Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 66441-66442 [2019-26189]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 4, 2019 / Notices 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 seven 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 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. IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the seven applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The seven 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 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:17 Dec 03, 2019 Jkt 250001 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 November and are discussed below. As of November 6, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following four individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Christopher Bird (OH) Ronald Bohr (IA) Joseph D’Angelo (NY) Craig Lasecki (WI) The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA–2011–0389; FMCSA– 2013–0107; and FMCSA–2016–0011. Their exemptions are applicable as of November 6, 2019, and will expire on November 6, 2021. As of November 14, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following three individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Gary J. Gress (PA); Kenneth Lewis (NC); and Sean Moran (MA). The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2017–0181. Their exemptions are applicable as of November 14, 2019, and will expire on November 14, 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 § 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 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66441 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 seven 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: November 26, 2019. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2019–26186 Filed 12–3–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–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 final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 and will expire on the dates provided below. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04DEN1.SGM 04DEN1 66442 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 4, 2019 / Notices 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: 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. 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 Docket Operations 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. 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES II. Background On October 1, 2019, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 (84 FR 52157). The public comment period ended on October 31, 2019, and no comments were received. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:17 Dec 03, 2019 Jkt 250001 achieved by complying with § 391.41(b)(8). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in § 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 in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. IV. Conclusion Based on its evaluation of the 10 renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8). As of September 2, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), Daniel Maben (MI) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (84 FR 52157). This driver was included in docket number FMCSA–2017–0180. The 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 (84 FR 52157): 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– 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. PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2015–0117. Their exemptions are applicable as of September 12, 2019, and will expire on September 12, 2021. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 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. Issued on: November 26, 2019. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2019–26189 Filed 12–3–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–1999–5578; FMCSA– 1999–5748; FMCSA–2000–7165; FMCSA– 2000–7918; FMCSA–2003–15892; FMCSA– 2004–17984; FMCSA–2005–20560; FMCSA– 2005–21711; FMCSA–2007–29019; FMCSA– 2008–0021; FMCSA–2009–0086; FMCSA– 2009–0121; FMCSA–2009–0154; FMCSA– 2009–0206; FMCSA–2010–0161; FMCSA– 2011–0057; FMCSA–2011–0124; FMCSA– 2011–0141; FMCSA–2013–0025; FMCSA– 2013–0027; FMCSA–2013–0029; FMCSA– 2014–0300; FMCSA–2014–0304; FMCSA– 2015–0048; FMCSA–2015–0052; FMCSA– 2015–0055; FMCSA–2015–0056; FMCSA– 2016–0377; FMCSA–2017–0017; FMCSA– 2017–0020; FMCSA–2017–0022; FMCSA– 2017–0023] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 79 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye. DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided below. SUMMARY: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\04DEN1.SGM 04DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 233 (Wednesday, December 4, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66441-66442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26189]


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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 final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 
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 and will expire on the dates provided 
below.

[[Page 66442]]


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. 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 Docket Operations 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. 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 October 1, 2019, FMCSA published a notice announcing its 
decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 (84 FR 
52157). The public comment period ended on October 31, 2019, and no 
comments were received.
    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 Sec.  391.41(b)(8).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy 
found in Sec.  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 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding.

IV. Conclusion

    Based on its evaluation of the 10 renewal exemption applications, 
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the 
epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in Sec.  391.41(b)(8).
    As of September 2, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), Daniel Maben (MI) has satisfied the renewal conditions 
for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders 
prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (84 FR 52157).
    This driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2017-0180. The 
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 (84 FR 
52157):

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.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid 
for 2 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.

    Issued on: November 26, 2019.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019-26189 Filed 12-3-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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