Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 42417-42419 [2023-13984]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
For
general information about the project,
please contact J. Taylor Johnson, NEPA
Compliance Specialist, by mail at 1101
Market Street, BR 2C–C, Chattanooga,
Tennessee 37402, by email at nepa@
tva.gov, or by phone at 423–751–2732.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The
Cheatham County Generation Site
(CHG) would generate approximately
900 Megawatts (MW) and replace
generation capacity for a portion of the
Cumberland Fossil Plant (CUF) second
unit retirement planned by the end of
2028. The CHG CTs would be composed
of multiple natural gas-fired frame CTs
and natural gas-fired and oil-fired (i.e.,
dual-fuel) Aeroderivative CTs. CHG
would provide flexible and dispatchable
transmission grid support and facilitate
the integration of renewable generation
onto the TVA bulk transmission system,
consistent with the 2019 Integrated
Resource Plan. TVA is inviting public
comment concerning the scope of the
EIS, alternatives being considered, and
environmental issues that should be
addressed as a part of this EIS.
On May 19, 2023, TVA published a
Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS to
address the potential environmental
impacts associated with the proposed
construction and operation of a simple
cycle Combustion Turbine (CT) plant
and Battery Energy Storage System
(BESS) on a parcel of TVA-owned land
in Cheatham County, Tennessee. On
June 20, 2023, TVA extended the public
comment period to June 27, 2023 (88 FR
39903). On June 21, 2023, TVA held a
public open house. Due to public
interest and multiple requests, TVA is
extending the public comment period
until July 7, 2023. The extension will
allow the public more time after the
June 21st open house to provide their
written comments. The TVA website
listed above contains relevant
information about the proposed project.
TVA urges the public to review this
information on the website prior to
submitting comments.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Susan Jacks,
General Manager, Environmental Resource
Compliance.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
[FR Doc. 2023–13963 Filed 6–29–23; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
Notice of Intent To Rule on Request To
Release Airport Property at the Dona
Ana County International Jetport,
Santa Teresa, New Mexico; Correction
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure
Disorders
Notice; correction.
The Federal Aviation
Administration published a document
in the Federal Register of March 20,
2023, concerning request for comments
on specifications for the notice of intent
to rule on request to release airport
property at the Dona Ana County
International Jetport, Santa Teresa, New
Mexico. The document contained
incorrect acreage in the supplementary
information.
SUMMARY:
Ms.
Heidi Higginbotham, Program Manager,
Federal Aviation Administration,
Louisiana/New Mexico Airports District
Office, Telephone (817) 222–5144.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Correction
In the Federal Register of March 20,
2023, in FR Doc. 2023–05548, on page
16709, in the second column, correct
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION caption
to read:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The County of Dona Ana requests the
release of 12.027 acres of land requested
which consists of two parcels of vacant land
with a combined land area. Parcel #1
contains 11.95 acres and is triangular. Parcel
#2 contains 0.077-acres and is triangular. The
land was acquired by Deed conveyed to the
city from the United States of America
Bureau of Land Management Section 23 of
the Airport and Airway development Act of
1970. The land proposed for release will be
swapped for 5.68 acres by Paseo Del Norte,
LLC. The property to be released will
ultimately be sold to Franklin Mountain for
the development of a logistics park. The
benefit to civil aviation has long-term
impacts from the logistics park with plans to
construct an air cargo handling facility.
[FR Doc. 2023–13443 Filed 6–29–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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[Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0355; FMCSA–
2011–0089; FMCSA–2014–0382; FMCSA–
2015–0323; FMCSA–2018–0057; FMCSA–
2019–0028; FMCSA–2019–0029; FMCSA–
2021–0025]
AGENCY:
D. Cameron Bryan,
Acting Director, Office of Airports, Southwest
Region.
BILLING CODE 8120–08–P
42417
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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 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 stated in
the discussions below. Comments must
be received on or before July 31, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No.
FMCSA–2008–0355, Docket No.
FMCSA–2011–0089, Docket No.
FMCSA–2014–0382, Docket No.
FMCSA–2015–0323, Docket No.
FMCSA–2018–0057, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0028, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0029, or Docket No.
FMCSA–2021–0025 using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2008–0355, FMCSA–
2011–0089, FMCSA–2014–0382,
FMCSA–2015–0323, FMCSA–2018–
0057, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0029, or FMCSA–2021–0025) 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
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM
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42418
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Hand Delivery: West Building
Ground Floor, 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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,
Washington, DC 20590–0001, (202) 366–
4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. 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:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
I. Public Participation
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0355,
Docket No. FMCSA–2011–0089, Docket
No. FMCSA–2014–0382, Docket No.
FMCSA–2015–0323, Docket No.
FMCSA–2018–0057, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0028, Docket No.
FMCSA–2019–0029, or Docket No.
FMCSA–2021–0025), 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–2008–0355, FMCSA–
2011–0089, FMCSA–2014–0382,
FMCSA–2015–0323, FMCSA–2018–
0057, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0029, or FMCSA–2021–0025) 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:33 Jun 29, 2023
Jkt 259001
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. 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–2008–0355, FMCSA–
2011–0089, FMCSA–2014–0382,
FMCSA–2015–0323, FMCSA–2018–
0057, FMCSA–2019–0028, FMCSA–
2019–0029, or FMCSA–2021–0025) 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 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 49 U.S.C.
31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption
request. 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 (Federal Docket Management
System), which can be reviewed at
https://www.transportation.gov/
individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are
searchable by the name of the submitter.
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
statutes also allow the Agency to renew
exemptions at the end of the 5-year
period. However, 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
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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 10 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 10 applicants
has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition. The 10 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
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.
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ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
factors provide an adequate basis for
predicting each driver’s ability to
continue to safely operate a CMV in
interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA
concludes that extending the exemption
for each renewal applicant for a period
of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of
safety equal to that existing without the
exemption.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), the following groups of
drivers received renewed exemptions in
the month of July and are discussed
below.
As of July 5, 2023, and in accordance
with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b),
the following two individuals have
satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate
CMV drivers:
Alan Finlayson (AL); and Stephen
Harmon (WV).
The drivers were included in docket
number FMCSA–2015–0323 or FMCSA–
2019–0029. Their exemptions are
applicable as of July 5, 2023 and will
expire on July 5, 2025.
As of July 12, 2023, and in accordance
with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b),
the following seven individuals have
satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate
CMV drivers:
Prince Austin, Jr. (OH)
Frank Cekovic (PA)
Martin Ford (MS)
David Johnston (MN)
Enrico Mucci (PA)
Charles Skelton (AL)
Kevin Wiggins (KY)
The drivers were included in docket
number FMCSA–2008–0355, FMCSA–
2011–0089, FMCSA–2014–0382,
FMCSA–2018–0057, or FMCSA–2019–
0028. Their exemptions are applicable
as of July 12, 2023 and will expire on
July 12, 2025.
As of July 30, 2023, and in accordance
with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b),
Charles Anthony (ND) has satisfied the
renewal conditions for obtaining an
exemption from the epilepsy and
seizure disorders prohibition in the
FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers.
The driver was included in docket
number FMCSA–2021–0025. Their
exemption is applicable as of July 30,
2023 and will expire on July 30, 2025.
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
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19:33 Jun 29, 2023
Jkt 259001
2-year exemption period; (2) each driver
must submit annual reports from their
treating physicians attesting to the
stability of treatment and that the driver
has remained seizure-free; (3) each
driver must undergo an annual medical
examination by a certified ME, as
defined by § 390.5; and (4) each driver
must provide a copy of the annual
medical certification to the employer for
retention in the driver’s qualification
file, or keep a copy of his/her driver’s
qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a
copy of the exemption when driving, for
presentation to a duly authorized
Federal, State, or local enforcement
official. The exemption will be
rescinded if: (1) the person fails to
comply with the terms and conditions
of the exemption; (2) the exemption has
resulted in a lower level of safety than
was maintained before it was granted; or
(3) continuation of the exemption would
not be consistent with the goals and
objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b).
VI. Preemption
During the period the exemption is in
effect, no State shall enforce any law or
regulation that conflicts with this
exemption with respect to a person
operating under the exemption.
VII. Conclusion
Based on its evaluation of the 10
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. 2023–13984 Filed 6–29–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0033]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure
Disorders
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces its
decision to exempt 17 individuals from
the requirement in the Federal Motor
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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 operate CMVs in
interstate commerce.
The exemptions were applicable
on June 21, 2023. The exemptions
expire on June 21, 2025.
DATES:
Ms.
Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical
Programs Division, FMCSA, DOT, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,
Washington, DC 20590–0001, (202) 366–
4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Public Participation
A. Viewing Comments
To view comments go to
www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number, (FMCSA–2023–0033) in the
keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ 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 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.
B. Privacy Act
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
SUMMARY:
42419
In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption
requests. 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 (Federal Docket Management
System), which can be reviewed at
https://www.transportation.gov/
individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are
searchable by the name of the submitter.
E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 125 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42417-42419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-13984]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2008-0355; FMCSA-2011-0089; FMCSA-2014-0382; FMCSA-
2015-0323; FMCSA-2018-0057; FMCSA-2019-0028; FMCSA-2019-0029; FMCSA-
2021-0025]
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 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 stated in
the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before July 31,
2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No. FMCSA-2008-0355, Docket No. FMCSA-2011-
0089, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0382, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0323, Docket
No. FMCSA-2018-0057, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0028, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-
0029, or Docket No. FMCSA-2021-0025 using any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/,
insert the docket number (FMCSA-2008-0355, FMCSA-2011-0089, FMCSA-2014-
0382, FMCSA-2015-0323, FMCSA-2018-0057, FMCSA-2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-
0029, or FMCSA-2021-0025) 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
[[Page 42418]]
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.
Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, 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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room
W64-224, Washington, DC 20590-0001, (202) 366-4001,
[email protected]. 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-2008-0355, Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0089, Docket
No. FMCSA-2014-0382, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0323, Docket No. FMCSA-2018-
0057, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0028, Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0029, or Docket
No. FMCSA-2021-0025), 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-2008-0355, FMCSA-2011-0089, FMCSA-2014-0382,
FMCSA-2015-0323, FMCSA-2018-0057, FMCSA-2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-0029, or
FMCSA-2021-0025) 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. 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-2008-0355, FMCSA-2011-0089, FMCSA-2014-0382, FMCSA-2015-
0323, FMCSA-2018-0057, FMCSA-2019-0028, FMCSA-2019-0029, or FMCSA-2021-
0025) 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 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 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption request. 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 (Federal Docket Management System), which can be
reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices, the comments are searchable by the name of
the submitter.
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 statutes also allow the Agency to renew exemptions at
the end of the 5-year period. However, 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 10 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 10
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an
exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The 10
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
[[Page 42419]]
factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability
to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Therefore,
FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant
for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to
that existing without the exemption.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of July and
are discussed below.
As of July 5, 2023, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following two individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:
Alan Finlayson (AL); and Stephen Harmon (WV).
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2015-0323 or
FMCSA-2019-0029. Their exemptions are applicable as of July 5, 2023 and
will expire on July 5, 2025.
As of July 12, 2023, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:
Prince Austin, Jr. (OH)
Frank Cekovic (PA)
Martin Ford (MS)
David Johnston (MN)
Enrico Mucci (PA)
Charles Skelton (AL)
Kevin Wiggins (KY)
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2008-0355, FMCSA-
2011-0089, FMCSA-2014-0382, FMCSA-2018-0057, or FMCSA-2019-0028. Their
exemptions are applicable as of July 12, 2023 and will expire on July
12, 2025.
As of July 30, 2023, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), Charles Anthony (ND) has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers.
The driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2021-0025. Their
exemption is applicable as of July 30, 2023 and will expire on July 30,
2025.
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 10 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. 2023-13984 Filed 6-29-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P