83_FR_24677 83 FR 24574 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus

83 FR 24574 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 103 (May 29, 2018)

Page Range24574-24576
FR Document2018-11429

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 51 individuals from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 103 (Tuesday, May 29, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 29, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24574-24576]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11429]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0020]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 51 individuals from the 
prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) 
against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from 
operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The 
exemptions enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions were applicable on March 17, 2018. The exemptions 
expire on March 17, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
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 February 14, 2018, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt 
of applications from 51 individuals requesting an exemption from 
diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and requested comments from 
the public (83 FR 6685). The public comment period ended on March 16, 
2018, and five comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that granting the 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)(3).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding diabetes 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical 
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring 
insulin for control.

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received five comments in this proceeding. Vicky Johnson 
stated that Minnesota Department of Public Safety is in favor of 
granting exemptions to the following Minnesota drivers: Mark S. 
Schellhammer, Daniel G. Roach, and Donald R. Heupel.
    The Motor Vehicle Division (DMV) in the State of Montana reviewed 
the driving record of Marty G. Niles and

[[Page 24575]]

found evidence that indicates Mr. Niles will not be able to achieve the 
statutory level of safety. FMCSA met with representatives of the DMV 
and reviewed Mr. Niles' driving record which had new information not 
provided in the application submitted to the Agency. FMCSA determined 
that Mr. Niles does meet the criteria to receive the exemption.
    Tommy Friend and Austin Thies stated that they believe anyone who 
decides to drive a CMV with diabetes should be allowed to do so without 
discrimination. FMCSA believes that the individualized assessment of 
exemption applicants addresses the commenter's concern about 
discrimination, while maintaining an equivalent level of public safety. 
FMCSA's exemption process supports drivers with ITDM who seek to 
operate in interstate commerce. In addition, the FMCSRs are not 
contrary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The 
mandates of the ADA do not require that FMCSA alter the driver 
qualification requirements contained in 49 CFR part 391. The Senate 
report on the ADA, submitted by its Committee on Labor and Human 
Resources, included the following explanation:
    With respect to covered entities subject to rules promulgated by 
the Department of Transportation regarding physical qualifications for 
drivers of certain classifications of motor vehicles, it is the 
Committee's intent that a person with a disability applying for or 
currently holding a job subject to these standards must be able to 
satisfy these physical qualification standards in order to be 
considered a qualified individual with a disability under title I of 
this legislation. S. Rep. 101-116, at 25 (1989).
    The Agency's current approach, articulated in this Federal Register 
notice, nevertheless meets the spirit of the ADA by conducting an 
individualized assessment of each exemption applicant's medical history 
and the concomitant level of safety risk. The Agency's case-by-case 
review of exemption applicants provides the best assurance of drivers 
being treated fairly, while at the same time addressing public safety 
concerns.
    George Benson states that if a person is truly taking care of their 
diabetes, it should not take as long as it does to get the exemption 
and the process does not have to be so difficult. FMCSA is required by 
statute to complete the application process within 180 days from the 
date all required information is submitted by the applicant. However, 
this is often completed well in advance of this timeframe. This 
timeframe includes time to review application information and meet 
Federal Register publication requirements to include a 30-day public 
comment period, as required by law.

IV. Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) 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.
    The Agency's decision regarding these exemption applications is 
based on the program eligibility criteria and an individualized 
assessment of information submitted by each applicant. The 
qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant 
were stated and discussed in detail in the February 14, 2018, Federal 
Register notice (83 FR 6685) and will not be repeated in this notice.
    These 51 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 47 years. 
These applicants report no severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting in 
loss of consciousness or seizure, requiring the assistance of another 
person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred 
without warning symptoms, in the past 12 months and no recurrent (two 
or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past five years. In each 
case, an endocrinologist verified that the driver has demonstrated a 
willingness to properly monitor and manage his/her diabetes mellitus, 
received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable 
insulin regimen. These drivers report no other disqualifying 
conditions, including diabetes related complications. Each meets the 
vision requirement at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
    Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these 
applicants from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is 
likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.

V. 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 submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by 
the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a 
comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) each driver must report within 
two business days of occurrence, all episodes of severe hypoglycemia, 
significant complications, or inability to manage diabetes; also, any 
involvement in an accident or any other adverse event in a CMV or 
personal vehicle, whether or not it is related to an episode of 
hypoglycemia; (3) each driver must provide a copy of the 
ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the Medical Examiner at 
the time of the annual medical examination; 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 keeping a copy in 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.

VI. Preemption

    During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall 
enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with 
respect to a person operating under the exemption.

VII. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 51 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above:

Tina M. Adams (NY)
Steven A Bain (RI)
Joseph M. Ballard (MI)
Edward L. Barron (TX)
James A. Beck (KY)
George R. Benson (TX)
Jason D. Bonham (KS)
Dennis L. Bowden (CA)
Harry C. Davis (PA)
Warren E. Davis (IL)
Anderson N. Debitencourte (MA)
George M. Dickherber (MO)
Craig A. Dixon (IA)
Sandra M. Fazio (NH)
Thomas M. Gibbs (VA)
Willi M. Goolsbey (NM)
Eli J. Goudreau (MA)
John W. Green (IA)
Delight A. Halfred (SD)
Vernell Harris (IL)
Robert L. Harris (TN)
Donald R. Heupel (MN)
Michael J. Hobbs (TX)
Arnold Hollins (IL)
Sarvar Kachiev (IL)
Sidney G. Lehman (PA)
John H. Lowe, Jr. (CO)
Robert R. Martin (KS)
Christopher C. McMurray (CA)
Davis K. Mensah (VA)
Jeffrey R. Meyer (CA)
Kurtis A. Nichols (MO)
Marty G. Niles (MT)

[[Page 24576]]

Darrell E. Oliver (TN)
Timothy P. Oliver (OR)
Fred W. Payne (OR)
Ronald L. Pellack, Jr. (IL)
Edward F. Poe (MI)
Clint A. Richter (PA)
Daniel G. Roach (MN)
Mark S. Schellhammer (MN)
Edward R. Sutton (CA)
Maurice L. Talley (NV)
Brandon L. Tatman (CO)
Austin M. Thies (IA)
Robert J. Tischler (UT)
Michael Tucker (NJ)
Leonard J. Warnock (WA)
John R. Wohlers (WI)
David L. Woodfill (CA)
Daniel J. Woodring (MI)

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption 
will be valid for two years from the effective date unless revoked 
earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following 
occurs: (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 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(e) and 31315.

    Issued on: May 17, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-11429 Filed 5-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                               24574                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 103 / Tuesday, May 29, 2018 / Notices

                                               Terry L. Brantley (NC)                                  satisfied the renewal conditions for                  regarding viewing or submitting
                                               Steven E. Brechting (MI)                                obtaining an exemption from the rule                  material to the docket, contact Docket
                                               Scott A. Carlson (WI)                                   prohibiting drivers with ITDM from                    Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.
                                               Joseph L. Coggins (SC)                                  driving CMVs in interstate commerce                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                               Stephanie D. Fry (WY)                                   (76 FR 63295; 76 FR 76400; 80 FR
                                               Robert W. Gaultney, Jr. (MD)                            68895).                                               I. Electronic Access
                                               Paul T. Kubish (WI)                                       This driver was included in docket                     You may see all the comments online
                                               David M. Levy (NY)                                      number FMCSA–2013–0189. The                           through the Federal Document
                                               David F. Morin (CA)                                     exemption is applicable as of November                Management System (FDMS) at: http://
                                               Jeffrey J. Morinelli (NE)                               22, 2017, and will expire November 22,                www.regulations.gov.
                                               Ronald D. Murphy (WV)                                   2019.                                                    Docket: For access to the docket to
                                               Charles B. Page (PA)                                      In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315,                 read background documents or
                                               John A. Remaklus (OH)                                   each exemption will be valid for two                  comments, go to http://
                                               Michael D. Schooler (IN)                                years from the effective date unless                  www.regulations.gov and/or Room
                                               Arthur L. Stapleton, Jr. (OH)                           revoked earlier by FMCSA. The                         W12–140 on the ground level of the
                                               Jeffrey M. Thew (WA)                                    exemption will be revoked if the                      West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
                                               Barney J. Wade                                          following occurs: (1) The person fails to             SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and
                                               Dennis D. Wade (IL)                                     comply with the terms and conditions                  5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,
                                                  The drivers were included in docket                  of the exemption; (2) the exemption has               except Federal holidays.
                                               number FMCSA–2006–25751. Their                          resulted in a lower level of safety than                 Privacy Act: In accordance with 5
                                               exemptions are applicable as of                         was maintained prior to being granted;                U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
                                               November 20, 2017, and will expire on                   or (3) continuation of the exemption                  from the public to better inform its
                                               November 20, 2019.                                      would not be consistent with the goals                rulemaking process. DOT posts these
                                                  As of November 21, 2017, and in                      and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and                 comments, without edit, including any
                                               accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and                  31315.                                                personal information the commenter
                                               31315, the following 29 individuals                       Issued on: May 17, 2018.
                                                                                                                                                             provides, to http://www.regulations.gov,
                                               have satisfied the renewal conditions for                                                                     as described in the system of records
                                                                                                       Larry W. Minor,
                                               obtaining an exemption from the rule                                                                          notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can
                                                                                                       Associate Administrator for Policy.                   be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/
                                               prohibiting drivers with ITDM from
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2018–11410 Filed 5–25–18; 8:45 am]           privacy.
                                               driving CMVs in interstate commerce
                                                                                                       BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                               (80 FR 63863; 81 FR 6330):                                                                                    II. Background
                                               Leonel Barrera, Jr. (TX)                                                                                         On February 14, 2018, FMCSA
                                               Alfred T. Benelli (PA)                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          published a notice announcing receipt
                                               Rickie J. Burgess (NC)                                                                                        of applications from 51 individuals
                                               Edson M. Chick (VT)                                     Federal Motor Carrier Safety                          requesting an exemption from diabetes
                                               Jerome E. Collins (LA)                                  Administration                                        requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) and
                                               Alvah R. Daniel, Jr. (WY)                                                                                     requested comments from the public (83
                                                                                                       [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0020]
                                               John M. Fisher (VA)
                                                                                                                                                             FR 6685). The public comment period
                                               Kent E. Fry (IL)                                        Qualification of Drivers; Exemption                   ended on March 16, 2018, and five
                                               Stanley M. Garrison (AR)                                Applications; Diabetes Mellitus                       comments were received.
                                               Eric T. Herron (NV)                                                                                              FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
                                               Lyle E. Hinspeter, Jr. (IA)                             AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                                                                                                                             of these applicants and determined that
                                               Burton W. Holliday (AL)                                 Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
                                                                                                                                                             granting the exemptions to these
                                               Justin L. Howe (IL)                                     ACTION: Notice of final disposition.                  individuals would achieve a level of
                                               Robert M. Manko (NY)                                                                                          safety equivalent to or greater than the
                                               Clarance McNeill (NC)                                   SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces its
                                                                                                       decision to exempt 51 individuals from                level that would be achieved by
                                               Joe R. Minga (MS)
                                                                                                       the prohibition in the Federal Motor                  complying with the current regulation
                                               Tyna M. Murphy (PA)
                                                                                                       Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)                   49 CFR 391.41(b)(3).
                                               Jose A. Ortega (IL)                                                                                              The physical qualification standard
                                               Troy D. Ostrowski (MN)                                  against persons with insulin-treated
                                                                                                       diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating               for drivers regarding diabetes found in
                                               Terry G. Parker (OR)                                                                                          49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person
                                               Anthony T. Quaglieri (NJ)                               a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in
                                                                                                       interstate commerce. The exemptions                   is physically qualified to drive a CMV
                                               Antonio Ramos (RI)                                                                                            if that person has no established
                                               Robert N. Ruhs (IA)                                     enable these individuals with ITDM to
                                                                                                       operate CMVs in interstate commerce.                  medical history or clinical diagnosis of
                                               Ford J. Stevens, Jr. (MA)                                                                                     diabetes mellitus currently requiring
                                               Donald T. Streich (WA)                                  DATES: The exemptions were applicable
                                                                                                                                                             insulin for control.
                                               Dale A. Stydinger (PA)                                  on March 17, 2018. The exemptions
                                               Raymond E. Thomason (CA)                                expire on March 17, 2020.                             III. Discussion of Comments
                                               Robert M. Wright (PA)                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                     FMCSA received five comments in
                                               Joe L. Zamora (TX)                                      Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical                   this proceeding. Vicky Johnson stated
                                                  The drivers were included in docket                  Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,                    that Minnesota Department of Public
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               number FMCSA–2015–0068. Their                           fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,                          Safety is in favor of granting exemptions
                                               exemptions are applicable as of                         Department of Transportation, 1200                    to the following Minnesota drivers:
                                               November 21, 2017, and will expire on                   New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,                   Mark S. Schellhammer, Daniel G.
                                               November 21, 2019.                                      Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office                     Roach, and Donald R. Heupel.
                                                  As of November 22, 2017, and in                      hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,                The Motor Vehicle Division (DMV) in
                                               accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and                  Monday through Friday, except Federal                 the State of Montana reviewed the
                                               31315, Steven R. Auger (NH) has                         holidays. If you have questions                       driving record of Marty G. Niles and


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 103 / Tuesday, May 29, 2018 / Notices                                            24575

                                               found evidence that indicates Mr. Niles                 includes time to review application                   hypoglycemia, significant
                                               will not be able to achieve the statutory               information and meet Federal Register                 complications, or inability to manage
                                               level of safety. FMCSA met with                         publication requirements to include a                 diabetes; also, any involvement in an
                                               representatives of the DMV and                          30-day public comment period, as                      accident or any other adverse event in
                                               reviewed Mr. Niles’ driving record                      required by law.                                      a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or
                                               which had new information not                                                                                 not it is related to an episode of
                                                                                                       IV. Basis for Exemption Determination
                                               provided in the application submitted to                                                                      hypoglycemia; (3) each driver must
                                               the Agency. FMCSA determined that                         Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,                 provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s
                                               Mr. Niles does meet the criteria to                     FMCSA may grant an exemption from                     or optometrist’s report to the Medical
                                               receive the exemption.                                  the diabetes standard in 49 CFR                       Examiner at the time of the annual
                                                  Tommy Friend and Austin Thies                        391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is likely to            medical examination; and (4) each
                                               stated that they believe anyone who                     achieve an equivalent or greater level of             driver must provide a copy of the
                                               decides to drive a CMV with diabetes                    safety than would be achieved without                 annual medical certification to the
                                               should be allowed to do so without                      the exemption. The exemption allows                   employer for retention in the driver’s
                                               discrimination. FMCSA believes that                     the applicants to operate CMVs in                     qualification file, or keeping a copy in
                                               the individualized assessment of                        interstate commerce.                                  his/her driver’s qualification file if he/
                                               exemption applicants addresses the                        The Agency’s decision regarding these               she is self-employed. The driver must
                                               commenter’s concern about                               exemption applications is based on the                also have a copy of the exemption when
                                               discrimination, while maintaining an                    program eligibility criteria and an                   driving, for presentation to a duly
                                               equivalent level of public safety.                      individualized assessment of                          authorized Federal, State, or local
                                               FMCSA’s exemption process supports                      information submitted by each                         enforcement official.
                                               drivers with ITDM who seek to operate                   applicant. The qualifications,
                                               in interstate commerce. In addition, the                experience, and medical condition of                  VI. Preemption
                                               FMCSRs are not contrary to the                          each applicant were stated and                           During the period the exemption is in
                                               Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)                   discussed in detail in the February 14,               effect, no State shall enforce any law or
                                               of 1990. The mandates of the ADA do                     2018, Federal Register notice (83 FR                  regulation that conflicts with this
                                               not require that FMCSA alter the driver                 6685) and will not be repeated in this                exemption with respect to a person
                                               qualification requirements contained in                 notice.                                               operating under the exemption.
                                               49 CFR part 391. The Senate report on                     These 51 applicants have had ITDM
                                               the ADA, submitted by its Committee on                  over a range of 1 to 47 years. These                  VII. Conclusion
                                               Labor and Human Resources, included                     applicants report no severe                              Based upon its evaluation of the 51
                                               the following explanation:                              hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss              exemption applications, FMCSA
                                                  With respect to covered entities                     of consciousness or seizure, requiring                exempts the following drivers from the
                                               subject to rules promulgated by the                     the assistance of another person, or                  diabetes requirement in 49 CFR
                                               Department of Transportation regarding                  resulting in impaired cognitive function              391.41(b)(10), subject to the
                                               physical qualifications for drivers of                  that occurred without warning                         requirements cited above:
                                               certain classifications of motor vehicles,              symptoms, in the past 12 months and no                Tina M. Adams (NY)
                                               it is the Committee’s intent that a person              recurrent (two or more) severe                        Steven A Bain (RI)
                                               with a disability applying for or                       hypoglycemic episodes in the past five                Joseph M. Ballard (MI)
                                               currently holding a job subject to these                years. In each case, an endocrinologist               Edward L. Barron (TX)
                                               standards must be able to satisfy these                 verified that the driver has                          James A. Beck (KY)
                                               physical qualification standards in order               demonstrated a willingness to properly                George R. Benson (TX)
                                               to be considered a qualified individual                 monitor and manage his/her diabetes                   Jason D. Bonham (KS)
                                               with a disability under title I of this                 mellitus, received education related to               Dennis L. Bowden (CA)
                                               legislation. S. Rep. 101–116, at 25                     diabetes management, and is on a stable               Harry C. Davis (PA)
                                               (1989).                                                 insulin regimen. These drivers report no              Warren E. Davis (IL)
                                                  The Agency’s current approach,                       other disqualifying conditions,                       Anderson N. Debitencourte (MA)
                                               articulated in this Federal Register                    including diabetes related                            George M. Dickherber (MO)
                                               notice, nevertheless meets the spirit of                complications. Each meets the vision                  Craig A. Dixon (IA)
                                               the ADA by conducting an                                requirement at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).                  Sandra M. Fazio (NH)
                                               individualized assessment of each                         Consequently, FMCSA finds that in                   Thomas M. Gibbs (VA)
                                               exemption applicant’s medical history                   each case exempting these applicants                  Willi M. Goolsbey (NM)
                                               and the concomitant level of safety risk.               from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR               Eli J. Goudreau (MA)
                                               The Agency’s case-by-case review of                     391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level             John W. Green (IA)
                                               exemption applicants provides the best                  of safety equal to that existing without              Delight A. Halfred (SD)
                                               assurance of drivers being treated fairly,              the exemption.                                        Vernell Harris (IL)
                                               while at the same time addressing                                                                             Robert L. Harris (TN)
                                               public safety concerns.                                 V. Conditions and Requirements
                                                                                                                                                             Donald R. Heupel (MN)
                                                  George Benson states that if a person                   The terms and conditions of the                    Michael J. Hobbs (TX)
                                               is truly taking care of their diabetes, it              exemption are provided to the                         Arnold Hollins (IL)
                                               should not take as long as it does to get               applicants in the exemption document                  Sarvar Kachiev (IL)
                                               the exemption and the process does not                  and includes the following: (1) Each                  Sidney G. Lehman (PA)
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               have to be so difficult. FMCSA is                       driver must submit a quarterly                        John H. Lowe, Jr. (CO)
                                               required by statute to complete the                     monitoring checklist completed by the                 Robert R. Martin (KS)
                                               application process within 180 days                     treating endocrinologist as well as an                Christopher C. McMurray (CA)
                                               from the date all required information is               annual checklist with a comprehensive                 Davis K. Mensah (VA)
                                               submitted by the applicant. However,                    medical evaluation; (2) each driver must              Jeffrey R. Meyer (CA)
                                               this is often completed well in advance                 report within two business days of                    Kurtis A. Nichols (MO)
                                               of this timeframe. This timeframe                       occurrence, all episodes of severe                    Marty G. Niles (MT)


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                                               24576                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 103 / Tuesday, May 29, 2018 / Notices

                                               Darrell E. Oliver (TN)                                  System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                               Timothy P. Oliver (OR)                                  2018–0029 using any of the following
                                                                                                                                                             I. Background
                                               Fred W. Payne (OR)                                      methods:
                                               Ronald L. Pellack, Jr. (IL)                               • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
                                               Edward F. Poe (MI)                                      http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                FMCSA may grant an exemption from
                                               Clint A. Richter (PA)                                   online instructions for submitting                    the FMCSRs for a five-year period if it
                                               Daniel G. Roach (MN)                                    comments.                                             finds ‘‘such exemption would likely
                                               Mark S. Schellhammer (MN)                                 • Mail: Docket Management Facility;                 achieve a level of safety that is
                                               Edward R. Sutton (CA)                                   U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200               equivalent to or greater than the level
                                               Maurice L. Talley (NV)                                  New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building                   that would be achieved absent such
                                               Brandon L. Tatman (CO)                                  Ground Floor, Room W12–140,                           exemption.’’ The statute also allows the
                                               Austin M. Thies (IA)                                    Washington, DC 20590–0001.                            Agency to renew exemptions at the end
                                               Robert J. Tischler (UT)                                   • Hand Delivery: West Building                      of the five-year period. FMCSA grants
                                               Michael Tucker (NJ)                                     Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-
                                               Leonard J. Warnock (WA)                                 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington,                     year period to align with the maximum
                                               John R. Wohlers (WI)                                    DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T.,                  duration of a driver’s medical
                                               David L. Woodfill (CA)                                  Monday through Friday, except Federal                 certification.
                                               Daniel J. Woodring (MI)                                 Holidays.                                                The 2018–0029 individuals listed in
                                                 In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)                   • Fax: 1–202–493–2251.                              this notice have requested an exemption
                                               and 31315, each exemption will be valid                    Instructions: Each submission must                 from the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR
                                               for two years from the effective date                   include the Agency name and the                       391.41(b)(3). Accordingly, the Agency
                                               unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The                    docket number(s) for this notice. Note                will evaluate the qualifications of each
                                               exemption will be revoked if the                        that all comments received will be                    applicant to determine whether granting
                                               following occurs: (1) The person fails to               posted without change to http://                      the exemption will achieve the required
                                               comply with the terms and conditions                    www.regulations.gov, including any                    level of safety mandated by statute.
                                               of the exemption; (2) the exemption has                 personal information provided. Please                    The physical qualification standard
                                               resulted in a lower level of safety than                see the Privacy Act heading below for                 for drivers regarding diabetes found in
                                                 was maintained prior to being                         further information.                                  49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person
                                                                                                          Docket: For access to the docket to                is physically qualified to drive a CMV
                                               granted; or (3) continuation of the
                                                                                                       read background documents or                          if that person has no established
                                               exemption would not be consistent with
                                                                                                       comments, go to http://                               medical history or clinical diagnosis of
                                               the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C.
                                                                                                       www.regulations.gov at any time or                    diabetes mellitus currently requiring
                                               31136(e) and 31315.
                                                                                                       Room W12–140 on the ground level of                   insulin for control. The Agency
                                                 Issued on: May 17, 2018.                              the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                    established the current requirement for
                                               Larry W. Minor,                                         Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9                  diabetes in 1970 because several risk
                                               Associate Administrator for Policy.                     a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through                 studies indicated that drivers with
                                               [FR Doc. 2018–11429 Filed 5–25–18; 8:45 am]             Friday, except Federal holidays. The                  diabetes had a higher rate of crash
                                               BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P                                  FDMS is available 24 hours each day                   involvement than the general
                                                                                                       E.T., 365 days each year. If you want                 population.
                                                                                                       acknowledgment that we received your                     FMCSA established its diabetes
                                               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            comments, please include a self-                      exemption program, based on the
                                                                                                       addressed, stamped envelope or                        Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A
                                               Federal Motor Carrier Safety                            postcard or print the acknowledgement                 Report to Congress on the Feasibility of
                                               Administration                                          page that appears after submitting                    a Program to Qualify Individuals with
                                               [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0029]
                                                                                                       comments online.                                      Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus to
                                                                                                          Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                  Operate in Interstate Commerce as
                                               Qualification of Drivers; Exemption                     U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments                  Directed by the Transportation Act for
                                               Applications; Diabetes Mellitus                         from the public to better inform its                  the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded
                                                                                                       rulemaking process. DOT posts these                   that a safe and practicable protocol to
                                               AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety                    comments, without edit, including any                 allow some drivers with ITDM to
                                               Administration (FMCSA), DOT.                            personal information the commenter                    operate CMVs is feasible. The
                                               ACTION: Notice of applications for                      provides, to http://www.regulations.gov,              September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441),
                                               exemption; request for comments.                        as described in the system of records                 Federal Register notice in conjunction
                                                                                                       notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can                   with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR
                                               SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces receipt of                   be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/                    67777), Federal Register notice provides
                                               applications from 37 individuals for an                 privacy.                                              the current protocol for allowing such
                                               exemption from the prohibition in the                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                  drivers to operate CMVs in interstate
                                               Federal Motor Carrier Safety                            Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical                   commerce.
                                               Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons                    Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,                       FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the
                                               with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus                  fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,                          Safe, Accountable, Flexible and
                                               (ITDM) operating a commercial motor                     Department of Transportation, 1200                    Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
                                               vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If                New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,                   Legacy for Users requires the Secretary
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               granted, the exemptions would enable                    Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office                     to revise its diabetes exemption program
                                               these individuals with ITDM to operate                  hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T.,                  established on September 3, 2003 (68 FR
                                               CMVs in interstate commerce.                            Monday through Friday, except Federal                 52441). The revision must provide for
                                               DATES: Comments must be received on                     holidays. If you have questions                       individual assessment of drivers with
                                               or before June 28, 2018.                                regarding viewing or submitting                       diabetes mellitus, and be consistent
                                               ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                      material to the docket, contact Docket                with the criteria described in section
                                               bearing the Federal Docket Management                   Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.                   4018 of the Transportation Equity Act


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Document Created: 2018-05-26 00:48:12
Document Modified: 2018-05-26 00:48:12
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 applicable on March 17, 2018. The exemptions expire on March 17, 2020.
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 Citation83 FR 24574 

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