas S. Slagel (OH)
Cory R. Wagner (IL)
Timothy M. Zahratka (MN)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2008-0355; FMCSA-
2012-0050; FMCSA-2013-0106; FMCSA-2014-0214; FMCSA-2014-0381; FMCSA-
2015-0115; FMCSA-2015-0117. Their exemptions are applicable as of 
September 12, 2019, and will expire on September 12, 2021.

V. 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 2-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 ME, as defined by Sec.  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(b).

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 on its evaluation of the ten exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the epilepsy 
and seizure disorders prohibition in Sec.  391.41(b)(8). In accordance 
with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 
2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: September 25, 2019.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019-21280 Filed 9-30-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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