Document ID: FMCSA-2010-0203-0001
Agency: fmcsa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Posted Date: 2010-07-02T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 127 (Friday, July 2, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38599-38602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-16216]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0203]

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption, request for comments.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from seventeen 
individuals for an exemption from the prohibition against persons with 
a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (or any other condition which is 
likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to 
operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)) from operating CMVs in 
interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these 
individuals with seizure disorders to operate CMVs in interstate 
commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 2, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0203 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.
     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.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket No. 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

[[Page 38600]]

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 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 the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78; Apr. 11, 2000). 
This information is also available at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical 
Programs, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Room W64-224, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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. 31315 and 31136(e), 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 
seventeen individuals listed in this notice have recently requested an 
exemption from the epilepsy prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), which 
applies to drivers who operate CMVs as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, in 
interstate commerce. Section 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is 
physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle 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 commercial motor vehicle.
    FMCSA provides medical advisory criteria for use by medical 
examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical 
conditions should be certified to operate commercial motor vehicles in 
intrastate commerce. The advisory criteria indicates that if an 
individual has had a sudden episode of a nonepileptic seizure or loss 
of consciousness of unknown cause which did not require anti-seizure 
medication, the decision whether that person's condition is likely to 
cause the loss of consciousness or loss of ability to control a 
commercial motor vehicle should be made on an individual basis by the 
medical examiner in consultation with the treating physician. Before 
certification is considered, it is suggested that a 6-month waiting 
period elapse from the time of the episode. Following the waiting 
period, it is suggested that the individual have a complete 
neurological examination. If the results of the examination are 
negative and antiseizure medication is not required, then the driver 
may be qualified.
    In those individual cases where a driver had a seizure or an 
episode of loss of consciousness that resulted from a known medical 
condition (e.g., drug reaction, high temperature, acute infectious 
disease, dehydration, or acute metabolic disturbance), certification 
should be deferred until the driver has fully recovered from that 
condition, has no existing residual complications, and is not taking 
anti-seizure medication.
    Drivers with a history of epilepsy/seizures off anti-seizure 
medication and seizure-free for 10 years may be qualified to operate a 
CMV in interstate commerce. Interstate drivers with a history of a 
single unprovoked seizure may be qualified to drive a CMV in interstate 
commerce if seizure-free and off anti-seizure medication for a 5-year 
period or more.

Summary of Applications

Bruce B. Baum

    Mr. Baum is a CMV driver in the state of New Mexico. He experienced 
a single episode of a seizure in 1999, and is currently taking anti-
seizure medication Dilantin. His neurologist states that he has been 
seizure-free for five years. Mr. Baum believes that he would achieve a 
level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the regulation because he has remained seizure free and 
compliant on medication since 1999.

Todd A. Davis

    Mr. Davis is a CMV driver in the state of Wisconsin. He experienced 
a single episode of a seizure in 2007, and is currently taking anti-
seizure medication Lamictal. His neurologist certified that he has been 
seizure-free for three years. Mr. Davis believes that he would achieve 
a level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the regulation because he has remained seizure free and 
compliant on medication since 2007.

James Dyer

    Mr. Dyer is a CMV driver in the state of Texas. He experienced a 
single seizure like event in 2008 and was placed on anti-seizure 
medication but discontinued use in 2009. His neurologist states that he 
is stable, has a low risk of future seizures, and has been seizure free 
for one year and 6 months. Mr. Dyer believes that he would achieve a 
level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the regulation because he experienced a ``seizure-like'' 
event, discontinued use of anti-seizure medication, and has remained 
seizure-free for years.

Richard R. Gurda

    Mr. Gurda is a CMV driver in the state of Wisconsin. He experienced 
a single seizure event in 2005, and is currently taking anti-seizure 
medication Lamictal. His neurologist certified that he has been 
seizure-free for four years since the single event and remains stable 
on his current dose of medication. Mr. Gurda believes that he would 
achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety 
obtained by complying with the regulation because he has maintained 
good medication control and has remained seizure-free for four years. 
Mr. Gurda currently has a CDL exemption issued by the state to operate 
municipal/government vehicle in intrastate.

Christian E. Henry

    Mr. Henry is a CMV driver in the state of Pennsylvania. He has a 
history of seizures during medical procedures when he was a juvenile. 
His doctor states that he has been seizure-free for nine years on his 
current dose of medication and is stable to drive. Mr. Henry believes 
that he would achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to the level 
of safety obtained by complying with the regulation because he has 
remained seizure-free since 1998, has a safe driving record, and he's 
compliant with his medication.

Denton L. Hineline

    Mr. Hineline is a CMV driver in the state of Florida. He has a 
history of nocturnal seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1978, 
and is currently taking anti-seizure medication Dilantin. His doctor 
certified that he has been seizure-free for twenty-nine years on his 
current dose of medication. Mr. Hineline believes that he would achieve 
a level of safety that is equivalent to the

[[Page 38601]]

level of safety obtained by complying with the regulation because he 
has remained seizure-free since 1979 and he's compliant with his 
medication.

Henrietta M. Ketcham

    Ms. Ketcham is a CMV driver in the state of New York. She has a 
history of seizure disorder since 1992. She experienced her last 
seizure in 2001, and is currently taking anti-seizure medication 
Topomax. Her doctor states that she has been seizure-free for seven 
years on her current dose of medication and remains stable. Ms. Ketcham 
believes that she would achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to 
the level of safety obtained by complying with the regulation because 
she has maintained good medication control and has remained seizure-
free for seven years.

Danny Lingle

    Mr. Lingle is a CMV driver in the state of Iowa. He states that he 
had a stroke from a brain hemorrhage and not a seizure in 2006. He did 
not take an anti-seizure medication after the event. He has not 
experienced another episode. His neurologist states that he is safe to 
drive without restrictions. Mr. Lingle believes that he would achieve a 
level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the regulation because he did not experience a seizure 
and is a safe driver.

James C. Loiodice

    Mr. Loiodice is a CMV driver in the state of New York. He 
experienced an isolated seizure episode in 2001, and is currently 
taking anti-seizure medication Carbatrol. His neurologist certified 
that he has been seizure-free for 8 years, is well controlled and has 
an extremely low risk of a breakthrough seizure. Mr. Loiodice believes 
that he would achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to the level 
of safety obtained by complying with the regulation because he has 
remained seizure-free on anti-seizure medication for eight years.

Leo J. Lombardio

    Mr. Lombardio is a CMV driver in the state of California. He 
experienced a single seizure episode in 2007, and is currently taking 
anti-seizure medication Phenytoin. His doctor states that he has been 
stable with no seizure activity on medication since 2007. His 
medication was changed from Keppra to Phenytoin in 2008 due to side 
effects. He believes that he would achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to the level of safety obtained by complying with the 
regulation because he continues to take his medication as directed by 
his doctor and has remained seizure free.

Mike D. Rafalski

    Mr. Rafalski is a CMV driver in the state of Michigan. He was 
diagnosed with epilepsy in 2002, and is currently taking anti-seizure 
medications Keppra and Trileptal. He experienced his last seizure in 
2006. Mr. Rafalski believes that he would achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by complying with 
the regulation because he has remained seizure-free on anti-seizure 
medication for four years.

Phillip S. Sage

    Mr. Sage is a CMV driver in the state of Michigan. He developed 
seizures after a motor vehicle accident in 2007. He experienced his 
last seizure in 2008, and was taking anti-seizure medication Keppra. He 
has since discontinued anti-seizure medication in 2008. He believes 
that he would achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to the level 
of safety obtained by complying with the regulation because he has a 
history of safe driving and has discontinued the medication and has 
remained seizure-free.

Floyd R. Strader Jr.

    Mr. Strader is a CMV driver in the state of North Carolina. He was 
diagnosed with a childhood seizure disorder. His last seizure was in 
2000, he was thirteen years old at this time. He discontinued the use 
of anti-seizure medication in 2001 when he was fourteen. Mr. Strader 
experienced a motor vehicle collision which resulted in head-trauma. He 
did not experience a seizure; however, he was treated for migraine 
headaches. Mr. Strader believes that he would achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by complying with 
the regulation because he has remained seizure-free for nine years and 
off anti-seizure medication for eight years.

Joseph A. Suhy

    Mr. Suhy is CMV driver in the state of Pennsylvania. He was 
diagnosed with a seizure disorder after a head injury in 1986. His last 
seizure was in 1991 at the time he was taking Tegretol. Subsequently 
his anti-seizure medication was changed to Valproic acid and he remains 
on this medication to date. His doctor states that he has been seizure-
free for seventeen years. Mr. Suhy believes that he would achieve a 
level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the regulation because he has remained seizure free and 
is compliant with treatment.

Paul C. Warren

    Mr. Warren is a CMV driver in the state of Maine. He was diagnosed 
with epilepsy in 2000. He experienced his last seizure in 2002, and is 
currently taking anti-seizure medication Keppra. His neurologist states 
that he has been seizure free for seven years and is compliant with 
treatment. Mr. Warren believes that he would achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by complying with 
the regulation because he has a history of safe driving in CMVs and has 
remained seizure free for seven years.

Jeffery P. Weis

    Mr. Weis is a CMV driver in the state of Illinois. He experienced 
seizures in 2006 caused by metabolic derangement related to stress and 
alcohol use. He was placed on Dilantin but discontinued use per 
doctor's orders after 6 months. He has remained seizure and medication 
free for three years. Mr. Weis believes that he would achieve a level 
of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the regulation because he has a history of safe driving, 
decreased alcohol consumption and has discontinued anti-seizure 
medication and has remained seizure-free.

Brian H. Wetzel

    Mr. Wetzel is a CMV driver in the state of Missouri. He was 
diagnosed with a seizure disorder after brain surgery in 1976. He 
experienced his last seizure in 1995, and is currently taking anti-
seizure medication Carbamazepine. His neurologist's medical opinion is 
that he has been seizure free for fourteen years and is safe to drive. 
Mr. Wetzel believes that he would achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to the level of safety obtained by complying with the 
regulation because he has been seizure free for fourteen years and is 
compliant with treatment.

Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests 
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption application 
described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before 
the close of business on the closing date indicated earlier in the 
notice.

[[Page 38602]]

    Issued on: June 25, 2010.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2010-16216 Filed 7-1-10; 8:45 am]
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