Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2017/11/27/2017-25519.html
Timestamp: 2020-08-10 05:26:22
Document Index: 81611586

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 391', 'ART 391', '§ 391', 'art391', 'art 391', 'ART 391', '§ 391']

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 56108-56110 [2017-25519] :: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration :: Department Of Transportation :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 56108-56110 [2017-25519]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 56108-56110 [2017-25519]
Download as PDF 56108 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 226 / Monday, November 27, 2017 / Notices II. Background FMCSA received applications from 35 individuals who requested an exemption from the FMCSRs prohibiting persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to operate a CMV from operating CMVs in interstate commerce. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and concluded that granting these exemptions would not provide a level of safety that would be equivalent to or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES III. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for five years if it finds such an exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such an exemption. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a twoyear period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on the eligibility criteria, the terms and conditions for Federal exemptions, and an individualized assessment of each applicant’s medical information provided by the applicant. IV. Conclusion The Agency has determined that these applicants do not satisfy the criteria eligibility or meet the terms and conditions of the Federal exemption and granting these exemptions would not provide a level of safety that would be equivalent to or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). Therefore, the 35 applicants in this notice have been denied exemptions from the physical qualification standards in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). Each applicant has, prior to this notice, received a letter of final disposition regarding his/her exemption request. Those decision letters fully outlined the basis for the denial and constitutes final action by the Agency. This notice summarizes the Agency’s recent denials as required under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4) by periodically publishing names and reasons for denial. The following 25 applicants do not meet the minimum time requirement for being seizure-free, either on or off of anti-seizure medication: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 Nov 24, 2017 Jkt 244001 Terrence Aires (CO) Zackary Anderson (KS) Adolfito Arciaga, Jr. (CA) Melissa N. Barregan (NC) Bret R. Calderwood (PA) Paul E. Capozzi (MA) William F. Castle (IA) Norma Coffin (NY) Joel Duffina (NH) Robert R. Freeman (NC) Albert Giovianazzi (NJ) Cecilia L. Gonzalez (CA) Peter M. Gustey (OR) Phillip W. Helms (NC) Jadwin Johnson (OH) Franklin King (AR) Buck Konkol (WI) Shaun G. McChesney (ND) Donald McGlamery (NC) Anthony J. Melillo (CT) Joseph M. Ruley (IA) Lucas T. Sorey (NC) Robert C. Spencer (FL) David J. Tune (MN) Robbie Weiland (WI) The following applicant did not obtain the support of his physician to operate a vehicle in interstate commerce: Taylor Valentine (NY) The following nine applicants are intrastate drivers: Anthony Anello, III (NJ) Sonny Chase (MN) Thomas G. Davis (PA) Jarel Hathaway (UT) Joe L. King, Jr. (NC) Edward C. McCachren (NJ) Sean Plover (PA) William Swick (MI) Kevin D. Weber (WV) Issued on: November 17, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–25518 Filed 11–24–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0252] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from two individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2017–0252 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to http:// www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, 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 online. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 226 / Monday, November 27, 2017 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/ privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, 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 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact 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 FMCSRs for a five-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 five-year period. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a twoyear period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The two individuals listed in this notice have requested an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). 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 statute. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria1 to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391— MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] The advisory criteria states the following: 1 See http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx? SID=e47b48a9ea42dd67d999246e23d97970& mc=true&node=pt49.5.391&rgn=div5#ap49.5.391_ 171.a and https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5part391-appA.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 Nov 24, 2017 Jkt 244001 If an individual has had a sudden episode of a non-epileptic seizure or loss of consciousness of unknown cause that 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 CMV 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 sixmonth 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 recovered fully from that condition, has no existing residual complications, and is not taking anti-seizure medication. Drivers who have 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 five-year period or more. As a result of Medical Examiners misinterpreting advisory criteria as regulation, numerous drivers have been prohibited from operating a CMV in interstate commerce based on the fact that they have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication, rather than an individual analysis of their circumstances by a qualified Medical Examiner based on the physical qualification standards and medical best practices. On January 15, 2013, FMCSA announced in a Notice of Final Disposition titled, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, (78 FR 3069), its decision to grant requests from 22 individuals for exemptions from the regulatory requirement that interstate CMV drivers have ‘‘no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ Since the January 15, 2013 notice, the Agency has published additional notices granting requests from PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56109 individuals for exemptions from the regulatory requirement regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8). To be considered for an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), applicants must meet the criteria in the 2007 recommendations of the Agency’s Medical Expert Panel (MEP) (78 FR 3069). II. Qualifications of Applicants David W. Pamperin Mr. Pamperin, 55, has a history of a seizure disorder and has remained seizure free since 2006. He takes antiseizure medication, with the dosage and frequency remaining the same since 2007. His physician states that he is supportive of Mr. Pamperin receiving an exemption. Sury L. Seijas Mr. Seijas, 34, has a history of epilepsy and has remained seizure free since 2007. He takes anti-seizure medication, with the dosage and frequency remaining the same since 2007. His physician states that he is supportive of Mr. Seijas receiving an exemption. III. 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 dates section of the notice. IV. Submitting Comments You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2017–0252 and click the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button on the right hand side of the page. On the new page, enter information required including the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 56110 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 226 / Monday, November 27, 2017 / Notices copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and materials received during the comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after the close of the comment period. V. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this preamble, go to http://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2017–0252 and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to this notice. Issued on: November 17, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–25519 Filed 11–24–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0203; FMCSA– 2011–0389; FMCSA–2012–0050; FMCSA– 2012–0294; FMCSA–2012–0094; FMCSA– 2014–0382; FMCSA–2015–0116; FMCSA– 2015–0117] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ‘‘no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on August 13, 2017. The exemptions expire on August 13, 2019. Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 Nov 24, 2017 Jkt 244001 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2010–0203; FMCSA–2011–0389; FMCSA–2012–0050; FMCSA–2012– 0294; FMCSA–2012–0094; FMCSA– 2014–0382; FMCSA–2015–0116; FMCSA–2015–0117 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to http:// www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day ET, 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 online. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 personal information the commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/ privacy. I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for five years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the five-year period. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a twoyear period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391— MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] The 10 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. II. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1
[Pages 56108-56110]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25519]
[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0252]
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from two individuals
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2017.
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0252 using any of the
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can
[[Page 56109]]
be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/privacy.
The two individuals listed in this notice have requested an
criteria\1\ to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers
more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication, rather than an
individual analysis of their circumstances by a qualified Medical
Examiner based on the physical qualification standards and medical best
David W. Pamperin
Mr. Pamperin, 55, has a history of a seizure disorder and has
remained seizure free since 2006. He takes anti-seizure medication,
with the dosage and frequency remaining the same since 2007. His
physician states that he is supportive of Mr. Pamperin receiving an
Sury L. Seijas
Mr. Seijas, 34, has a history of epilepsy and has remained seizure
free since 2007. He takes anti-seizure medication, with the dosage and
is supportive of Mr. Seijas receiving an exemption.
in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA-2017-0252 and click
by 11 inches, suitable for
[[Page 56110]]
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.
the docket number FMCSA-2017-0252 and click ``Search.'' Next, click
Issued on: November 17, 2017.
[FR Doc. 2017-25519 Filed 11-24-17; 8:45 am]