Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Notices 28097 

crash involvement than the general 

population. The diabetes rule provides 

that ‘‘A person is physically qualified to 

drive a commercial motor vehicle if that 

person has no established medical 

history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes 

mellitus currently requiring insulin for 

control’’ (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)). 

FMCSA established its diabetes 

exemption program, based on the 

Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A 

Report to Congress on the Feasibility of 

a Program to Qualify Individuals with 

Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus to 

Operate in Interstate Commerce as 

Directed by the Transportation Act for 

the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded 

that a safe and practicable protocol to 

allow some drivers with ITDM to 

operate CMVs is feasible. The 2003 

notice in conjunction with the 

November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) 

Federal Register Notice provides the 

current protocol for allowing such 

drivers to operate CMVs in interstate 

commerce. 

These twenty-seven applicants have 

had ITDM over a range of 1 to 36 years. 

These applicants report no 

hypoglycemic reaction that resulted in 

loss of consciousness or seizure, that 

required the assistance of another 

person, or resulted in impaired 

cognitive function without warning 

symptoms in the past 5 years (with one 

year of stability following any such 

episode). In each case, an 

endocrinologist has verified that the 

driver has demonstrated willingness to 

properly monitor and manage their 

diabetes, 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 

standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). 

The qualifications and medical 

condition of each applicant were stated 

and discussed in detail in the April 28, 

2009, Federal Register Notice (74 FR 

19275). Therefore, they will not be 

repeated in this notice. 

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. 

To evaluate the effect of these 

exemptions on safety, FMCSA 

considered medical reports about the 

applicants’ ITDM and vision, and 

reviewed the treating endocrinologist’s 

medical opinion related to the ability of 

the driver to safely operate a CMV while 

using insulin. 

Consequently, FMCSA finds that 

exempting these applicants from the 

diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) 

is likely to achieve a level of safety 

equal to that existing without the 

exemption. 

Conditions and Requirements 

The terms and conditions of the 

exemption will be provided to the 

applicants in the exemption document 

and they include the following: (1) That 

each individual submit a quarterly 

monitoring checklist completed by the 

treating endocrinologist as well as an 

annual checklist with a comprehensive 

medical evaluation; (2) that each 

individual reports within 2 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 they are related to an episode of 

hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual 

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) that each 

individual provide a copy of the annual 

medical certification to the employer for 

retention in the driver’s qualification 

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

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

copy of the certification when driving, 

for presentation to a duly authorized 

Federal, State, or local enforcement 

official. 

Discussion of Comments 

FMCSA received no comments in this 

proceeding. 

Conclusion 

After considering the comments to the 

docket, and based upon its evaluation of 

the twenty-seven exemption 

applications, FMCSA exempts, Carroll 

F. Aardema, Edward F. Back, III, Aaron 

Bailey, Mirsad Beganovic, Carol J. 

Brummel, Paul R. Caudill, Bernia G. 

Denegar, Felipe Guerra, Jr., Michael K. 

Gunn, Steven D. Hancock, George E. 

Hardman, David L. Hottell, Marlin K. 

Johnson, Joshua L. Kroetch, Thomas E. 

Kusinsky, David S. Maynard, Gareth L. 

Miller, Joseph C. Minnier, Brian K. 

Moore, Zachary T. Patton, Edward R. 

Peters, Terry L. Robinett, Mark E. 

Strunk, Scot J. Suhr, Michael R. 

Sullivan, Kenneth R. Walker, and Blake 

A. Woolman from the ITDM standard in 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the 

conditions listed under ‘‘Conditions and 

Requirements’’ above. 

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

and 31315 each exemption will be valid 

for two years unless revoked earlier by 

FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked 

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. If the exemption is still effective 

at the end of the 2-year period, the 

person may apply to FMCSA for a 

renewal under procedures in effect at 

that time. 

Issued on: June 5, 2009. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy and 

Program Development. 

[FR Doc. E9–13832 Filed 6–11–09; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket ID. FMCSA–2009–0155] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Applications; Diabetes 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of applications for 

exemptions from the diabetes standard; 

request for comments. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of 

applications from 21 individuals for 

exemptions from the prohibition against 

persons with insulin-treated diabetes 

mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial 

motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate 

commerce. If granted, the exemptions 

would enable these individuals with 

ITDM to operate commercial motor 

vehicles in interstate commerce. 

DATES: Comments must be received on 

or before July 13, 2009. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

bearing the Federal Docket Management 

System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 

2009–0122 using any of the following 

methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

on-line 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. 

28098 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Notices 

• Hand Delivery: West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, 

DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 

through Friday, except Federal 

Holidays. 

• Fax: 1–202–493–2251. 

Each submission must include the 

Agency name and the docket ID for this 

Notice. Note that DOT posts all 

comments received without change to 

http://www.regulations.gov, including 

any personal information included in a 

comment. Please see the Privacy Act 

heading below. 

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., Monday through 

Friday, except Federal holidays. The 

FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 

365 days each year. If you want 

acknowledgment that we received your 

comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or 

postcard or print the acknowledgement 

page that appears after submitting 

comments on-line. 

Privacy Act: Anyone may search the 

electronic form of all comments 

received into any of our dockets by the 

name of the individual submitting the 

comment (or of the person signing the 

comment, if submitted on behalf of an 

association, business, labor union, etc.). 

You may review the DOT’s complete 

Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 

Register published on April 11, 2000 

(65 FR 19476). This information is also 

available at http://Docketinfo.dot.gov. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. 

Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical 

Programs, (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., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, 

FMCSA may grant an exemption for a 2- 

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 2-year period. The 21 

individuals listed in this notice have 

recently requested an exemption from 

the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR 

391.41(b)(3), which applies to drivers of 

CMVs in interstate commerce. 

Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate 

the qualifications of each applicant to 

determine whether granting the 

exemption will achieve the required 

level of safety mandated by the statutes. 

Qualifications of Applicants 

Eugene L. Bradley 

Mr. Bradley, age 59, has had ITDM 

since 1995. His endocrinologist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he has had no hypoglycemic reactions 

resulting in loss of consciousness, 

requiring the assistance of another 

person, or resulting in impaired 

cognitive function that occurred without 

warning in the past 5 years; understands 

diabetes management and monitoring; 

and has stable control of his diabetes 

using insulin, and is able to drive a 

CMV safely. Mr. Bradley meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he has stable 

nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class A CDL from 

Pennsylvania. 

John F. Carruthers 

Mr. Carruthers, 55, has had ITDM 

since 2002. His endocrinologist 

examined him in 2008 and certified that 

he has had no hypoglycemic reactions 

resulting in loss of consciousness, 

requiring the assistance of another 

person, or resulting in impaired 

cognitive function that occurred without 

warning in the past 5 years; understands 

diabetes management and monitoring; 

and has stable control of his diabetes 

using insulin, and is able to drive a 

CMV safely. Mr. Carruthers meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2008 

and certified that he has stable 

nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class A CDL from 

Pennsylvania. 

Keith A. Craven 

Mr. Craven, 50, has had ITDM since 

1999. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2008 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Craven meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2008 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class C operator’s license 

from North Carolina. 

Jose E. Cruz 

Mr. Cruz, 55, has had ITDM since 

2007. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Cruz meets the requirements 

of the vision standard at 49 CFR 

391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist 

examined him in 2008 and certified that 

he has stable nonproliferative diabetic 

retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL 

from Indiana. 

Daniel L. Dixon 

Mr. Dixon, 48, has had ITDM since 

2008. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Dixon meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he does not have 

diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A 

CDL from Indiana. 

Michael A. Garufi 

Mr. Garufi, 55, has had ITDM since 

2008. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Garufi meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2008 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class C operator’s license 

from Pennsylvania. 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Notices 28099 

Joseph P. Jurewicz II 

Mr. Jurewicz, 33, has had ITDM since 

1999. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Jurewicz meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class B CDL from 

Connecticut. 

Dana N. Larsen 

Mr. Larsen, 39, has had ITDM since 

2008. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Larsen meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he does not have 

diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A 

CDL from Utah. 

Jason G. Leavitt 

Mr. Leavitt, 39, has had ITDM since 

2008. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Leavitt meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class A CDL from Utah. 

Chad M. Morris 

Mr. Morris, 32, has had ITDM since 

1985. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Morris meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he has stable 

nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class D operator’s license 

from New York. 

Thomas M. Petee 

Mr. Petee, 58, has had ITDM since 

2003. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2008 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Petee meets the requirements 

of the vision standard at 49 CFR 

391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he has stable nonproliferative diabetic 

retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL 

from Michigan. 

Jim A. Phelps 

Mr. Phelps, 56, has had ITDM since 

1994. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Phelps meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds an operator’s license from 

Michigan. 

Larry R. Price 

Mr. Price, 66, has had ITDM since 

2009. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Price meets the requirements 

of the vision standard at 49 CFR 

391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined 

him in 2009 and certified that he does 

not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds 

a Class A CDL from Ohio. 

James F. Rabideau, Jr. 

Mr. Rabideau, 32, has had ITDM since 

2007. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Rabideau meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2008 

and certified that he does not have 

diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C 

operator’s license from New York. 

Stanley N. Reneau 

Mr. Reneau, 38, has had ITDM since 

1977. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Reneau meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class A CDL from New 

Mexico. 

Richard D. Ritenour 

Mr. Ritenour, 52, has had ITDM since 

2007. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2008 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Ritenour meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he has stable 

nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

28100 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Notices 

1Section 4129(a) refers to the 2003 Notice as a 

‘‘final rule.’’ However, the 2003 Notice did not issue 

a ‘‘final rule’’ but did establish the procedures and 

standards for issuing exemptions for drivers with 

ITDM. 

He holds a Class B CDL from 

Pennsylvania. 

John E. Spano 

Mr. Spano, 52, has had ITDM since 

2008. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Spano meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he does not have 

diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A 

CDL from Massachusetts. 

Delton N. Stewart 

Mr. Stewart, 49, has had ITDM since 

2008. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2008 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Stewart meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he has stable 

nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class A CDL from North 

Carolina. 

Mark S. Sundberg 

Mr. Sundberg, 51, has had ITDM since 

1966. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Sundberg meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 

ophthalmologist examined him in 2009 

and certified that he does not have 

diabetic retinopathy. He holds an 

operator’s license from Michigan. 

Timothy G. Walls 

Mr. Walls, 45, has had ITDM since 

1998. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Walls meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class D operator’s license 

from West Virginia. 

Kelly R. Winslow 

Mr. Winslow, 49, has had ITDM since 

1995. His endocrinologist examined him 

in 2009 and certified that he has had no 

hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss 

of consciousness, requiring the 

assistance of another person, or 

resulting in impaired cognitive function 

that occurred without warning in the 

past 5 years; understands diabetes 

management and monitoring; and has 

stable control of his diabetes using 

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV 

safely. Mr. Winslow meets the 

requirements of the vision standard at 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist 

examined him in 2009 and certified that 

he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 

He holds a Class A CDL from Idaho. 

Request for Comments 

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

and 31315, FMCSA requests public 

comment from all interested persons on 

the exemption petitions described in 

this notice. We will consider all 

comments received before the close of 

business on the closing date indicated 

in the date section of the Notice. 

FMCSA notes that Section 4129 of the 

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and 

Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A 

Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) 

requires the Secretary to revise its 

diabetes exemption program established 

on September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441).1

The revision must provide for 

individual assessment of drivers with 

diabetes mellitus, and be consistent 

with the criteria described in section 

4018 of the Transportation Equity Act 

for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305). 

Section 4129 requires: (1) The 

elimination of the requirement for three 

years of experience operating CMVs 

while being treated with insulin; and (2) 

the establishment of a specified 

minimum period of insulin use to 

demonstrate stable control of diabetes 

before being allowed to operate a CMV. 

In response to section 4129, FMCSA 

made immediate revisions to the 

diabetes exemption program established 

by the September 3, 2003 Notice. 

FMCSA discontinued use of the 3-year 

driving experience and fulfilled the 

requirements of section 4129 while 

continuing to ensure that operation of 

CMVs by drivers with ITDM will 

achieve the requisite level of safety 

required of all exemptions granted 

under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e). 

Section 4129(d) also directed FMCSA 

to ensure that drivers of CMVs with 

ITDM are not held to a higher standard 

than other drivers, with the exception of 

limited operating, monitoring and 

medical requirements that are deemed 

medically necessary. 

FMCSA concluded that all of the 

operating, monitoring and medical 

requirements set out in the September 3, 

2003 Notice, except as modified, were 

in compliance with section 4129(d). 

Therefore, all of the requirements set 

out in the September 3, 2003 Notice, 

except as modified by the Notice in the 

Federal Register on November 8, 2005 

(70 FR 67777), remain in effect. 

Issued on: June 5, 2009. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy and 

Program Development. 

[FR Doc. E9–13833 Filed 6–11–09; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7165; FMCSA– 

2000–7918; FMCSA–2000–8398; FMCSA– 

2002–12294; FMCSA–2002–13411; FMCSA– 

2004–17984; FMCSA–2004–19477; FMCSA– 

2005–20027; FMCSA–2005–20560; FMCSA– 

2007–27333] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Renewals; Vision 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of final disposition. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA previously 

announced its decision to renew the 

exemptions from the vision requirement 

in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety