Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus

Larry W. Minor
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
27 March 2017

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 57 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15271-15277]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05966]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0030]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 40 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 April 26, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0030 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., 
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 40 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

Felix M. Alicea

    Mr. Alicea, 58, has had ITDM since 2014. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Alicea understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Alicea meets the

[[Page 15272]]

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.

Ryan T. Anderson

    Mr. Anderson, 21, 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. Anderson understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Anderson meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license from Montana.

Vladimir Azbel

    Mr. Azbel, 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. Azbel understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Azbel meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New 
York.

Darren E. Barrett

    Mr. Barrett, 47, has had ITDM since 2007. 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. Barrett understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Barrett meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Arizona.

Douglas D. Bartley

    Mr. Bartley, 71, 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. Bartley understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Bartley meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from South Carolina.

Haydee G. Bast

    Ms. Bast, 54, has had ITDM since 2015. 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. Bast understands diabetes management 
and monitoring has stable control of her diabetes using insulin, and is 
able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Bast 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 C CDL from New York.

Robert D. Bravo

    Mr. Bravo, 34, 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. Bravo understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Bravo meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from California.

John E. Carter

    Mr. Carter, 51, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Carter understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Carter 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 Alabama.

Christopher A. Cleaves

    Mr. Cleaves, 49, 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. Cleaves understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cleaves meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Maine.

Jacob M. Cox

    Mr. Cox, 22, has had ITDM since 2008. 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 15273]]

the last 5 years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Cox 
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cox 
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 
York.

Larry S. Crosby

    Mr. Crosby, 44, has had ITDM since 2015. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Crosby understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Crosby meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Georgia.

Dean G. Franck

    Mr. Franck, 42, 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. Franck understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Franck meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Colorado.

Irving Gandy 3rd

    Mr. Gandy, 67, 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. Gandy understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gandy 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 New 
Jersey.

Bryan D. Giddings

    Mr. Giddings, 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. Giddings understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Giddings 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 Indiana.

Sidney Greenlee

    Mr. Greenlee, 27, 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. Greenlee understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Greenlee 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.

Caleb D. Jahn

    Mr. Jahn, 33, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist examined 
him in 2017 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. Jahn understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Jahn 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 Colorado.

Jason T. Langshaw

    Mr. Langshaw, 24, 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. Langshaw understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Langshaw 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 Rhode Island.

John L. Lensch

    Mr. Lensch, 64, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Lensch understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Lensch 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 Iowa.

Jaxon S. Lind

    Mr. Lind, 21, has had ITDM since 2004. 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

[[Page 15274]]

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. 
Lind understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control 
of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Lind 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 Minnesota.

Jesse E. Long

    Mr. Long, 29, 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. Long understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Long 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.

Gregory B. Lowry

    Mr. Lowry, 52, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Lowry understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Lowry meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Utah.

Paul J. Marsh

    Mr. Marsh, 62, 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. Marsh understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Marsh 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 B CDL from New York.

Richard D. Marty

    Mr. Marty, 34, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Marty understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Marty meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Washington.

Scott A. Meade

    Mr. Meade, 46, has had ITDM since 2013. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Meade understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Meade 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 Ohio.

Pedro Mejia

    Mr. Mejia, 37, 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. Mejia understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Mejia meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from New Jersey.

Maynard D. Moore

    Mr. Moore, 68, 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. Moore understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Moore meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Missouri.

Bret D. Noffke

    Mr. Noffke, 44, has had ITDM since 1982. 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. Noffke understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Noffke 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.

[[Page 15275]]

Dennis K. Rottenbucher

    Mr. Rottenbucher, 57, 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. Rottenbucher understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rottenbucher 
meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). 
His ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from South Dakota.

Joseph J. Schwartz

    Mr. Schwartz, 66, 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. Schwartz understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Schwartz 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.

Benjamin N. Smith

    Mr. Smith, 28, 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. 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 an operator's license from Connecticut.

Matthew Spahr

    Mr. Spahr, 30, 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. Spahr understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Spahr 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.

Aaron M. Stoltzfus

    Mr. Stoltzfus, 27, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. Stoltzfus understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Stoltzfus meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from South Carolina.

Daniel Suarez

    Mr. Suarez, 57, has had ITDM since 2009. 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. Suarez understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Suarez 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.

Tyler B. Terrill

    Mr. Terrill, 31, 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. Terrill understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Terrill meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Wisconsin.

Jason M. Thomas

    Mr. Thomas, 36, 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. Thomas understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Thomas 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 Kentucky.

Steven L. Tiefenthaler

    Mr. Tiefenthaler, 56, 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

[[Page 15276]]

that Mr. Tiefenthaler understands diabetes management and monitoring, 
has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive 
a CMV safely. Mr. Tiefenthaler 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 Iowa.

Joseph D. Wallace

    Mr. Wallace, 51, 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. Wallace understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Wallace 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.

David L. White

    Mr. White, 58, has had ITDM since 2016. His endocrinologist 
examined him in 2017 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. White understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. White meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
optometrist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Arkansas.

Paul B. Woodward

    Mr. Woodward, 58, has had ITDM since 2009. 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. Woodward understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Woodward 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.

Miguel L. Xilotl

    Mr. Xilotl, 34, 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. Xilotl understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Xilotl 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 Minnesota.

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-2017-0030 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

[[Page 15277]]

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-2017-0030 and click ``Search.'' Next, click 
``Open Docket Folder'' and you will find all documents and comments 
related to this notice.

    Issued on: March 20, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-05966 Filed 3-24-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P