83_FR_45909 83 FR 45734 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

83 FR 45734 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 175 (September 10, 2018)

Page Range45734-45736
FR Document2018-19645

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 16 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45734-45736]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19645]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket Nos. FMCSA-2013-0109; FMCSA-2013-0444; FMCSA-2015-0322]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 16 
individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 
drivers have ``no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of 
epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of 
consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.'' The exemptions 
enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are 
taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates 
stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in 
the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before October 
10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket Nos. FMCSA-2013-0109; FMCSA-2013-0444; 
FMCSA-2015-0322 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will 
be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. Please

[[Page 45735]]

see the Privacy Act heading below for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time 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. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day e.t., 
365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments online.
    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.

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. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
for five years if it finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a 
level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that 
would be achieved absent such exemption.'' The statute also allows the 
Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the five-year period. FMCSA 
grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-year period to align with 
the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical 
history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which 
is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to 
control a CMV.
    In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory 
criteria 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.]
    The 16 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, 
FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and 
decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period.

II. Request for Comments

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted 
and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 16 
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The 16 
drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency, have 
maintained their medical monitoring and have not exhibited any medical 
issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV 
during the previous two-year exemption period. In addition, for 
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver's 
License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management 
Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. 
For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the 
State Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an 
adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to continue to 
safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes 
that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of 
two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing 
without the exemption.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the following 
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of June and 
are discussed below:
    As of June 9, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315, the following ten individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure 
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Henry Counts, Jr. (MD)
David P. Crowe (VA)
Michael D. Davis (ME)
Dennis R. Gilles (IN)
Larry G. Hediger (IL)
Eric J. McVetty (NH)
Donald J. Richmond (SC)
Kevin L. Sprinkle (NC)
Patrick J. Trimbo (MN)
Alan K. Washabaugh (PA)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2013-0109 and 
FMCSA-2015-0322. Their exemptions are applicable as of June 9, 2018, 
and will expire on June 9, 2020.
    As of June 24, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315, the following six individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure 
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Heath A. Crowe (LA)
Peter Della-Rocco, Jr. (PA)
Domenick R. Panfile (NJ)
Milton N. Tatham (NV)
Thomas H. Tincher (NC)
Duane A. Troff (MN)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2013-0444. Their 
exemptions are applicable as of June 24, 2018, and will expire on June 
24, 2020.

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable 
treatment during the 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 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

[[Page 45736]]

when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or 
local enforcement official. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The 
person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; 
(2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was 
maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315.

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 16 exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the epilepsy 
and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(8). In 
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be 
valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

     Issued on: August 30, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-19645 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                               45734                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices

                                               in loss of consciousness, requiring the                 III. Request for Comments                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                               assistance of another person, or
                                               resulting in impaired cognitive function                  In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)               Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                               that occurred without warning in the                    and 31315, FMCSA requests public                      Administration
                                               past 12 months and no recurrent (two or                 comment from all interested persons on
                                                                                                                                                             [Docket Nos. FMCSA–2013–0109; FMCSA–
                                               more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in                   the exemption petitions described in
                                                                                                                                                             2013–0444; FMCSA–2015–0322]
                                               the last five years. His endocrinologist                this notice. We will consider all
                                               certifies that Mr. Vigil understands                    comments received before the close of                 Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
                                               diabetes management and monitoring,                     business on the closing date indicated                Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure
                                               has stable control of his diabetes using                in the dates section of the notice.                   Disorders
                                               insulin, and is able to drive a CMV                     IV. Submitting Comments                               AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                               safely. Mr. Vigil meets the requirements                                                                      Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
                                               of the vision standard at 49 CFR                           You may submit your comments and
                                                                                                                                                             ACTION: Notice of renewal of
                                               391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined                 material online or by fax, mail, or hand
                                                                                                                                                             exemptions; request for comments.
                                               him in 2018 and certified that he does                  delivery, but please use only one of
                                               not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds                 these means. FMCSA recommends that                    SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces its
                                               a Class A CDL from Texas.                               you include your name and a mailing                   decision to renew exemptions for 16
                                                                                                       address, an email address, or a phone                 individuals from the requirement in the
                                               Clarence S. Waldner
                                                                                                       number in the body of your document                   Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                 Mr. Waldner, 62, has had ITDM since                   so that FMCSA can contact you if there                Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate
                                               1969. His endocrinologist examined him                  are questions regarding your                          commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
                                               in 2018 and certified that he has had no                submission.                                           drivers have ‘‘no established medical
                                               severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting                    To submit your comment online, go to               history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy
                                               in loss of consciousness, requiring the                 http://www.regulations.gov and in the                 or any other condition which is likely
                                               assistance of another person, or                        search box insert the docket number                   to cause loss of consciousness or any
                                               resulting in impaired cognitive function                                                                      loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The
                                                                                                       FMCSA–2018–0204 and click the search
                                               that occurred without warning in the                                                                          exemptions enable these individuals
                                                                                                       button. When the new screen appears,
                                               past 12 months and no recurrent (two or                                                                       who have had one or more seizures and
                                                                                                       click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’                    are taking anti-seizure medication to
                                               more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in                   button on the right hand side of the                  continue to operate CMVs in interstate
                                               the last five years. His endocrinologist                page. On the new page, enter                          commerce.
                                               certifies that Mr. Waldner understands                  information required including the
                                               diabetes management and monitoring,                                                                           DATES: Each group of renewed
                                                                                                       specific section of this document to
                                               has stable control of his diabetes using                                                                      exemptions were applicable on the
                                                                                                       which each comment applies, and                       dates stated in the discussions below
                                               insulin, and is able to drive a CMV                     provide a reason for each suggestion or
                                               safely. Mr. Waldner meets the                                                                                 and will expire on the dates stated in
                                                                                                       recommendation. If you submit your                    the discussions below. Comments must
                                               requirements of the vision standard at                  comments by mail or hand delivery,                    be received on or before October 10,
                                               49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist                   submit them in an unbound format, no                  2018.
                                               examined him in 2018 and certified that                 larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for
                                               he does not have diabetic retinopathy.                  copying and electronic filing. If you                 ADDRESSES:  You may submit comments
                                               He holds a Class A CDL from                                                                                   bearing the Federal Docket Management
                                                                                                       submit comments by mail and would
                                               Minnesota.                                                                                                    System (FDMS) Docket Nos. FMCSA–
                                                                                                       like to know that they reached the
                                                                                                                                                             2013–0109; FMCSA–2013–0444;
                                               Logan T. Wiersema                                       facility, please enclose a stamped, self-
                                                                                                                                                             FMCSA–2015–0322 using any of the
                                                                                                       addressed postcard or envelope.                       following methods:
                                                 Mr. Wiersema, 21, has had ITDM                           We will consider all comments and                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                               since 1998. His endocrinologist                         materials received during the comment                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                               examined him in 2018 and certified that                 period. FMCSA may issue a final                       online instructions for submitting
                                               he has had no severe hypoglycemic                       determination at any time after the close             comments.
                                               reactions resulting in loss of                          of the comment period.                                  • Mail: Docket Management Facility;
                                               consciousness, requiring the assistance                                                                       U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
                                               of another person, or resulting in                      V. Viewing Comments and Documents                     New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
                                               impaired cognitive function that                                                                              Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                               occurred without warning in the past 12                   To view comments, as well as any
                                                                                                       documents mentioned in this preamble,                 Washington, DC 20590–0001.
                                               months and no recurrent (two or more)                                                                           • Hand Delivery: West Building
                                               severe hypoglycemic episodes in the                     go to http://www.regulations.gov and in
                                                                                                                                                             Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                               last five years. His endocrinologist                    the search box insert the docket number
                                                                                                                                                             New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington,
                                               certifies that Mr. Wiersema understands                 FMCSA–2018–0204 and click ‘‘Search.’’
                                                                                                                                                             DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t.,
                                               diabetes management and monitoring,                     Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and                Monday through Friday, except Federal
                                               has stable control of his diabetes using                you will find all documents and                       Holidays.
                                               insulin, and is able to drive a CMV                     comments related to this notice.                        • Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               safely. Mr. Wiersema meets the                            Issued on: August 30, 2018.                           Instructions: Each submission must
                                               requirements of the vision standard at                  Larry W. Minor,                                       include the Agency name and the
                                               49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist                                                                         docket number(s) for this notice. Note
                                                                                                       Associate Administrator for Policy.
                                               examined him in 2018 and certified that                                                                       that all comments received will be
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2018–19630 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
                                               he does not have diabetic retinopathy.                                                                        posted without change to http://
                                               He holds an operator’s license from                     BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                                                                                                                             www.regulations.gov, including any
                                               Virginia.                                                                                                     personal information provided. Please


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices                                             45735

                                               see the Privacy Act heading below for                   consciousness or any loss of ability to               of safety equal to that existing without
                                               further information.                                    control a CMV.                                        the exemption.
                                                  Docket: For access to the docket to                    In addition to the regulations, FMCSA                 In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
                                               read background documents or                            has published advisory criteria to assist             and 31315, the following groups of
                                               comments, go to http://                                 Medical Examiners in determining                      drivers received renewed exemptions in
                                               www.regulations.gov at any time or                      whether drivers with certain medical                  the month of June and are discussed
                                               Room W12–140 on the ground level of                     conditions are qualified to operate a                 below:
                                               the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                      CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR                     As of June 9, 2018, and in accordance
                                               Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9                    part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391—                     with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the
                                               a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through                   MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA,                            following ten individuals have satisfied
                                               Friday, except Federal holidays. The                    section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8),                  the renewal conditions for obtaining an
                                               FDMS is available 24 hours each day                     paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.]                              exemption from the epilepsy and
                                               e.t., 365 days each year. If you want                     The 16 individuals listed in this                   seizure disorders prohibition in the
                                               acknowledgment that we received your                    notice have requested renewal of their                FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:
                                               comments, please include a self-                        exemptions from the epilepsy and                      Henry Counts, Jr. (MD)
                                               addressed, stamped envelope or                          seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR               David P. Crowe (VA)
                                               postcard or print the acknowledgement                   391.41(b)(8), in accordance with                      Michael D. Davis (ME)
                                               page that appears after submitting                      FMCSA procedures. Accordingly,                        Dennis R. Gilles (IN)
                                               comments online.                                        FMCSA has evaluated these                             Larry G. Hediger (IL)
                                                                                                       applications for renewal on their merits              Eric J. McVetty (NH)
                                                  Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                    and decided to extend each exemption
                                               U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments                                                                          Donald J. Richmond (SC)
                                                                                                       for a renewable two-year period.                      Kevin L. Sprinkle (NC)
                                               from the public to better inform its
                                               rulemaking process. DOT posts these                     II. Request for Comments                              Patrick J. Trimbo (MN)
                                               comments, without edit, including any                                                                         Alan K. Washabaugh (PA)
                                                                                                          Interested parties or organizations
                                               personal information the commenter                      possessing information that would                       The drivers were included in docket
                                               provides, to http://www.regulations.gov,                otherwise show that any, or all, of these             numbers FMCSA–2013–0109 and
                                               as described in the system of records                   drivers are not currently achieving the               FMCSA–2015–0322. Their exemptions
                                               notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can                     statutory level of safety should                      are applicable as of June 9, 2018, and
                                               be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/                      immediately notify FMCSA. The                         will expire on June 9, 2020.
                                               privacy.                                                Agency will evaluate any adverse                        As of June 24, 2018, and in
                                                                                                       evidence submitted and, if safety is                  accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     Ms.                                                                      31315, the following six individuals
                                               Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical                     being compromised or if continuation of
                                                                                                       the exemption would not be consistent                 have satisfied the renewal conditions for
                                               Programs Division, 202–366–4001,                                                                              obtaining an exemption from the
                                               fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,                            with the goals and objectives of 49
                                                                                                       U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will                 epilepsy and seizure disorders
                                               Department of Transportation, 1200                                                                            prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate
                                               New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,                     take immediate steps to revoke the
                                                                                                       exemption of a driver.                                CMV drivers:
                                               Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office
                                                                                                                                                             Heath A. Crowe (LA)
                                               hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.,               III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions                    Peter Della-Rocco, Jr. (PA)
                                               Monday through Friday, except Federal                      In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)              Domenick R. Panfile (NJ)
                                               holidays. If you have questions                         and 31315, each of the 16 applicants has              Milton N. Tatham (NV)
                                               regarding viewing or submitting                         satisfied the renewal conditions for                  Thomas H. Tincher (NC)
                                               material to the docket, contact Docket                  obtaining an exemption from the                       Duane A. Troff (MN)
                                               Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.                     epilepsy and seizure disorders                          The drivers were included in docket
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              prohibition. The 16 drivers in this                   number FMCSA–2013–0444. Their
                                               I. Background                                           notice remain in good standing with the               exemptions are applicable as of June 24,
                                                                                                       Agency, have maintained their medical                 2018, and will expire on June 24, 2020.
                                                  Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,                  monitoring and have not exhibited any
                                               FMCSA may grant an exemption for five                   medical issues that would compromise                  IV. Conditions and Requirements
                                               years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would                their ability to safely operate a CMV                   The exemptions are extended subject
                                               likely achieve a level of safety that is                during the previous two-year exemption                to the following conditions: (1) Each
                                               equivalent to or greater than the level                 period. In addition, for Commercial                   driver must remain seizure-free and
                                               that would be achieved absent such                      Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the                   maintain a stable treatment during the
                                               exemption.’’ The statute also allows the                Commercial Driver’s License                           two-year exemption period; (2) each
                                               Agency to renew exemptions at the end                   Information System (CDLIS) and the                    driver must submit annual reports from
                                               of the five-year period. FMCSA grants                   Motor Carrier Management Information                  their treating physicians attesting to the
                                               exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-                   System (MCMIS) are searched for crash                 stability of treatment and that the driver
                                               year period to align with the maximum                   and violation data. For non-CDL                       has remained seizure-free; (3) each
                                               duration of a driver’s medical                          holders, the Agency reviews the driving               driver must undergo an annual medical
                                               certification.                                          records from the State Driver’s                       examination by a certified Medical
                                                  The physical qualification standard                  Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors                Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5;
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               for drivers regarding epilepsy found in                 provide an adequate basis for predicting              and (4) each driver must provide a copy
                                               49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person                each driver’s ability to continue to                  of the annual medical certification to
                                               is physically qualified to drive a CMV                  safely operate a CMV in interstate                    the employer for retention in the
                                               if that person has no established                       commerce. Therefore, FMCSA                            driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy
                                               medical history or clinical diagnosis of                concludes that extending the exemption                of his/her driver’s qualification file if
                                               epilepsy or any other condition which                   for each renewal applicant for a period               he/she is self-employed. The driver
                                               is likely to cause the loss of                          of two years is likely to achieve a level             must also have a copy of the exemption


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                                               45736                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices

                                               when driving, for presentation to a duly                  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                 I. Background
                                               authorized Federal, State, or local                     http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                   Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
                                               enforcement official. The exemption                     online instructions for submitting                    FMCSA may grant an exemption from
                                               will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails              comments.                                             the FMCSRs for a five-year period if it
                                               to comply with the terms and                              • Mail: Docket Management Facility;                 finds ‘‘such exemption would likely
                                               conditions of the exemption; (2) the                    U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200               achieve a level of safety that is
                                               exemption has resulted in a lower level                 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building                   equivalent to or greater than the level
                                               of safety than was maintained before it                 Ground Floor, Room W12–140,                           that would be achieved absent such
                                               was granted; or (3) continuation of the                 Washington, DC 20590–0001.                            exemption.’’ The statute also allows the
                                               exemption would not be consistent with                    • Hand Delivery: West Building                      Agency to renew exemptions at the end
                                               the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C.                   Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      of the five-year period. FMCSA grants
                                               31136(e) and 31315.                                     New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington,                     exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-
                                               V. Preemption                                           DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T.,                  year period to align with the maximum
                                                                                                       Monday through Friday, except Federal                 duration of a driver’s medical
                                                  During the period the exemption is in
                                                                                                       Holidays.                                             certification.
                                               effect, no State shall enforce any law or
                                               regulation that conflicts with this                       • Fax: 1–202–493–2251.                                 The 46 individuals listed in this
                                               exemption with respect to a person                         Instructions: Each submission must                 notice have requested an exemption
                                               operating under the exemption.                          include the Agency name and the                       from the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR
                                                                                                       docket number(s) for this notice. Note                391.41(b)(3). Accordingly, the Agency
                                               VI. Conclusion                                          that all comments received will be                    will evaluate the qualifications of each
                                                 Based upon its evaluation of the 16                   posted without change to http://                      applicant to determine whether granting
                                               exemption applications, FMCSA renews                    www.regulations.gov, including any                    the exemption will achieve the required
                                               the exemptions of the aforementioned                    personal information provided. Please                 level of safety mandated by statute.
                                               drivers from the epilepsy and seizure                   see the Privacy Act heading below for                    The physical qualification standard
                                               disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41                  further information.                                  for drivers regarding diabetes found in
                                               (b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C.                       Docket: For access to the docket to                49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person
                                               31136(e) and 31315, each exemption                      read background documents or                          is physically qualified to drive a CMV
                                               will be valid for two years unless                      comments, go to http://                               if that person has no established
                                               revoked earlier by FMCSA.                               www.regulations.gov at any time or                    medical history or clinical diagnosis of
                                                 Issued on: August 30, 2018.                           Room W12–140 on the ground level of                   diabetes mellitus currently requiring
                                                                                                       the West Building, 1200 New Jersey                    insulin for control. The Agency
                                               Larry W. Minor,
                                                                                                       Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9                  established the current requirement for
                                               Associate Administrator for Policy.
                                                                                                       a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through                 diabetes in 1970 because several risk
                                               [FR Doc. 2018–19645 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                       Friday, except Federal holidays. The                  studies indicated that drivers with
                                               BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P                                                                                        diabetes had a higher rate of crash
                                                                                                       FDMS is available 24 hours each day
                                                                                                       E.T., 365 days each year. If you want                 involvement than the general
                                                                                                       acknowledgment that we received your                  population.
                                               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                                                                     FMCSA established its diabetes
                                                                                                       comments, please include a self-
                                               Federal Motor Carrier Safety                            addressed, stamped envelope or                        exemption program, based on the
                                               Administration                                          postcard or print the acknowledgement                 Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A
                                                                                                       page that appears after submitting                    Report to Congress on the Feasibility of
                                               [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0203]                            comments online.                                      a Program to Qualify Individuals with
                                                                                                          Privacy Act: In accordance with 5                  Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus to
                                               Qualification of Drivers; Exemption                                                                           Operate in Interstate Commerce as
                                               Applications; Diabetes Mellitus                         U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
                                                                                                       from the public to better inform its                  Directed by the Transportation Act for
                                               AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety                    rulemaking process. DOT posts these                   the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded
                                               Administration (FMCSA), DOT.                            comments, without edit, including any                 that a safe and practicable protocol to
                                               ACTION: Notice of applications for                      personal information the commenter                    allow some drivers with ITDM to
                                               exemption; request for comments.                        provides, to http://www.regulations.gov,              operate CMVs is feasible. The
                                                                                                       as described in the system of records                 September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441),
                                               SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces receipt of                   notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can                   Federal Register notice in conjunction
                                               applications from 46 individuals for an                 be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/                    with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR
                                               exemption from the prohibition in the                   privacy.                                              67777), Federal Register notice provides
                                               Federal Motor Carrier Safety                                                                                  the current protocol for allowing such
                                               Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     Ms.              drivers to operate CMVs in interstate
                                               with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus                  Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical                   commerce.
                                               (ITDM) operating a commercial motor                     Programs Division, (202) 366–4001,                       FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the
                                               vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If                fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA,                          Safe, Accountable, Flexible and
                                               granted, the exemptions would enable                    Department of Transportation, 1200                    Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
                                               these individuals with ITDM to operate                  New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,                   Legacy for Users requires the Secretary
                                               CMVs in interstate commerce.                            Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office                     to revise its diabetes exemption program
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               DATES: Comments must be received on                     hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T.,                  established on September 3, 2003 (68 FR
                                               or before October 10, 2018.                             Monday through Friday, except Federal                 52441). The revision must provide for
                                               ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                      holidays. If you have questions                       individual assessment of drivers with
                                               bearing the Federal Docket Management                   regarding viewing or submitting                       diabetes mellitus, and be consistent
                                               System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–                         material to the docket, contact Docket                with the criteria described in section
                                               2018–0203 using any of the following                    Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.                   4018 of the Transportation Equity Act
                                               methods:                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305).


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Document Created: 2018-09-08 00:43:36
Document Modified: 2018-09-08 00:43:36
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 renewal of exemptions; request for comments.
DatesEach group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before October 10, 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 Citation83 FR 45734 

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