Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus

Larry W. Minor
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
29 December 2016

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 96168-96174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31546]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0381]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department 
of Transportation.

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 41 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 enable these 
individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 30, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0381 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

[[Page 96169]]

New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket numbers 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (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: 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.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 W64-113, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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 41 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 will evaluate 
the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting the 
exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by 
statute.

II. Qualifications of Applicants

Donald Austin

    Mr. Austin, 63, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Austin understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Austin meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Georgia.

Estil L. Baker, Jr.

    Mr. Baker, 58, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Baker understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Baker meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Thomas M. Bard

    Mr. Bard, 41, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2016 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. Bard understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Bard meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2016 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Mark W. Birch

    Mr. Birch, 46, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Birch understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Birch meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Texas.

Richard Bollhardt

    Mr. Bollhardt, 56, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Bollhardt understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Bollhardt meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New Jersey.

Bryan R. Breaw

    Mr. Breaw, 48, has had ITDM since 1987. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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 96170]]

the last 5 years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Breaw 
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Breaw meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that 
he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Minnesota.

Trini L. Brisson

    Mr. Brisson, 48, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Brisson understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Brisson meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Michigan.

Keith M. Carpenter

    Mr. Carpenter, 51, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Carpenter understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Carpenter meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Pennsylvania.

Alan W. Carstensen

    Mr. Carstensen, 72, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Carstensen understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Carstensen meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Minnesota.

Russell L. Clapp

    Mr. Clapp, 56, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Clapp understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Clapp meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Maine.

Allan J. Clune

    Mr. Clune, 73, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Clune understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Clune meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New 
Jersey.

Ryan F. Curtis

    Mr. Curtis, 27, has had ITDM since 1996. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Curtis understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Curtis meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from New Jersey.

Jeffrey S. Daniels

    Mr. Daniels, 50, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C CDL from 
Iowa.

Andrew M.M. Danner

    Mr. Danner, 21, has had ITDM since 2011. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Danner understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Danner meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Virginia.

[[Page 96171]]

George P. Diedrich, Jr.

    Mr. Diedrich, 74, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Diedrich understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Diedrich meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New Jersey.

Wilson E. Donnell

    Mr. Donnell, 63, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Donnell understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Donnell meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Maine.

Michael W. Erick

    Mr. Erick, 62, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Erick understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Erick meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Connecticut.

Eric Fedor

    Mr. Fedor, 56, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Fedor understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Fedor meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Juanita C. Gaines

    Ms. Gaines, 54, has had ITDM since 2002. Her endocrinologist 
examined her in 2016 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. Gaines understands diabetes 
management and monitoring has stable control of her diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Gaines meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). Her 
optometrist examined her in 2016 and certified that she does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. She holds a Class B CDL from Texas.

Buckley E. Grant

    Mr. Grant, 44, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Grant understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Grant meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Kansas.

Connor J. Grossaint

    Mr. Grossaint, 23, has had ITDM since 2006. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Grossaint understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Grossaint meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Utah.

Brian A. Hagenhoff

    Mr. Hagenhoff, 44, has had ITDM since 1989. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Hagenhoff understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hagenhoff meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Missouri.

Jeffrey D.S. Hosman

    Mr. Hosman, 23, has had ITDM since 1998. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Hosman understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV

[[Page 96172]]

safely. Mr. Hosman meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified 
that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from 
Arkansas.

Terry P. Kelly

    Mr. Kelly, 50, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Kelly understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kelly meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D CDL from Kentucky.

David M. Kerr

    Mr. Kerr, 58, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2016 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. Kerr understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kerr meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2016 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Michael P. Kruimer

    Mr. Kruimer, 62, has had ITDM since 2012. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Kruimer understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kruimer meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from New Jersey.

Salvatore Longo

    Mr. Longo, 45, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Longo understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Longo meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Alan Mills

    Mr. Mills, 62, has had ITDM since 2011. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Mills understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Mills meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Oregon.

John R. Paulus

    Mr. Paulus, 69, has had ITDM since 1974. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Paulus understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Paulus meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Wisconsin.

Bruce D. Peterson

    Mr. Peterson, 65, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Peterson understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Peterson meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Wisconsin.

Nicholas J. Powden

    Mr. Powden, 30, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Powden understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Powden meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Vermont.

Dennis A. Roisum

    Mr. Roisum, 59, has had ITDM since 2001. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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

[[Page 96173]]

more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last 5 years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Roisum understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Roisum meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license 
from Wisconsin.

Jeffrey P. Roskopf

    Mr. Roskopf, 61, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Roskopf understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Roskopf meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Wisconsin.

David M. Ryea

    Mr. Ryea, 36, has had ITDM since 2001. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2016 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. Ryea understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Ryea meets the requirements of the 
vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him 
in 2016 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds an operator's license from Connecticut.

Edward G. Smith, Jr.

    Mr. Smith, 58, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Smith understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Smith meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from North Dakota.

Ralph H. Talmadge

    Mr. Talmadge, 71, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Talmadge understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Talmadge meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New Jersey.

Jerry R. Thomason

    Mr. Thomason, 57, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Thomason understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Thomason meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Georgia.

Melvin E. Turner

    Mr. Turner, 62, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Turner understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Turner meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Tennessee.

Lash L. Walker

    Mr. Walker, 64, has had ITDM since 2006. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Walker understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Walker meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2016 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative and stable proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He 
holds an operator's license from Tennessee.

Donald E. Walstrom

    Mr. Walstrom, 57, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Walstrom understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Walstrom meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Iowa.

[[Page 96174]]

Ronald A. Williams

    Mr. Williams, 66, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2016 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. Williams understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Williams meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2016 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Oregon.

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 date section 
of the notice.
    FMCSA notes that section 4129 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible 
and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users requires 
the Secretary to revise its diabetes exemption program established on 
September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441) \1\. The revision must provide for 
individual assessment of drivers with diabetes mellitus, and be 
consistent with the criteria described in section 4018 of the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31305).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Section 4129(a) refers to the 2003 notice as a ``final 
rule.'' However, the 2003 notice did not issue a ``final rule'' but 
did establish the procedures and standards for issuing exemptions 
for drivers with ITDM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 4129 requires: (1) Elimination of the requirement for 3 
years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin; 
and (2) establishment of a specified minimum period of insulin use to 
demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate 
a CMV.
    In response to section 4129, FMCSA made immediate revisions to the 
diabetes exemption program established by the September 3, 2003 notice. 
FMCSA discontinued use of the 3-year driving experience and fulfilled 
the requirements of section 4129 while continuing to ensure that 
operation of CMVs by drivers with ITDM will achieve the requisite level 
of safety required of all exemptions granted under 49 U.S.C.. 31136 
(e).
    Section 4129(d) also directed FMCSA to ensure that drivers of CMVs 
with ITDM are not held to a higher standard than other drivers, with 
the exception of limited operating, monitoring and medical requirements 
that are deemed medically necessary.
    The FMCSA concluded that all of the operating, monitoring and 
medical requirements set out in the September 3, 2003 notice, except as 
modified, were in compliance with section 4129(d). Therefore, all of 
the requirements set out in the September 3, 2003 notice, except as 
modified by the notice in the Federal Register on November 8, 2005 (70 
FR 67777), remain in effect.

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-2016-0381 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 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.
    We will consider all comments and material 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-2016-0381 and click ``Search.'' Next, click 
``Open Docket Folder'' and you will find all documents and comments 
related to this notice.

    Issued on: December 19, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
 Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-31546 Filed 12-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P