Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 52735-52737 [2021-20454]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 22, 2021 / Notices
received will be posted without change.
Persons submitting comments are
cautioned that we do not redact or edit
personal identifying information from
comment submissions.
You should submit only information
that you wish to make available
publicly. All submissions should refer
to File Number SR–EMERALD–2021–28
and should be submitted on or before
October 13, 2021.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.27
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021–20452 Filed 9–21–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 11543]
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information
Collection: Electronic Choice of
Address and Agent
Notice of request for public
comment and submission to OMB of
proposed collection of information.
ACTION:
The Department of State has
submitted the information collection
described below to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
approval. In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we
are requesting comments on this
collection from all interested
individuals and organizations. The
purpose of this Notice is to allow 30
days for public comment.
DATES: Submit comments up to October
22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Direct requests for additional
information regarding the collection
listed in this notice, including requests
for copies of the proposed collection
instrument, and supporting documents,
to A. Lages at PRA_BurdenComments@
state.gov or (202) 485–7586.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
• Title of Information Collection:
Electronic Choice of Address and Agent.
27 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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16:44 Sep 21, 2021
Jkt 253001
• OMB Control Number: 1405–0186.
• Type of Request: Extension of a
Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: CA/VO.
• Form Number: DS–261.
• Respondents: Beneficiaries of
approved immigrant visa petitions.
• Estimated Number of Respondents:
11,000.
• Estimated Number of Responses:
11,000.
• Average Time per Response: 10
minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 1,833
hours.
• Frequency: On Occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to
Obtain or Retain a Benefit.
We are soliciting public comments to
permit the Department to:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
information collection is necessary for
the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our
estimate of the time and cost burden for
this proposed collection, including the
validity of the methodology and
assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on
those who are to respond, including the
use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information
technology.
Please note that comments submitted
in response to this Notice are public
record. Before including any detailed
personal information, you should be
aware that your comments as submitted,
including your personal information,
will be available for public review.
Abstract of Proposed Collection
The DS–261 allows the beneficiary of
an approved and current immigrant visa
petition to provide the Department with
his or her preferred email address,
which will be used for communications
with the beneficiary. The DS–261 also
allows the beneficiary to appoint an
agent to receive mailings from the
National Visa Center (NVC) and assist in
the filing of various application forms
and/or paying the required fees. The
beneficiary is not required to appoint an
agent but must provide current contact
information. All cases will be held at
NVC until the DS–261 is electronically
submitted to the Department.
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52735
Methodology
Applicants will complete the form
online and submit it electronically to
the Department.
Julie M. Stufft,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Consular Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2021–20472 Filed 9–21–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2011–0389; FMCSA–
2012–0050; FMCSA–2014–0381; FMCSA–
2015–0117; FMCSA–2016–0008; FMCSA–
2019–0028; FMCSA–2019–0030; FMCSA–
2019–0031]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure
Disorders
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of renewal of
exemptions; request for comments.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces its
decision to renew exemptions for 13
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: The exemptions are applicable
on September 30, 2021. The exemptions
expire on September 30, 2023.
Comments must be received on or
before October 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No.
FMCSA–2011–0389, Docket No.
FMCSA–2012–0050, Docket No.
FMCSA–2014–0381, Docket No.
FMCSA–2015–0117, Docket No.
FMCSA–2016–0008, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0028, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0030, or Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0031 using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket
number, FMCSA–2011–0389, FMCSA–
2012–0050, FMCSA–2014–0381,
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\22SEN1.SGM
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52736
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 22, 2021 / Notices
FMCSA–2015–0117, FMCSA–2016–
0008, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0030, or FMCSA–2019–0031 in
the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’
Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted
(Newer-Older),’’ choose the first notice
listed, and click on the ‘‘Comment’’
button. Follow the online instructions
for submitting comments.
• Mail: Dockets 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
20590–0001 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, DOT,
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 Dockets 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–2011–0389,
Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0050, Docket
No. FMCSA–2014–0381, Docket No.
FMCSA–2015–0117, Docket No.
FMCSA–2016–0008, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0028, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0030, or Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0031), 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
www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:44 Sep 21, 2021
Jkt 253001
number, FMCSA–2011–0389, FMCSA–
2012–0050, FMCSA–2014–0381,
FMCSA–2015–0117, FMCSA–2016–
0008, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0030, or FMCSA–2019–0031 in
the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’
Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted
(Newer-Older),’’ choose the first notice
listed, click the ‘‘Comment’’ 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 Comments
To view comments go to
www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number, FMCSA–2011–0389, FMCSA–
2012–0050, FMCSA–2014–0381,
FMCSA–2015–0117, FMCSA–2016–
0008, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0030, or FMCSA–2019–0031 in
the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’
Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted
(Newer-Older),’’ choose the first notice
listed, and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If
you do not have access to the internet,
you may view the docket online by
visiting Dockets Operations in Room
W12–140 on the ground floor of the
DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–
0001, 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 Dockets
Operations.
C. Privacy Act
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c),
DOT solicits comments from the public
to better inform its regulatory 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.transportation.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
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Sfmt 4703
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 in
determining whether drivers with
certain medical conditions are qualified
to operate a CMV in interstate
commerce.
The 13 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.
IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), each of the 13 applicants
has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition. The 13 drivers in this
notice remain in good standing with the
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\22SEN1.SGM
22SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 22, 2021 / Notices
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.
As of September 30, 2021, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following 13 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 Brock (CO)
Gary Cox (TX)
Douglas Day (IN)
Tina Farmer (PA)
Jim Hughes (WA)
David Kietzman (WI)
Brian Kinkade (MO)
Charles McCarthy (MA)
Ryan Moore (NC)
Tye Moore (TN)
William Rainer, III (TX)
Jerel Sayers (ID)
The drivers were included in docket
number FMCSA–2011–0389, FMCSA–
2012–0050, FMCSA–2014–0381,
FMCSA–2015–0117, FMCSA–2016–
0008, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0030, or FMCSA–2019–0031.
Their exemptions are applicable as of
September 30, 2021 and will expire on
September 30, 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:44 Sep 21, 2021
Jkt 253001
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 13
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.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021–20454 Filed 9–21–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2021–0125]
Parts and Accessories Necessary for
Safe Operation; Application for an
Exemption From Keep Truckin, Inc.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA),
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of application for
exemption; request for comments.
AGENCY:
FMCSA requests public
comment on an application for
exemption from Keep Truckin, Inc.
(KeepTruckin) to allow its AI Dashcam
system, which is equipped with
cameras, to be mounted lower in the
windshield on commercial motor
vehicles than is currently permitted.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before October 22, 2021.
SUMMARY:
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52737
You may submit comments
identified by Docket Number FMCSA–
2021–0125 using any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/search/
docket?filter=FMCSA-2021-0125.
• 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 or Courier: Dockets
Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, West Building, Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC
20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
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 Dockets
Operations.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Jose´ R. Cestero, Vehicle and Roadside
Operations Division, Office of Carrier,
Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC–PSV,
(202) 366–5541, Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–
0001. If you have questions on viewing
or submitting material to the docket, call
Dockets Operations at (202) 366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
I. Public Participation and Request for
Comments
FMCSA encourages you to participate
by submitting comments and related
materials.
Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
notice (FMCSA 2021–0125), indicate the
specific section of this document to
which the 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 FMCSA can
contact you if there are questions
regarding your submission.
To submit your comment online, go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
search?filter=FMCSA-2021-0125, look
for the reviewed document and click on
the ‘‘Comment’’ button. 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.
E:\FR\FM\22SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52735-52737]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20454]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0389; FMCSA-2012-0050; FMCSA-2014-0381; FMCSA-
2015-0117; FMCSA-2016-0008; FMCSA-2019-0028; FMCSA-2019-0030; FMCSA-
2019-0031]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and
Seizure Disorders
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 13
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: The exemptions are applicable on September 30, 2021. The
exemptions expire on September 30, 2023. Comments must be received on
or before October 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0389, Docket No. FMCSA-
2012-0050, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0381, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0117,
Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0008, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0028, Docket No.
FMCSA-2019-0030, or Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0031 using any of the
following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/,
insert the docket number, FMCSA-2011-0389, FMCSA-2012-0050, FMCSA-2014-
0381,
[[Page 52736]]
FMCSA-2015-0117, FMCSA-2016-0008, FMCSA-2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-0030, or
FMCSA-2019-0031 in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort
the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice
listed, and click on the ``Comment'' button. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Dockets 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 20590-0001 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,
DOT, 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 Dockets
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-2011-0389, Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0050, Docket
No. FMCSA-2014-0381, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0117, Docket No. FMCSA-2016-
0008, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0028, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0030, or Docket
No. FMCSA-2019-0031), 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 www.regulations.gov/, insert
the docket number, FMCSA-2011-0389, FMCSA-2012-0050, FMCSA-2014-0381,
FMCSA-2015-0117, FMCSA-2016-0008, FMCSA-2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-0030, or
FMCSA-2019-0031 in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort
the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice
listed, click the ``Comment'' 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 Comments
To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number, FMCSA-2011-0389, FMCSA-2012-0050, FMCSA-2014-0381, FMCSA-2015-
0117, FMCSA-2016-0008, FMCSA-2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-0030, or FMCSA-2019-
0031 in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort the results
by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice listed, and click
``Browse Comments.'' If you do not have access to the internet, you may
view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12-140
on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, 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
Dockets Operations.
C. Privacy Act
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the
public to better inform its regulatory 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.transportation.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 in determining whether drivers
with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in
interstate commerce.
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\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.
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The 13 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.
IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 13
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an
exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The 13
drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the
[[Page 52737]]
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.
As of September 30, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), the following 13 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 Brock (CO)
Gary Cox (TX)
Douglas Day (IN)
Tina Farmer (PA)
Jim Hughes (WA)
David Kietzman (WI)
Brian Kinkade (MO)
Charles McCarthy (MA)
Ryan Moore (NC)
Tye Moore (TN)
William Rainer, III (TX)
Jerel Sayers (ID)
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2011-0389, FMCSA-
2012-0050, FMCSA-2014-0381, FMCSA-2015-0117, FMCSA-2016-0008, FMCSA-
2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-0030, or FMCSA-2019-0031. Their exemptions are
applicable as of September 30, 2021 and will expire on September 30,
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 13 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.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-20454 Filed 9-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P