Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), 52159-52160 [2019-21282]

Download as PDF 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 52160 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Notices 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. jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES II. Background On May 22, 2019, FMCSA published a FR notice (84 FR 23632) announcing receipt of applications from three individuals treated with ICDs and requested comments from the public. These three individuals requested an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4) which prohibits operation of a 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, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive heart failure. The public comment period closed on June 21, 2019, and no comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and concluded that granting these exemptions would not provide a level of safety that would be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with § 391.41(b)(4). A summary of each applicant’s medical history related to their ICD exemption request was discussed in the May 22, 2019, Federal Register notice and will not be repeated here. The Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on information from the Cardiovascular Medical Advisory Criteria, an April 2007 evidence report titled ‘‘Cardiovascular Disease and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety,’’ 1 and a December 2014 focused research report titled ‘‘Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and the Impact of a Shock in a Patient When Deployed.’’ Copies of these reports are included in the docket. 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.2 The advisory criteria for § 391.41(b)(4) indicates that coronary artery bypass surgery and pacemaker 1 The reports are available on the internet at https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/16462; https:// rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21199. 2 These criteria may be found in 49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section D. Cardiovascular: § 391.41(b)(4), paragraph 4, which is available on the internet at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5part391-appA.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 Sep 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 implantation are remedial procedures and thus, not medically disqualifying. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are disqualifying due to risk of syncope. Issued on: September 25, 2019. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. III. Discussion of Comments BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. IV. Basis for Exemption Determination 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 Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on an individualized assessment of each applicant’s medical information, available medical and scientific data concerning ICDs, and any relevant public comments received. In the case of persons with ICDs, the underlying condition for which the ICD was implanted places the individual at high risk for syncope or other unpredictable events known to result in gradual or sudden incapacitation. ICDs may discharge, which could result in loss of ability to safely control a CMV. The December 2014 focused research report referenced previously upholds the findings of the April 2007 report and indicates that the available scientific data on persons with ICDs and CMV driving does not support that persons with ICDs who operate CMVs are able to meet an equal or greater level of safety. V. Conclusion The Agency has determined that the available medical and scientific literature and research provides insufficient data to enable the Agency to conclude that granting these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemption. Therefore, the following three applicants have been denied exemptions from the physical qualification standards in § 391.41(b)(4): Martin Carter (ME) Vincent Collelo (WI) Richard D. Siske (OH) Each applicant has, prior to this notice, received a letter of final disposition regarding his/her exemption request. Those decision letters fully outlined the basis for the denial and constitute final action by the Agency. The list published today summarizes the Agency’s recent denials as required under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4). PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2019–21282 Filed 9–30–19; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0015] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 15 individuals for an exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye. DATES: 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–2019–0015 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket? D=FMCSA-2019-0015. 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 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52159-52160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21282]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0104]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable 
Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

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

ACTION: Notice of denials.

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

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.

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 materials in the docket, contact Docket 
Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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.

[[Page 52160]]

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

    On May 22, 2019, FMCSA published a FR notice (84 FR 23632) 
announcing receipt of applications from three individuals treated with 
ICDs and requested comments from the public. These three individuals 
requested an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4) which prohibits 
operation of a 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, dyspnea, collapse, or 
congestive heart failure. The public comment period closed on June 21, 
2019, and no comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
concluded that granting these exemptions would not provide a level of 
safety that would be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of 
safety that would be obtained by complying with Sec.  391.41(b)(4). A 
summary of each applicant's medical history related to their ICD 
exemption request was discussed in the May 22, 2019, Federal Register 
notice and will not be repeated here.
    The Agency's decision regarding these exemption applications is 
based on information from the Cardiovascular Medical Advisory Criteria, 
an April 2007 evidence report titled ``Cardiovascular Disease and 
Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety,'' \1\ and a December 2014 
focused research report titled ``Implantable Cardioverter 
Defibrillators and the Impact of a Shock in a Patient When Deployed.'' 
Copies of these reports are included in the docket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The reports are available on the internet at https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/16462; https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21199.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.\2\ The advisory 
criteria for Sec.  391.41(b)(4) indicates that coronary artery bypass 
surgery and pacemaker implantation are remedial procedures and thus, 
not medically disqualifying. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators 
are disqualifying due to risk of syncope.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ These criteria may be found in 49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A 
TO PART 391--MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section D. Cardiovascular: 
Sec.  391.41(b)(4), paragraph 4, 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding.

IV. Basis for Exemption Determination

    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 Agency's decision regarding these exemption applications is 
based on an individualized assessment of each applicant's medical 
information, available medical and scientific data concerning ICDs, and 
any relevant public comments received.
    In the case of persons with ICDs, the underlying condition for 
which the ICD was implanted places the individual at high risk for 
syncope or other unpredictable events known to result in gradual or 
sudden incapacitation. ICDs may discharge, which could result in loss 
of ability to safely control a CMV. The December 2014 focused research 
report referenced previously upholds the findings of the April 2007 
report and indicates that the available scientific data on persons with 
ICDs and CMV driving does not support that persons with ICDs who 
operate CMVs are able to meet an equal or greater level of safety.

V. Conclusion

    The Agency has determined that the available medical and scientific 
literature and research provides insufficient data to enable the Agency 
to conclude that granting these exemptions would achieve a level of 
safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained 
without the exemption. Therefore, the following three applicants have 
been denied exemptions from the physical qualification standards in 
Sec.  391.41(b)(4):

Martin Carter (ME)
Vincent Collelo (WI)
Richard D. Siske (OH)

    Each applicant has, prior to this notice, received a letter of 
final disposition regarding his/her exemption request. Those decision 
letters fully outlined the basis for the denial and constitute final 
action by the Agency. The list published today summarizes the Agency's 
recent denials as required under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4).

    Issued on: September 25, 2019.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019-21282 Filed 9-30-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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