Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, 62011-62012 [2020-21682]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Notices interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. In addition, the exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was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 upon its evaluation of the 14 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–21683 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0087] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of denials. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from five 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 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:13 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 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, 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: 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-2020-0087 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 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. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366– 9826 before visiting Docket Operations. 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 April 15, 2020, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice (85 FR 21061) announcing receipt of applications from five individuals treated with ICDs and requested comments from the public. These five 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 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 62011 failure. The public comment period closed on May 15, 2020 and four comments were received. On May 19, 2020 FMCSA published a correction notice in the Federal Register (85 FR 30007) to fix an error in the April 15, 2020 notice. This correction notice extended the comment period for an additional 30 days until June 15, 2020 and there were no additional comments received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and concluded that granting these five exemption requests 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 April 15, 2020 and May 19, 2020, Federal Register notices 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,’’ and a December 2014 focused research report titled ‘‘Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and the Impact of a Shock in a Patient When Deployed.’’ 1 Copies of these reports are included in the docket for this notice. FMCSA has published Medical 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 Medical Advisory Criteria for § 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. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received four comments in this proceeding. Two of the four commenters were favorable towards the applicants continuing to drive CMVs with ICDs. Another commenter indicated that the cost and overall safety impact of granting an exemption to an individual who has an ICD would result 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. E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 62012 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Notices in financial loss for the company if the individual has a crash and causes a casualty. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety commented that there was no record of a CDL driver in Minnesota by the name of Theodore J. Engelke. In response to the comments, FMCSA believes that a driver with an ICD is at risk for incapacitation if the device discharges. This risk is combined with the risks associated with the underlying cardiovascular condition for which the ICD was implanted either as a primary or secondary preventive measure. In the correction notice discussed above, the State of Domicile for Mr. Theodore J. Engelke was changed from Minnesota to Wisconsin. exemption. Therefore, the following five applicants have been denied exemptions from the physical qualification standards in § 391.41(b)(4): Cory Brister (MS) Christopher K. Chrestman (MS) Theodore J. Engelke (WI) Charles Michaux (CA) John Warner (CO) 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). 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 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 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 discussed earlier 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. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:13 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 [FR Doc. 2020–21682 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD–2020–0125] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel OSPREY (Safe Boat); Invitation for Public Comments Maritime Administration, DOT. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.build requirements of the coastwise trade laws to allow the carriage of no more than twelve passengers for hire on vessels, which are three years old or more. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. DATES: Submit comments on or before November 2, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Number MARAD–2020–0125 by any one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Search MARAD–2020–0125 and follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management Facility is in the West Building, Ground Floor of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Docket Management Facility location address is: U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD–2020–0125, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12–140, Washington, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Note: If you mail or hand-deliver your comments, we recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and specific docket number. All comments received will be posted without change to the docket at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on submitting comments, see the section entitled Public Participation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Russell Haynes, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W23–461, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202– 366–3157, Email Russell.Haynes@ dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant, the intended service of the vessel OSPREY is: —Intended Commercial Use of Vessel: ‘‘Water safety and rescue, marine environment monitoring.’’ — Geographic Region Including Base of Operations: ‘‘Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii’’ (Base of Operations: Escondido, CA). —Vessel Length and Type: 27′ safe boat. The complete application is available for review identified in the DOT docket as MARAD–2020–0125 at https:// www.regulations.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 12121 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388, that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the vessel name, state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in section 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. Public Participation How do I submit comments? Please submit your comments, including the attachments, following the instructions provided under the above E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 191 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62011-62012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21682]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2020-0087]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable 
Cardioverter Defibrillator

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

ACTION: Notice of denials.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to deny applications from five 
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-2020-0087 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 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. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 
366-9317 or (202) 366-9826 before visiting Docket Operations.

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 April 15, 2020, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice (85 FR 
21061) announcing receipt of applications from five individuals treated 
with ICDs and requested comments from the public. These five 
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 May 15, 
2020 and four comments were received. On May 19, 2020 FMCSA published a 
correction notice in the Federal Register (85 FR 30007) to fix an error 
in the April 15, 2020 notice. This correction notice extended the 
comment period for an additional 30 days until June 15, 2020 and there 
were no additional comments received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
concluded that granting these five exemption requests 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 April 15, 2020 and May 
19, 2020, Federal Register notices 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,'' and a December 2014 focused 
research report titled ``Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and 
the Impact of a Shock in a Patient When Deployed.'' \1\ Copies of these 
reports are included in the docket for this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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 Medical 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 Medical 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 four comments in this proceeding. Two of the four 
commenters were favorable towards the applicants continuing to drive 
CMVs with ICDs. Another commenter indicated that the cost and overall 
safety impact of granting an exemption to an individual who has an ICD 
would result

[[Page 62012]]

in financial loss for the company if the individual has a crash and 
causes a casualty. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety commented 
that there was no record of a CDL driver in Minnesota by the name of 
Theodore J. Engelke.
    In response to the comments, FMCSA believes that a driver with an 
ICD is at risk for incapacitation if the device discharges. This risk 
is combined with the risks associated with the underlying 
cardiovascular condition for which the ICD was implanted either as a 
primary or secondary preventive measure. In the correction notice 
discussed above, the State of Domicile for Mr. Theodore J. Engelke was 
changed from Minnesota to Wisconsin.

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 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 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 discussed earlier 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 five applicants have 
been denied exemptions from the physical qualification standards in 
Sec.  391.41(b)(4):

Cory Brister (MS)
Christopher K. Chrestman (MS)
Theodore J. Engelke (WI)
Charles Michaux (CA)
John Warner (CO)

    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).

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-21682 Filed 9-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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