Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators, 63647-63648 [2020-22310]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 196 / Thursday, October 8, 2020 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES No. 108 allows rear turn signals to be either red or amber in color. The study concluded that amber signals show a 5.3 percent effectiveness in reducing involvement in two-vehicle crashes where a lead vehicle is rear-struck in the act of turning left, turning right, merging into traffic, changing lanes, or entering/ leaving a parking space. The advantage of amber, compared to red, rear turn signals was shown to be statistically significant. FMCSA acknowledges the concerns of VDOT, CVSA and other commenters that flashing, rotating, or pulsating red lamps are generally permitted only on emergency vehicles. FMCSA notes that Police and other State authorized emergency vehicles utilize high intensity, constantly flashing, rotating or pulsating red lamps visible from all directions on the vehicle and that continuously operate when activated. The amber or red brake-activated pulsating lamps requested by NTTC are visible only to the rear of the tanker trailer, and are similar in lamp intensity and flash rate of the vehicle’s standard rear hazard warning lamps system currently allowed by the regulations. At the same time, however, the Agency agrees with TCA and NTTC that the 33.7 percent reduction in rear-end crashes documented by Groendyke between January 1, 2015, and July 31, 2017, for its trailers that had been equipped with the additional lights is both persuasive and compelling, given the magnitude of the rear-end crash population. FMCSA believes that this real-world experience, along with the FMCSA and NHTSA research programs that demonstrated the ability of alternative rear signaling systems to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes, is sufficient to conclude that the implementation of red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp in the upper center position or in an upper dual outboard position on the rear of the trailers, in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the regulations, is likely to provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption. Terms and Conditions for the Exemption The Agency hereby grants the exemption for a 5-year period, beginning October 8, 2020 and ending October 8, 2025. During the temporary exemption period, motor carriers operating tank trailers will be allowed to install a red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp in the upper center Reducing Rear Impacts; Report No. DOT HS 811 115, Washington, DC (April 2009). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Oct 07, 2020 Jkt 253001 position or in an upper dual outboard position on the rear of the trailers, in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the FMCSRs. The exemption will be valid for 5 years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) Motor carriers operating tank trailers fail 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). Interested parties possessing information that would demonstrate that motor carriers operating tank trailers use of a red or amber brakeactivated pulsating lamp in the upper center position or in an upper dual outboard position on the rear of the trailers, in addition to the steadyburning brake lamps required by the FMCSRs, is not achieving the requisite statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any such information and, if safety is being compromised or if the continuation of the exemption is not consistent with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption. Preemption In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31313(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 381.600, during the period this exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption. States may, but are not required to, adopt the same exemption with respect to operations in intrastate commerce. James W. Deck, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2020–22233 Filed 10–7–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 63647 Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. ACTION: FMCSA announces receipt of an application from two individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 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. If granted, the exemption would enable these individuals with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2020. DATES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–2020–0189 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0189. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Operations; 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. ADDRESSES: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Operations, (202) 366–9826. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0189] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1 63648 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 196 / Thursday, October 8, 2020 / Notices I. Public Participation A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0189), 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 https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0189. 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 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/ docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0189 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. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Oct 07, 2020 Jkt 253001 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 2year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The individuals listed in this notice have requested an exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute. The physical qualification standard found in § 391.41(b)(4) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no 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 cardiac failure. 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. The advisory criteria states that ICDs are disqualifying due to risk of syncope. III. Qualifications of Applicant Thomas O. Adams, Jr. Mr. Adams, Jr. is a CMV driver in Virginia. A June 19, 2020, letter from his cardiologist reports that his ICD was implanted in March of 2020, that he has received no shocks since implantation, and his heart condition is stable with further testing scheduled. Louis Ronquillo Mr. Ronquillo is a CMV driver in California. A July 2020, letter from his cardiologist reports that his ICD was 1 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. PO 00000 Frm 00149 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 implanted in 2013 and that he has been asymptomatic and stable over the past seven years. He has not had any ICD shocks or arrhythmias. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petition described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated under the DATES section of the notice. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–22310 Filed 10–7–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0178] Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a CurrentlyApproved Information Collection Request: Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers of Passengers and Motor Carriers of Property Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. The information collected will be used to help ensure that motor carriers of passengers and property maintain appropriate levels of financial responsibility to operate on public highways. SUMMARY: We must receive your comments on or before December 7, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket Number FMCSA–2020–0178 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. DATES: E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 196 (Thursday, October 8, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63647-63648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22310]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2020-0189]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable 
Cardioverter Defibrillators

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of an application from two individuals 
for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against operation of a commercial motor 
vehicle (CMV) 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. If 
granted, the exemption would enable these individuals with an 
implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to operate a CMV in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2020-0189 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0189. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Operations; 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:

[[Page 63648]]

I. Public Participation

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2020-0189), 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 https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0189. 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/docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0189 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.
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 individuals listed in this notice have requested an exemption 
from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the 
qualifications of the applicants to determine whether granting the 
exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by 
statute.
    The physical qualification standard found in Sec.  391.41(b)(4) 
states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that 
person has no 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 cardiac failure.
    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. The advisory criteria states that ICDs are 
disqualifying due to risk of syncope.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 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.
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III. Qualifications of Applicant

Thomas O. Adams, Jr.

    Mr. Adams, Jr. is a CMV driver in Virginia. A June 19, 2020, letter 
from his cardiologist reports that his ICD was implanted in March of 
2020, that he has received no shocks since implantation, and his heart 
condition is stable with further testing scheduled.

Louis Ronquillo

    Mr. Ronquillo is a CMV driver in California. A July 2020, letter 
from his cardiologist reports that his ICD was implanted in 2013 and 
that he has been asymptomatic and stable over the past seven years. He 
has not had any ICD shocks or arrhythmias.

Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA requests 
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petition 
described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before 
the close of business on the closing date indicated under the DATES 
section of the notice.

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-22310 Filed 10-7-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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