82_FR_13230 82 FR 13185 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

82 FR 13185 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 45 (March 9, 2017)

Page Range13185-13187
FR Document2017-04643

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt nine 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 operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13185-13187]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04643]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0008]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt nine individuals from 
the requirement in the Federal

[[Page 13186]]

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 operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions were effective on December 21, 2016. The 
exemptions will expire on December 21, 2018.

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. 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have 
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Electronic Access

    You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document 
Management System (FDMS) at: http://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12-140 on the 
ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    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 http://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at http://www.dot.gov/privacy.

II. Background

    On November 17, 2016, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt 
of applications from nine individuals requesting an exemption from the 
epilepsy prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) and requested comments from 
the public (81 FR 81233). The public comment period ended on December 
19, 2016, and one comment was received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that granting exemptions to these individuals would achieve 
a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be 
achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8).
    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. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391--MEDICAL 
ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: Sec.  391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 
3, 4, and 5.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d97970&mc=true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn=div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf.
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III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received one comment from Shenella Carlisle, in this 
preceding, who cited information from a 2004 article from the American 
Academy of Neurology regarding the relative low crash risk of 
individuals who have seizures or epilepsy. She believes that an 
individual's primary care provider, who is familiar with the 
individual's history and treatment plan, is best suited to decide his 
or her vehicle crash risk.

IV. Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) if the 
exemption is likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety 
than would be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the 
applicants to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    In reaching the decision to grant these exemption requests, FMCSA 
considered the 2007 recommendations of the Agency's Medical Expert 
Panel (MEP). The January 15, 2013, Federal Register notice (78 FR 3069) 
provides the current MEP recommendations which is the criteria the 
Agency uses to grant seizure exemptions.
    The Agency's decision regarding these exemption applications is 
based on an individualized assessment of each applicant's medical 
information, including the root cause of the respective seizure(s) and 
medical information about the applicant's seizure history, the length 
of time that has elapsed since the individual's last seizure, the 
stability of each individual's treatment regimen and the duration of 
time on or off of anti-seizure medication. In addition, the Agency 
reviewed the treating clinician's medical opinion related to the 
ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV with a history of seizure 
and each applicant's driving record found in the Commercial Driver's 
License Information System (CDLIS) for commercial driver's license 
(CDL) holders, and interstate and intrastate inspections recorded in 
the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). For non-CDL 
holders, the Agency reviewed the driving records from the State 
Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA).
    These nine applicants have been seizure-free over a range of 10 to 
32 years while taking anti-seizure medication and maintained a stable 
medication treatment regimen for the last two years. In each case, the 
applicant's treating physician verified his or her seizure history and 
supports the ability to drive commercially.
    A summary of each applicant's seizure history was discussed in the 
November 17, 2016, Federal Register notice (81 FR 81233) and will not 
be repeated in this notice.
    The Agency acknowledges the potential consequences of a driver 
experiencing a seizure while operating a CMV. However, the Agency 
believes the drivers granted this exemption have demonstrated that they 
are unlikely to have a seizure and their medical condition does not 
pose a risk to public safety.
    Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these 
applicants from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) is 
likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the 
applicants in the exemption document and includes the following: (1) 
Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment 
during the two-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 Medical

[[Page 13187]]

Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 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.

V. 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.

VI. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the nine exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the epilepsy/seizure standard, 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements cited above:

Mark Beery (PA)
Douglas Cantwell (TN)
Mark McDaniel (IL)
Ronnie Moody (NC)
Tye Moore (IN)
Jack Porcellini (PA)
Jeffrey Rathman (CO)
Douglas Simms Jr. (NC)
Tara Van Horn (PA)
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), each exemption is valid 
for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be 
revoked if the following occurs: (1) The individual fails to comply 
with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has 
resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained prior to being 
granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent 
with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315.

    Issued on: March 3, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-04643 Filed 3-8-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices                                                  13185

                                                    the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                      safety should immediately notify                      two-year exemption period; (2) each
                                                    Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                   FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any                   driver must submit annual reports from
                                                    a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through                   adverse evidence submitted and, if                    their treating physicians attesting to the
                                                    Friday, except Federal holidays. The                    safety is being compromised or if                     stability of treatment and that the driver
                                                    FDMS is available 24 hours each day,                    continuation of the exemption would                   has remained seizure-free; (3) each
                                                    365 days each year. If you want                         not be consistent with the goals and                  driver must undergo an annual medical
                                                    acknowledgment that we received your                    objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and                  examination by a certified Medical
                                                    comments, please include a self-                        31315, FMCSA will take immediate                      Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5;
                                                    addressed, stamped envelope or                          steps to revoke the exemption of a                    and (4) each driver must provide a copy
                                                    postcard or print the acknowledgement                   driver.                                               of the annual medical certification to
                                                    page that appears after submitting                                                                            the employer for retention in the
                                                                                                            III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
                                                    comments online.                                                                                              driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy
                                                       Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                       Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an                    of his/her driver’s qualification file if
                                                    U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments                    exemption may be granted for no longer                he/she is self-employed. The driver
                                                    from the public to better inform its                    than two years from its approval date                 must also have a copy of the exemption
                                                    rulemaking process. DOT posts these                     and may be renewed upon application.                  when driving, for presentation to a duly
                                                    comments, without edit, including any                   In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)                 authorized Federal, State, or local
                                                    personal information the commenter                      and 31315, the applicant has satisfied                enforcement official. The exemption
                                                    provides, to http://www.regulations.gov,                the conditions for obtaining an                       will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails
                                                    as described in the system of records                   exemption from the Epilepsy and                       to comply with the terms and
                                                    notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can                     Seizure Disorder requirements and were                conditions of the exemption; (2) the
                                                    be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/                      published in the Federal Register (78                 exemption has resulted in a lower level
                                                    privacy.                                                FR 67449). In addition, for Commercial                of safety than was maintained before it
                                                                                                            Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the                   was granted; or (3) continuation of the
                                                    I. Background                                           Commercial Driver’s License                           exemption would not be consistent with
                                                       Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,                  information System (CDLIS) and the                    the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C.
                                                    FMCSA may grant an exemption for two                    Motor Carrier Management Information                  31136(e) and 31315.
                                                    years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would                System (MCMIS) are searched for crash
                                                    likely achieve a level of safety that is                and violation data. For non-CDL                       V. Preemption
                                                    equivalent to or greater than the level                 holders, the Agency reviews the driving                  During the period the exemption is in
                                                    that would be achieved absent such                      records from the State Driver’s                       effect, no State shall enforce any law or
                                                    exemption.’’ The statute also allows the                Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors                regulation that conflicts with this
                                                    Agency to renew exemptions at the end                   provide an adequate basis for predicting              exemption with respect to a person
                                                    of the two-year period.                                 each driver’s ability to continue to                  operating under the exemption.
                                                       The physical qualification standard                  safely operate a CMV in interstate
                                                    for drivers regarding epilepsy found in                                                                       VI. Conclusion
                                                                                                            commerce.
                                                    49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person                   The driver in this notice remains in                 Based upon its evaluation of this
                                                    is physically qualified to drive a CMV                  good standing with the Agency, has                    exemption application, FMCSA renews
                                                    if that person:                                         maintained his medical monitoring and                 the exemption of the aforementioned
                                                       Has no established medical history or                has not exhibited any medical issues                  driver from the Epilepsy and Seizure
                                                    clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other             that would compromise his ability to                  Disorders requirement in 49 CFR 391.41
                                                    condition which is likely to cause the loss of          safely operate a CMV during the                       (b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
                                                    consciousness or any loss of ability to control         previous two-year exemption period.                   31136(e) and 31315, each exemption
                                                    a CMV.                                                  FMCSA has concluded that renewing                     will be valid for two years unless
                                                       In addition to the regulations, FMCSA                the exemption for this applicant is                   revoked earlier by FMCSA.
                                                    has published advisory criteria to assist               likely to achieve a level of safety equal               Issued on: February 28, 2017.
                                                    Medical Examiners in determining                        to that existing without the exemption.               Larry W. Minor,
                                                    whether drivers with certain medical                    Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew                 Associate Administrator for Policy.
                                                    conditions are qualified to operate a                   the exemption for a two-year period. In
                                                                                                                                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–04679 Filed 3–8–17; 8:45 am]
                                                    CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR                     accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
                                                                                                                                                                  BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                    part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391—                       31315, this driver has received a
                                                    MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA,                              renewed exemption.
                                                    section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8),                       As of January 12, 2016, Lyle Trimm
                                                                                                                                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                    paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.]                                (NJ) has satisfied the renewal conditions
                                                       The individual listed in this notice                 for obtaining an exemption from the                   Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                    has requested renewal of his exemption                  Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders                        Administration
                                                    from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders                 prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), from
                                                    prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in                  driving CMVs in interstate commerce                   [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0008]
                                                    accordance with FMCSA procedures.                       (78 FR 67449).
                                                                                                                                                                  Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
                                                    Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated the                       This driver was included in FMCSA–
                                                                                                                                                                  Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    application for renewal on its merits                   2013–0107. This exemption is effective
                                                                                                                                                                  Disorders
                                                    and decided to extend the exemption for                 on January 12, 2016, and will expire on
                                                    a renewable two-year period.                            January 12, 2018.                                     AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                    II. Request for Comments                                IV. Conditions and Requirements                       Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
                                                                                                                                                                  ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
                                                       Interested parties or organizations                    The exemptions are extended subject
                                                    possessing information that would                       to the following conditions: (1) Each                 SUMMARY:  FMCSA announces its
                                                    otherwise show that this driver is not                  driver must remain seizure-free and                   decision to exempt nine individuals
                                                    currently achieving the statutory level of              maintain a stable treatment during the                from the requirement in the Federal


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:43 Mar 08, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00097   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\09MRN1.SGM   09MRN1


                                                    13186                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices

                                                    Motor Carrier Safety Regulations                        granting exemptions to these                          individualized assessment of each
                                                    (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial                     individuals would achieve a level of                  applicant’s medical information,
                                                    motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ‘‘no                   safety equivalent to or greater than the              including the root cause of the
                                                    established medical history or clinical                 level that would be achieved by                       respective seizure(s) and medical
                                                    diagnosis of epilepsy or any other                      complying with the current regulation                 information about the applicant’s
                                                    condition which is likely to cause loss                 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8).                                  seizure history, the length of time that
                                                    of consciousness or any loss of ability to                 The physical qualification standard                has elapsed since the individual’s last
                                                    control a CMV.’’ The exemptions enable                  for drivers regarding epilepsy found in               seizure, the stability of each individual’s
                                                    these individuals who have had one or                   49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person              treatment regimen and the duration of
                                                    more seizures and are taking anti-                      is physically qualified to drive a CMV                time on or off of anti-seizure
                                                    seizure medication to operate CMVs in                   if that person:                                       medication. In addition, the Agency
                                                    interstate commerce.                                       Has no established medical history or              reviewed the treating clinician’s
                                                    DATES: The exemptions were effective                    clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other           medical opinion related to the ability of
                                                    on December 21, 2016. The exemptions                    condition which is likely to cause the loss of        the driver to safely operate a CMV with
                                                    will expire on December 21, 2018.                       consciousness or any loss of ability to control       a history of seizure and each applicant’s
                                                                                                            a CMV.                                                driving record found in the Commercial
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                                    Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical                       In addition to the regulations, FMCSA               Driver’s License Information System
                                                    Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,                      has published advisory criteria 1 to                  (CDLIS) for commercial driver’s license
                                                    fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,                            assist medical examiners in determining               (CDL) holders, and interstate and
                                                    Department of Transportation, 1200                      whether drivers with certain medical                  intrastate inspections recorded in the
                                                    New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64–                        conditions are qualified to operate a                 Motor Carrier Management Information
                                                    224, Washington, DC 20590–0001.                         CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR                   System (MCMIS). For non-CDL holders,
                                                    Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.               part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391—                     the Agency reviewed the driving records
                                                    e.t., Monday through Friday, except                     MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA,                            from the State Driver’s Licensing
                                                    Federal holidays. If you have questions                 section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8),                  Agency (SDLA).
                                                    regarding viewing or submitting                         paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.]                                 These nine applicants have been
                                                    material to the docket, contact Docket                                                                        seizure-free over a range of 10 to 32
                                                                                                            III. Discussion of Comments                           years while taking anti-seizure
                                                    Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.
                                                                                                               FMCSA received one comment from                    medication and maintained a stable
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                            Shenella Carlisle, in this preceding, who             medication treatment regimen for the
                                                    I. Electronic Access                                    cited information from a 2004 article                 last two years. In each case, the
                                                       You may see all the comments online                  from the American Academy of                          applicant’s treating physician verified
                                                    through the Federal Document                            Neurology regarding the relative low                  his or her seizure history and supports
                                                    Management System (FDMS) at: http://                    crash risk of individuals who have                    the ability to drive commercially.
                                                    www.regulations.gov.                                    seizures or epilepsy. She believes that                  A summary of each applicant’s
                                                       Docket: For access to the docket to                  an individual’s primary care provider,                seizure history was discussed in the
                                                    read background documents or                            who is familiar with the individual’s                 November 17, 2016, Federal Register
                                                    comments, go to http://                                 history and treatment plan, is best                   notice (81 FR 81233) and will not be
                                                    www.regulations.gov and/or Room                         suited to decide his or her vehicle crash             repeated in this notice.
                                                    W12–140 on the ground level of the                      risk.                                                    The Agency acknowledges the
                                                    West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue                                                                         potential consequences of a driver
                                                                                                            IV. Basis for Exemption Determination                 experiencing a seizure while operating a
                                                    SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
                                                    and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday,                   Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and                        CMV. However, the Agency believes the
                                                    except Federal holidays.                                31315(b), FMCSA may grant an                          drivers granted this exemption have
                                                       Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                    exemption from the epilepsy/seizure                   demonstrated that they are unlikely to
                                                    U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments                    standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) if the                have a seizure and their medical
                                                    from the public to better inform its                    exemption is likely to achieve an                     condition does not pose a risk to public
                                                    rulemaking process. DOT posts these                     equivalent or greater level of safety than            safety.
                                                    comments, without edit, including any                   would be achieved without the                            Consequently, FMCSA finds that in
                                                    personal information the commenter                      exemption. The exemption allows the                   each case exempting these applicants
                                                    provides, to http://www.regulations.gov,                applicants to operate CMVs in interstate              from the epilepsy/seizure standard in 49
                                                    as described in the system of records                   commerce.                                             CFR 391.41(b)(8) is likely to achieve a
                                                    notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can                       In reaching the decision to grant these             level of safety equal to that existing
                                                    be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/                      exemption requests, FMCSA considered                  without the exemption.
                                                    privacy.                                                the 2007 recommendations of the
                                                                                                                                                                  IV. Conditions and Requirements
                                                                                                            Agency’s Medical Expert Panel (MEP).
                                                    II. Background                                          The January 15, 2013, Federal Register                  The terms and conditions of the
                                                       On November 17, 2016, FMCSA                          notice (78 FR 3069) provides the current              exemption are provided to the
                                                    published a notice announcing receipt                   MEP recommendations which is the                      applicants in the exemption document
                                                    of applications from nine individuals                   criteria the Agency uses to grant seizure             and includes the following: (1) Each
                                                                                                                                                                  driver must remain seizure-free and
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    requesting an exemption from the                        exemptions.
                                                    epilepsy prohibition in 49 CFR                            The Agency’s decision regarding these               maintain a stable treatment during the
                                                    391.41(b)(8) and requested comments                     exemption applications is based on an                 two-year exemption period; (2) each
                                                    from the public (81 FR 81233). The                                                                            driver must submit annual reports from
                                                    public comment period ended on                             1 See http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=    their treating physicians attesting to the
                                                    December 19, 2016, and one comment                      e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d9                          stability of treatment and that the driver
                                                                                                            7970&mc=true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn
                                                    was received.                                           =div5#ap49.5.391_171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/
                                                                                                                                                                  has remained seizure-free; (3) each
                                                       FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility                  fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-         driver must undergo an annual medical
                                                    of these applicants and determined that                 title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf.                        examination by a certified Medical


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices                                             13187

                                                    Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5;                   SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces receipt of                 from the public to better inform its
                                                    and (4) each driver must provide a copy                 applications from 18 individuals for                  rulemaking process. DOT posts these
                                                    of the annual medical certification to                  exemption from the vision requirement                 comments, without edit, including any
                                                    the employer for retention in the                       in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety                   personal information the commenter
                                                    driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy             Regulations. They are unable to meet                  provides, to www.regulations.gov, as
                                                    of his/her driver’s qualification file if               the vision requirement in one eye for                 described in the system of records
                                                    he/she is self-employed. The driver                     various reasons. The exemptions will                  notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can
                                                    must also have a copy of the exemption                  enable these individuals to operate                   be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.
                                                    when driving, for presentation to a duly                commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                                    authorized Federal, State, or local                     interstate commerce without meeting                   Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical
                                                    enforcement official.                                   the prescribed vision requirement in                  Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,
                                                                                                            one eye. If granted, the exemptions                   fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,
                                                    V. Preemption                                           would enable these individuals to                     Department of Transportation, 1200
                                                       During the period the exemption is in                qualify as drivers of commercial motor                New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64–
                                                    effect, no State shall enforce any law or               vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.               113, Washington, DC 20590–0001.
                                                    regulation that conflicts with this                     DATES: Comments must be received on                   Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,
                                                    exemption with respect to a person                      or before April 10, 2017. All comments                Monday through Friday, except Federal
                                                    operating under the exemption.                          will be investigated by FMCSA. The                    holidays. If you have questions
                                                    VI. Conclusion                                          exemptions will be issued the day after               regarding viewing or submitting
                                                                                                            the comment period closes.                            material to the docket, contact Docket
                                                       Based upon its evaluation of the nine                ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                    Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.
                                                    exemption applications, FMCSA                           bearing the Federal Docket Management                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    exempts the following drivers from the                  System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–
                                                    epilepsy/seizure standard, 49 CFR                       2016–0213 using any of the following                  I. Background
                                                    391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements               methods:                                                 Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
                                                    cited above:                                              • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                 FMCSA may grant an exemption from
                                                    Mark Beery (PA)                                         http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                    Douglas Cantwell (TN)                                   on-line instructions for submitting                   Regulations for a 2-year period if it finds
                                                    Mark McDaniel (IL)                                      comments.                                             ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a
                                                    Ronnie Moody (NC)                                         • Mail: Docket Management Facility;                 level of safety that is equivalent to or
                                                    Tye Moore (IN)                                          U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200               greater than the level that would be
                                                    Jack Porcellini (PA)                                    New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building                  achieved absent such exemption.’’
                                                    Jeffrey Rathman (CO)                                    Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                    Douglas Simms Jr. (NC)                                                                                        FMCSA can renew exemptions at the
                                                                                                            Washington, DC 20590–0001.                            end of each 2-year period. The 18
                                                    Tara Van Horn (PA)                                        • Hand Delivery: West Building
                                                       In accordance with 49 U.S.C.                                                                               individuals listed in this notice have
                                                                                                            Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      each requested such an exemption from
                                                    31315(b)(1), each exemption is valid for                New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                    two years unless revoked earlier by                                                                           the vision requirement in 49 CFR
                                                                                                            DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t.,                  391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers
                                                    FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked                    Monday through Friday, except Federal
                                                    if the following occurs: (1) The                                                                              of CMVs in interstate commerce.
                                                                                                            Holidays.                                             Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate
                                                    individual fails to comply with the                       • Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
                                                    terms and conditions of the exemption;                    Instructions: Each submission must                  the qualifications of each applicant to
                                                    (2) the exemption has resulted in a                     include the Agency name and the                       determine whether granting an
                                                    lower level of safety than was                          docket numbers for this notice. Note                  exemption will achieve the required
                                                    maintained prior to being granted; or (3)               that all comments received will be                    level of safety mandated by statute.
                                                    continuation of the exemption would                     posted without change to http://                      II. Qualifications of Applicants
                                                    not be consistent with the goals and                    www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                    objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315.                personal information provided. Please                 James M. Demgard
                                                      Issued on: March 3, 2017.                             see the Privacy Act heading below for                    Mr. Demgard, 49, has a prosthetic left
                                                    Larry W. Minor,                                         further information.                                  eye due to a traumatic incident in 1996.
                                                                                                              Docket: For access to the docket to                 The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/
                                                    Associate Administrator for Policy.
                                                                                                            read background documents or                          20, and in his left eye, no light
                                                    [FR Doc. 2017–04643 Filed 3–8–17; 8:45 am]              comments, go to http://                               perception. Following an examination
                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P                                  www.regulations.gov at any time or                    in 2016, his optometrist stated, ‘‘I can
                                                                                                            Room W12–140 on the ground level of                   certify James has a perfectly normal
                                                                                                            the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                    right eye in all aspects to perform the
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                 visual tasks required for commercial
                                                                                                            a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through                 vehicle.’’ Mr. Demgard reported that he
                                                    Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                                                                            Friday, except Federal holidays. The                  has driven straight trucks for 29 years,
                                                    Administration
                                                                                                            FDMS is available 24 hours each day,                  accumulating 536,500 miles. He holds
                                                    [Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0213]                            365 days each year. If you want
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                                                  an operator’s license from New Jersey.
                                                                                                            acknowledgment that we received your                  His driving record for the last 3 years
                                                    Qualification of Drivers; Exemption                     comments, please include a self-                      shows no crashes and no convictions for
                                                    Applications; Vision                                    addressed, stamped envelope or                        moving violations in a CMV.
                                                    AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety                    postcard or print the acknowledgement
                                                                                                            page that appears after submitting                    David L. Erickson
                                                    Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
                                                                                                            comments on-line.                                       Mr. Erickson, 66, has had amblyopia
                                                    ACTION: Notice of applications for
                                                                                                              Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                   in his right eye since birth. The visual
                                                    exemptions; request for comments.
                                                                                                            U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments                  acuity in his right eye is 20/70, and in


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Document Created: 2017-03-09 04:59:06
Document Modified: 2017-03-09 04:59:06
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of final disposition.
DatesThe exemptions were effective on December 21, 2016. The exemptions will expire on December 21, 2018.
ContactMs. 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. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.
FR Citation82 FR 13185 

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