Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2020/01/27/2020-01278.html
Timestamp: 2020-04-06 22:59:04
Document Index: 615812150

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 391', '§ 391', '§ 391', 'ART 391', '§ 391', 'art391', '§ 391', '§ 390', '§ 391']

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 4768-4769 [2020-01278] :: 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, 4768-4769 [2020-01278]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 4768-4769 [2020-01278]
Download as PDF 4768 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2020 / Notices National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). Issued on: January 17, 2020. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. III. Discussion of Comments Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 11 renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). As of May 8, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 10 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (84 FR 45199): khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Herbert Crowe (IN) Jessica Crowe (MO) Mark Dickson (TX) Jason Gensler (OH) David Grady (CO) Frankye Helbig (FL) Thomas Lipyanic (FL) Donald Malley (MO) David Shores (NC) Richard Whittaker (IN) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2014–0383. Their exemptions are applicable as of May 8, 2019, and will expire on May 8, 2021. As of May 21, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), Timothy Gallagher (PA) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers. (84 FR 45199) This driver was included in docket number FMCSA–2014–0102. The exemption is applicable as of May 21, 2019, and will expire on May 21, 2021. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:54 Jan 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 [FR Doc. 2020–01273 Filed 1–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0036] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt seven 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 antiseizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on January 10, 2020. The exemptions expire on January 10, 2022. 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 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 Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Public Participation A. Viewing Documents and Comments To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FMCSA-2019-0036 and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Operations in Room W12– 140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 PO 00000 Frm 00147 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. B. 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 www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.transportation.gov/privacy. II. Background On December 4, 2019, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of applications from seven individuals requesting an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) and requested comments from the public (84 FR 66446). The public comment period ended on January 3, 2020, and one comment was received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that granting exemptions to these individuals would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with § 391.41(b)(8). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in § 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria 1 to assist medical examiners (MEs) in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding that supported granting these exemptions. IV. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-year period if it finds such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 1 These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5, which is available on the internet at https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/ CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2020 / Notices achieved absent such exemption. The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2year 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 2007 recommendations of the Agency’s Medical Expert Panel (MEP). The Agency conducted an individualized assessment of each applicant’s medical information, including the root cause of the respective seizure(s) and medical information about the applicant’s seizure history, the length of time that has elapsed since the individual’s last seizure, the stability of each individual’s treatment regimen and the duration of time on or off of anti-seizure medication. In addition, the Agency reviewed the treating clinician’s medical opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV with a history of seizure and each applicant’s driving record found in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, and interstate and intrastate inspections recorded in the Motor Carrier Management Information System. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviewed the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). A summary of each applicant’s seizure history was discussed in the December 4, 2019, Federal Register notice (84 FR 66446) and will not be repeated in this notice. These seven applicants have been seizure-free over a range of 18 years while taking anti-seizure medication and maintained a stable medication treatment regimen for the last 2 years. In each case, the applicant’s treating physician verified his or her seizure history and supports the ability to drive commercially. The Agency acknowledges the potential consequences of a driver experiencing a seizure while operating a CMV. However, the Agency believes the drivers granted this exemption have demonstrated that they are unlikely to have a seizure and their medical condition does not pose a risk to public safety. Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these applicants from the epilepsy and seizure disorder prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8) 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 are provided to the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:54 Jan 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 applicants in the exemption document and includes the following: (1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment during the 2-year exemption period; (2) each driver must submit annual reports from their treating physicians attesting to the stability of treatment and that the driver has remained seizure-free; (3) each driver must undergo an annual medical examination by a certified ME, as defined by § 390.5; and (4) each driver must provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy of his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. VI. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the seven exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorder prohibition, § 391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements cited above: David Crouch (KY) Demetrius Furman (SD) Christopher Gilbert (VA) Jeffrey Koesterer (MO) Kevin Market (OH) Randy Wentz (PA) Robert Williams (IL) In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b). Issued on: January 17, 2020. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–01278 Filed 1–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4769 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–1999–5748; FMCSA– 2001–10578; FMCSA–2003–15268; FMCSA– 2003–15892; FMCSA–2005–20027; FMCSA– 2005–21711; FMCSA–2005–22194; FMCSA– 2005–22727; FMCSA–2006–26653; FMCSA– 2007–0017; FMCSA–2007–2663; FMCSA– 2007–27897; FMCSA–2007–28695; FMCSA– 2009–0154; FMCSA–2009–0303; FMCSA– 2011–0092; FMCSA–2011–0140; FMCSA– 2011–0275; FMCSA–2011–0325; FMCSA– 2011–26690; FMCSA–2013–0026; FMCSA– 2013–0027; FMCSA–2013–0028; FMCSA– 2013–0029; FMCSA–2013–0030; FMCSA– 2013–0165; FMCSA–2013–0166; FMCSA– 2013–0167; FMCSA–2013–0168; FMCSA– 2013–0170; FMCSA–2013–0174; FMCSA– 2015–0053; FMCSA–2015–0055; FMCSA– 2015–0056; FMCSA–2015–0070; FMCSA– 2015–0071; FMCSA–2015–0072; FMCSA– 2015–0345; FMCSA–2015–0347; FMCSA– 2017–0026; FMCSA–2017–0027] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision 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 76 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirements in one eye. DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before February 26, 2020. SUMMARY: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–1999–5748, Docket No. FMCSA–2001–10578, Docket No. FMCSA–2003–15268, Docket No. FMCSA–2003–15892, Docket No. FMCSA–2005–20027, Docket No. FMCSA–2005–21711, Docket No. FMCSA–2005–22194, Docket No. FMCSA–2005–22727, Docket No. FMCSA–2006–26653, Docket No. FMCSA–2007–0017, Docket No. FMCSA–2007–2663, Docket No. FMCSA–2007–27897, Docket No. FMCSA–2007–28695, Docket No. FMCSA–2009–0154, Docket No. FMCSA–2009–0303, Docket No. FMCSA–2011–0092, Docket No. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1
[Pages 4768-4769]
[FR Doc No: 2020-01278]
[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2019-0036]
DATES: The exemptions were applicable on January 10, 2020. The
exemptions expire on January 10, 2022.
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2019-0036 and choose the document to review. If you do
On December 4, 2019, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt of
applications from seven individuals requesting an exemption from the
requested comments from the public (84 FR 66446). The public comment
period ended on January 3, 2020, and one comment was received.
a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would
be achieved by complying with Sec.  391.41(b)(8).
FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding that supported
granting these exemptions.
or greater than, the level that would be
[[Page 4769]]
achieved absent such exemption. The statute also allows the Agency to
renew exemptions at the end of the 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical
exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2-year period to align with the
maximum duration of a driver's medical certification.
based on the 2007 recommendations of the Agency's Medical Expert Panel
(MEP). The Agency conducted an individualized assessment of each
applicant's medical information, including the root cause of the
respective seizure(s) and medical information about the applicant's
seizure history, the length of time that has elapsed since the
individual's last seizure, the stability of each individual's treatment
regimen and the duration of time on or off of anti-seizure medication.
In addition, the Agency reviewed the treating clinician's medical
opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV
with a history of seizure and each applicant's driving record found in
the Commercial Driver's License Information System for commercial
driver's license (CDL) holders, and interstate and intrastate
inspections recorded in the Motor Carrier Management Information
System. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviewed the driving records
from the State Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA). A summary of each
applicant's seizure history was discussed in the December 4, 2019,
Federal Register notice (84 FR 66446) and will not be repeated in this
These seven applicants have been seizure-free over a range of 18
medication treatment regimen for the last 2 years. In each case, the
applicants from the epilepsy and seizure disorder prohibition in Sec.
during the 2-year exemption period; (2) each driver must submit annual
reports from their treating physicians attesting to the stability of
treatment and that the driver has remained seizure-free; (3) each
driver must undergo an annual medical examination by a certified ME, as
defined by Sec.  390.5; and (4) each driver must provide a copy of the
Based upon its evaluation of the seven exemption applications,
FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure
disorder prohibition, Sec.  391.41(b)(8), subject to the requirements
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid
for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.
The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (1) The person
fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the
prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not