88486 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 244 / Thursday, December 21, 2023 / Notices 

electronic technology, without reducing 

the quality of the collected information. 

The agency will summarize and/or 

include your comments in the request 

for OMB’s clearance of this information 

collection. 

Authority: The Paperwork Reduction 

Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as 

amended; and 49 CFR 1.48. 

Issued On: December 18, 2023. 

Jazmyne Lewis, 

Information Collection Officer. 

[FR Doc. 2023–28134 Filed 12–20–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–22–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket No. FMCSA–2006–25854;FMCSA– 

2013–0106; FMCSA–2013–0107; FMCSA– 

2013–0108; FMCSA–2015–0117; FMCSA– 

2015–0119; FMCSA–2017–0178; FMCSA– 

2018–0052; FMCSA–2019–0028] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure 

Disorders 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), Department 

of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of renewal of 

exemptions; request for comments. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its 

decision to renew exemptions for 11 

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 January 22, 

2024. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

identified by the Federal Docket 

Management System Docket No. 

FMCSA–2006–25854, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0106, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0107, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0108, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2015–0117, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2015–0119, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2017–0178, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2018–0052, or Docket No. 

FMCSA–2019–0028 using any of the 

following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket 

number (FMCSA–2006–25854, FMCSA– 

2013–0106, FMCSA–2013–0107, 

FMCSA–2013–0108, FMCSA–2015– 

0117, FMCSA–2015–0119, FMCSA– 

2017–0178, FMCSA–2018–0052, or 

FMCSA–2019–0028) in the keyword box 

and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the 

results by ‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ 

choose the first notice listed, and click 

on the ‘‘Comment’’ button. Follow the 

online instructions for submitting 

comments. 

• Mail: Dockets Operations; U.S. 

Department of Transportation, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building 

Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590– 

0001. 

• Hand Delivery: West Building 

Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 

SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001 

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday 

through Friday, except Federal 

Holidays. 

• Fax: (202) 493–2251. 

To avoid duplication, please use only 

one of these four methods. See the 

‘‘Public Participation’’ portion of the 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for 

instructions on submitting comments. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical 

Programs Division, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 

20590–0001, (202) 366–4001, 

fmcsamedical@dot.gov. Office hours are 

from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday 

through Friday, except Federal holidays. 

If you have questions regarding viewing 

or submitting material to the docket, 

contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366– 

9826. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation 

A. Submitting Comments 

If you submit a comment, please 

include the docket numbers for this 

notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2006– 

25854, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0106, 

Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0107, Docket 

No. FMCSA–2013–0108, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2015–0117, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2015–0119, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2017–0178, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2018–0052, or Docket No. 

FMCSA–2019–0028), indicate the 

specific section of this document to 

which each comment applies, and 

provide a reason for each suggestion or 

recommendation. You may submit your 

comments and material online or by fax, 

mail, or hand delivery, but please use 

only one of these means. FMCSA 

recommends that you include your 

name and a mailing address, an email 

address, or a phone number in the body 

of your document so that FMCSA can 

contact you if there are questions 

regarding your submission. 

To submit your comment online, go to 

www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket 

number (FMCSA–2006–25854, FMCSA– 

2013–0106, FMCSA–2013–0107, 

FMCSA–2013–0108, FMCSA–2015– 

0117, FMCSA–2015–0119, FMCSA– 

2017–0178, FMCSA–2018–0052, or 

FMCSA–2019–0028) in the keyword box 

and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the 

results by ‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ 

choose the first notice listed, click the 

‘‘Comment’’ button, and type your 

comment into the text box on the 

following screen. Choose whether you 

are submitting your comment as an 

individual or on behalf of a third party 

and then submit. 

If you submit your comments by mail 

or hand delivery, submit them in an 

unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 

11 inches, suitable for copying and 

electronic filing. FMCSA will consider 

all comments and material received 

during the comment period. 

B. Viewing Comments 

To view comments go to 

www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 

number (FMCSA–2006–25854, FMCSA– 

2013–0106, FMCSA–2013–0107, 

FMCSA–2013–0108, FMCSA–2015– 

0117, FMCSA–2015–0119, FMCSA– 

2017–0178, FMCSA–2018–0052, or 

FMCSA–2019–0028) in the keyword box 

and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the 

results by ‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ 

choose the first notice listed, and click 

‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If you do not have 

access to the internet, you may view the 

docket online by visiting Dockets 

Operations on the ground floor of the 

DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590– 

0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. To be sure someone is there to 

help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or 

(202) 366–9826 before visiting Dockets 

Operations. 

C. Privacy Act 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments 

from the public on the exemption 

request. DOT posts these comments, 

without edit, including any personal 

information the commenter provides, to 

www.regulations.gov. As described in 

the system of records notice DOT/ALL 

14 (Federal Docket Management 

System), which can be reviewed at 

https://www.transportation.gov/ 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 244 / Thursday, December 21, 2023 / Notices 88487 

1These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO 

PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, 

section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, 

and 5, which is available on the internet at https:// 

www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/ 

CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. 

individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are 

searchable by the name of the submitter. 

II. Background 

Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b), FMCSA may grant an 

exemption from the FMCSRs for no 

longer than a 5-year period if it finds 

such exemption would likely achieve a 

level of safety that is equivalent to, or 

greater than, the level that would be 

achieved absent such exemption. The 

statutes also allow the Agency to renew 

exemptions at the end of the 5-year 

period. However, FMCSA grants 

medical exemptions from the FMCSRs 

for a 2-year period to align with the 

maximum duration of a driver’s medical 

certification. 

The physical qualification standard 

for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person 

is physically qualified to drive a CMV 

if that person has no established 

medical history or clinical diagnosis of 

epilepsy or any other condition which 

is likely to cause the loss of 

consciousness or any loss of ability to 

control a CMV. 

In addition to the regulations, FMCSA 

has published advisory criteria 1 to 

assist Medical Examiners in 

determining whether drivers with 

certain medical conditions are qualified 

to operate a CMV in interstate 

commerce. 

The 11 individuals listed in this 

notice have requested renewal of their 

exemptions from the epilepsy and 

seizure disorders prohibition in 

§ 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with 

FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, 

FMCSA has evaluated these 

applications for renewal on their merits 

and decided to extend each exemption 

for a renewable 2-year period. 

III. Request for Comments 

Interested parties or organizations 

possessing information that would 

otherwise show that any, or all, of these 

drivers are not currently achieving the 

statutory level of safety should 

immediately notify FMCSA. The 

Agency will evaluate any adverse 

evidence submitted and, if safety is 

being compromised or if continuation of 

the exemption would not be consistent 

with the goals and objectives of 49 

U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA 

will take immediate steps to revoke the 

exemption of a driver. 

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 

and 31315(b), each of the 11 applicants 

has satisfied the renewal conditions for 

obtaining an exemption from the 

epilepsy and seizure disorders 

prohibition. The 11 drivers in this 

notice remain in good standing with the 

Agency, have maintained their medical 

monitoring and have not exhibited any 

medical issues that would compromise 

their ability to safely operate a CMV 

during the previous 2-year exemption 

period. In addition, for commercial 

driver’s license (CDL) holders, the 

Commercial Driver’s License 

Information System and the Motor 

Carrier Management Information System 

are searched for crash and violation 

data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency 

reviews the driving records from the 

State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These 

factors provide an adequate basis for 

predicting each driver’s ability to 

continue to safely operate a CMV in 

interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA 

concludes that extending the exemption 

for each renewal applicant for a period 

of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of 

safety equal to that existing without the 

exemption. 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 

and 31315(b), the following groups of 

drivers received renewed exemptions in 

the month of December and are 

discussed below. As of December 16, 

2023, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 

seven individuals have satisfied the 

renewal conditions for obtaining an 

exemption from the epilepsy and 

seizure disorders prohibition in the 

FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: 

Eric Barnwell (MI) 

Christopher Bird (OH) 

Scott DeJarnette (KY) 

Curtis Alan Hartman (MD) 

Wendell Headley (MO) 

Jason Kirkham (WI) 

Dannie Kuck (MT) 

The drivers were included in docket 

numbers FMCSA–2013–0106, FMCSA– 

2013–0107, FMCSA–2015–0117, 

FMCSA–2015–0119, FMCSA–2017– 

0178, or FMCSA–2018–0052. Their 

exemptions are applicable as of 

December 16, 2023 and will expire on 

December 16, 2025. 

As of December 23, 2023, and in 

accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b), the following four individuals 

have satisfied the renewal conditions for 

obtaining an exemption from the 

epilepsy and seizure disorders 

prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate 

CMV drivers: 

Gary Freeman (WI) 

Aaron Gillette (SD) 

David Kestner (VA) 

Brent Mapes (IL) 

The drivers were included in docket 

numbers FMCSA–2006–25854, 

FMCSA–2013–0108, or FMCSA–2019– 

0028. Their exemptions are applicable 

as of December 23, 2023 and will expire 

on December 23, 2025. 

V. Conditions and Requirements 

The exemptions are extended subject 

to the following conditions: (1) each 

driver must remain seizure-free and 

maintain a stable treatment during the 

2-year exemption period; (2) each driver 

must submit annual reports from their 

treating physicians attesting to the 

stability of treatment and that the driver 

has remained seizure-free; (3) each 

driver must undergo an annual medical 

examination by a certified ME, as 

defined by § 390.5; and (4) each driver 

must provide a copy of the annual 

medical certification to the employer for 

retention in the driver’s qualification 

file, or keep a copy of his/her driver’s 

qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a 

copy of the exemption when driving, for 

presentation to a duly authorized 

Federal, State, or local enforcement 

official. The exemption will be 

rescinded if: (1) the person fails to 

comply with the terms and conditions 

of the exemption; (2) the exemption has 

resulted in a lower level of safety than 

was maintained before it was granted; or 

(3) continuation of the exemption would 

not be consistent with the goals and 

objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b). 

VI. Preemption 

During the period the exemption is in 

effect, no State shall enforce any law or 

regulation that conflicts with this 

exemption with respect to a person 

operating under the exemption. 

VII. Conclusion 

Based on its evaluation of the 11 

exemption applications, FMCSA renews 

the exemptions of the aforementioned 

drivers from the epilepsy and seizure 

disorders prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8). 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 

and 31315(b), each exemption will be 

valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier 

by FMCSA. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy. 

[FR Doc. 2023–28038 Filed 12–20–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 


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