Document ID: FMCSA-2014-0020-0001
Agency: fmcsa
Document Type: Notice
Title: Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications: Diabetes Mellitus
Posted Date: 2014-08-14T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 157 (Thursday, August 14, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47711-47718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19250]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0020]

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 46 individuals 
for exemption from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated 
diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in 
interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would allow these 
individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 15, 2014. All 
comments will be investigated by FMCSA. The exemptions will be issued 
the day after the comment period closes.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-201X-XXXX using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number 
for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without 
change to 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 www.regulations.gov at any time or visit 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., ET, Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The on-line Federal document management system 
is available 24 hours each day, 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 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 DOT's Privacy Act Statement for the Federal Docket 
Management System published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 
(73 FR 3316), or you may visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical 
Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions 
on 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 
from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 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 statute also allows the Agency to renew 
exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The 46 individuals listed 
in this notice have recently requested such 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 has evaluated 
the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting an 
exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by 
statute.

II. Qualifications of Applicants

James M. Brooks

    Mr. Brooks, 51, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Brooks understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Brooks meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Virginia.

Gary L. Brown

    Mr. Brown, 52, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Brown understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Brown meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Richard E. Campney

    Mr. Campney, 80, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
hypoglycemic reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring 
the assistance of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive 
function

[[Page 47712]]

that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no recurrent (2 
or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Campney understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Campney meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Iowa.

Steven J. Causie

    Mr. Causie, 52, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Causie understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Causie meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Michigan.

Wesley A. Chain

    Mr. Chain, 32, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Chain understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Chain meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas.

Richard M. Cohen

    Mr. Cohen, 63, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Cohen understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cohen meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New 
Jersey.

Alex A. Comella

    Mr. Comella, 57, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Comella understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Comella meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from New Jersey.

Jeffrey R. Courtright

    Mr. Courtright, 27, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Courtright understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Courtright meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Colorado.

Dwayne P. Daniels

    Mr. Daniels, 48, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Daniels understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Daniels meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C CDL from Pennsylvania.

James T. Dodge

    Mr. Dodge, 44, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Dodge understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dodge meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Colorado.

Richard D. Domingo

    Mr. Domingo, 52, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Domingo understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Domingo meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Nevada.

[[Page 47713]]

John J. Dominguez

    Mr. Dominguez, 54, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Dominguez understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dominguez meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas.

Mark S. Duda

    Mr. Duda, 57, has had ITDM since 2006. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Duda understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Duda meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2014 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds a Class B CDL from Pennsylvania.

Vernon L. Fulton, Jr.

    Mr. Fulton, 57, has had ITDM since 2008. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Fulton understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Fulton meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Oregon.

Gary W. Giles

    Mr. Giles, 49, has had ITDM since 1985. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Giles understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Giles meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas.

Benny B. Gonzales

    Mr. Gonzales, 61, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Gonzales understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gonzales meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas.

Jerry W. Gott

    Mr. Gott, 63, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Gott understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gott meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. 
He holds an operator's license from Iowa.

James L. Hummel

    Mr. Hummel, 57, has had ITDM since 2011. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Hummel understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hummel meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Washington.

Matthew J. Jensen

    Mr. Jensen, 37, has had ITDM since 2003. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Jensen understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Jensen meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Minnesota.

Joseph A. Kipus

    Mr. Kipus, 58, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Kipus understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using

[[Page 47714]]

insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kipus meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Ohio.

Kevin L. Kreakie

    Mr. Kreakie, 39, has had ITDM since 1993. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Kreakie understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kreakie meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative and stable proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds an operator's license from Ohio.

Gerald D. Layton

    Mr. Layton, 66, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Layton understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Layton meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas.

Steve F. Levicoff

    Mr. Levicoff, 60, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Levicoff understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Levicoff meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Kevin C. Lewis

    Mr. Lewis, 54, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Lewis understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Lewis meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Louisiana.

Timothy M. Malo

    Mr. Malo, 57, has had ITDM since 2006. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Malo understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Malo meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2014 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds a Class A CDL from Maine.

Paul J. Marshall

    Mr. Marshall, 51, has had ITDM since 1993. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Marshall understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Marshall meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Utah.

David L. Mc Donald

    Mr. Mc Donald, 59, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Mc Donald understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Mc Donald meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Thomas K. Miszler

    Mr. Miszler, 61, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Miszler understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Miszler meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Rusty A. Neal

    Mr. Neal, 43, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe hypoglycemic 
reactions resulting in loss of consciousness, requiring the assistance 
of another person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function

[[Page 47715]]

that occurred without warning in the past 12 months and no recurrent (2 
or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Neal understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Neal meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2014 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Jacob B. Newman

    Mr. Newman, 49, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Newman understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Newman meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Georgia.

Duke R. Pendergraft

    Mr. Pendergraft, 51, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Pendergraft understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Pendergraft meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas.

Timothy K. Price

    Mr. Price, 54, has had ITDM since 1998. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Price understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, 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 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from West Virginia.

Michael C. Prue

    Mr. Prue, 40, has had ITDM since 1985. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 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 12 months and no recurrent (2 or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Prue understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Prue meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined 
him in 2014 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic 
retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Maine.

Juan C. Rodriguez-Martinez

    Mr. Rodriguez-Martinez, 45, has had ITDM since 2014. His 
endocrinologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no 
severe 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 12 months 
and no recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Rodriguez-Martinez 
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Rodriguez-Martinez meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified 
that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
California.

Bradlee R. Saxby

    Mr. Saxby, 30, has had ITDM since 2009. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Saxby understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Saxby meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Illinois.

Barry L. Schwab

    Mr. Schwab, 51, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Schwab understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Schwab meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a chauffeur's license 
from Michigan.

Geoffrey E. Showaker

    Mr. Showaker, 39, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Showaker understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely.
    Mr. Showaker meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and 
certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds an operator's license from Pennsylvania.

[[Page 47716]]

Nicholas J. Shultz

    Mr. Shultz, 25, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Shultz understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Shultz meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Indiana.

Kevin J. Sparks

    Mr. Sparks, 49, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Sparks understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sparks meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Maine.

George E. Thompson

    Mr. Thompson, 58, has had ITDM since 1998. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Thompson understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely.
    Mr. Thompson meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and 
certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class 
B CDL from New Jersey.

Dale W. Tucker

    Mr. Tucker, 68, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Tucker understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Tucker meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Virginia.

William C. Vickery

    Mr. Vickery, 70, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Vickery understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely.
    Mr. Vickery meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2014 and certified 
that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
New York.

Cheryl L. Weber Gambill

    Ms. Weber Gambill, 54, has had ITDM since 2014. Her endocrinologist 
examined her in 2014 and certified that she has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
Her endocrinologist certifies that Ms. Weber Gambill understands 
diabetes management and monitoring has stable control of her diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Weber Gambill 
meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). 
Her optometrist examined her in 2014 and certified that she does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. She holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Robert A. Whitcomb

    Mr. Whitcomb, 58, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Whitcomb understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely.
    Mr. Whitcomb meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified 
that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from 
Massachusetts.

Rodney L. Wichman

    Mr. Wichman, 54, has had ITDM since 1971. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. 
His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Wichman understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely.
    Mr. Wichman meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that 
he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Illinois.

Richard D. Wiegartz

    Mr. Wiegartz, 59, has had ITDM since 1995. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2014 and certified that he has had no severe 
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 12 months and no 
recurrent (2 or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in

[[Page 47717]]

the last 5 years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Wiegartz 
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Wiegartz meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2014 and certified that 
he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license 
from Illinois.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the 46 applicants and 
determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would 
achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that 
would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(3). Absent the receipt of comments indicating that a driver's 
ability would not achieve the aforementioned level of safety, the 
Agency will grant the drivers an exemption the day after the comment 
period closes.

III. Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants

    The agency established the current requirement for diabetes in 1970 
because several risk studies indicated that drivers with diabetes had a 
higher rate of 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 September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441) Federal 
Register 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 46 applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 43 years. 
These applicants report no severe hypoglycemic reactions resulting in 
loss of consciousness or seizure, requiring the assistance of another 
person, or resulting in impaired cognitive function that occurred 
without warning symptoms in the past 12 months and no recurrent (2 or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the past 5 years. In each case, 
an endocrinologist verified that the driver has demonstrated a 
willingness to properly monitor and manage his/her diabetes mellitus, 
received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable 
insulin regimen. These drivers report no other disqualifying 
conditions, including diabetes-related complications. Each meets the 
vision requirement at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).

IV. Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the diabetes requirement 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 endocrinologists' medical opinion related to the 
ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin.
    Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these 
applicants from the diabetes requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is 
likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.

V. Conditions and Requirements

    The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the 
granted 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 it is 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 self-employed. 
The driver must also have a copy of the certification when driving, for 
presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement 
official.

VI. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and 
related materials.
Submitting Comments
    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (FMCSA-2014-0020), 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 the Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding 
your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov and 
put the docket number, ``FMCSA-2014-0020'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and 
click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on ``Comment 
Now!'' button and type your comment into the text box in 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 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they 
reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard 
or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received 
during the comment period and may change this notice based on your 
comments.
Viewing Comments and Documents
    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov and 
insert the docket number, ``FMCSA-2014-0020'' in the ``Keyword'' box 
and click ``Search.'' Next, click ``Open Docket Folder'' button and 
choose the document listed to review. If you do not have access to the 
Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the DOT West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590,

[[Page 47718]]

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
Privacy Act
    All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have 
provided. 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 DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit 
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf.

    Issued on: August 7, 2014.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2014-19250 Filed 8-13-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P