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Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Publication: Federal Register Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Byline: Larry W. Minor Date: 31 October 2023 Subjects: American Government  , Driver Licensing
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 209 (Tuesday, October 31, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74557-74560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23966]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0038]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and
Seizure Disorders
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 17 individuals
for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with a clinical diagnosis
of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of
consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor
vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the
exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more
seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs in
interstate commerce.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 30, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0038 using any of the following
methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/,
insert the docket number (FMCSA-2023-0038) in the keyword box and click
``Search.'' Next, choose the only notice listed, and click on the
``Comment'' button. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments.
Mail: Dockets Operations; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590-0001 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET
Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
[[Page 74558]]
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods.
See the ``Public Participation'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
Medical Programs Division, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590-0001, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. Office
hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting
material to the docket, contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Public Participation
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0038), indicate the specific section of
this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for
each suggestion or recommendation. 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 https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2023-0038. Next, choose the only notice listed, click the
``Comment'' button, and type your comment into the text box on the
following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an
individual or on behalf of a third party and then submit.
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. FMCSA will consider all comments and
material received during the comment period.
B. Viewing Comments
To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number (FMCSA-2023-0038) in the keyword box and click ``Search.'' Next,
choose the only notice listed, and click ``Browse Comments.'' If you do
not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by
visiting Dockets Operations on the ground floor of the DOT West
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To
be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or
(202) 366-9826 before visiting Dockets Operations.
C. Privacy Act
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption request. 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 (Federal Docket Management System), which can be
reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices, the comments are searchable by the name of
the submitter.
II. Background
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 achieved absent such
exemption. The statutes also allow 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.
The 17 individuals listed in this notice have requested an
exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(8). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications
of each applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will
achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute.
The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy
found in Sec. 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.
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\1\ These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO PART 391--
MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: Sec. 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.
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The criteria states that if an individual has had a sudden episode
of a non-epileptic seizure or loss of consciousness of unknown cause
that did not require anti-seizure medication, the decision whether that
person's condition is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or loss
of ability to control a CMV should be made on an individual basis by
the ME in consultation with the treating physician. Before
certification is considered, it is suggested that a 6-month waiting
period elapse from the time of the episode. Following the waiting
period, it is suggested that the individual have a complete
neurological examination. If the results of the examination are
negative and anti-seizure medication is not required, then the driver
may be qualified.
In those individual cases where a driver has had a seizure or an
episode of loss of consciousness that resulted from a known medical
condition (e.g., drug reaction, high temperature, acute infectious
disease, dehydration, or acute metabolic disturbance), certification
should be deferred until the driver has recovered fully from that
condition, has no existing residual complications, and is not taking
anti-seizure medication.
Drivers who have a history of epilepsy/seizures, off anti-seizure
medication, and seizure-free for 10 years, may be qualified to operate
a CMV in interstate commerce. Interstate drivers with a history of a
single unprovoked seizure may be qualified to drive a CMV in interstate
commerce if seizure-free and off anti-seizure medication for a 5-year
period or more.
As a result of MEs misinterpreting advisory criteria as regulation,
numerous drivers have been prohibited from operating a CMV in
interstate commerce based on the fact that they have had one or more
seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication, rather than an
individual analysis of their circumstances by a qualified ME based on
the physical qualification standards and medical best practices.
On January 15, 2013, FMCSA announced in a notice of final
disposition titled, ``Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications;
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders,'' (78 FR 3069), its decision to grant
requests from 22 individuals for exemptions from the regulatory
requirement that interstate CMV drivers have ``no established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which
is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to
control a CMV.'' Since that time, the Agency has
[[Page 74559]]
published additional notices granting requests from individuals for
exemptions from the regulatory requirement regarding epilepsy found in
Sec. 391.41(b)(8).
To be considered for an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure
disorders prohibition in Sec. 391.41(b)(8), applicants must meet the
criteria in the 2007 recommendations of the Agency's Medical Expert
Panel (78 FR 3069).
III. Qualifications of Applicants
James Byrd
James Byrd is a 56-year-old class D license holder in Tennessee.
They have a history of seizure disorder and have been seizure free
since 2013. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since 2021. Their physician states that
they are supportive of James Byrd receiving an exemption.
Francis Chiacchieri
Francis Chiacchieri is a 66-year-old class B commercial driver's
license (CDL) holder in Massachusetts. They have a history of
oligodendroglioma and have been seizure free since September 2001. They
take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency remaining
the same since February 2002. Their physician states that they are
supportive of Francis Chiacchieri receiving an exemption.
Lane Freeman
Lane Freeman is a 26-year-old class E license holder in Florida.
They have a history of generalized epilepsy and have been seizure free
since April 1, 2013. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage
and frequency remaining the same since November 3, 2011. Their
physician states that they are supportive of Lane Freeman receiving an
exemption.
Jeffrey Gomall
Jeffrey Gomall is a 52-year-old class D license holder in
Minnesota. They have a history of generalized epilepsy and have been
seizure free since 2002. They take anti-seizure medication with the
dosage and frequency remaining the same since 2008. Their physician
states that they are supportive of Jeffrey Gomall receiving an
exemption.
Christine Green-McClure
Christine Green-McClure is a 50-year-old class D license holder in
New York. They have a history of seizure disorder and have been seizure
free since 2007. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since 2007. Their physician states that
they are supportive of Christine Green-McClure receiving an exemption.
Nicholas Hayes
Nicholas Hayes is a 32-year-old class B CDL holder in Virginia.
They have a history of an isolated seizure and have been seizure free
since July 26, 2012. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage
and frequency remaining the same since August 2012. Their physician
states that they are supportive of Nicholas Hayes receiving an
exemption.
Alex Hohman
Alex Hohman is a 22-year-old class C license holder in
Pennsylvania. They have a history of epilepsy and have been seizure
free since August 2015. They take anti-seizure medication with the
dosage and frequency remaining the same since August 2015. Their
physician states that they are supportive of Alex Hohman receiving an
exemption.
Michelle Hughes
Michelle Hughes is a 45-year-old class C license holder in North
Carolina. They have a history of epilepsy and have been seizure free
since 2007. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since 2017. Their physician states that
they are supportive of Michelle Hughes receiving an exemption.
Michael Keys
Michael Keys is a 44-year-old class C license holder in
Pennsylvania. They have a history of seizure disorder and have been
seizure free since July 13, 2010. They take anti-seizure medication
with the dosage and frequency remaining the same since September 2010.
Their physician states that they are supportive of Michael Keys
receiving an exemption.
Matthew Lee
Matthew Lee is a 48-year-old class CM license holder in Georgia.
They have a history of epilepsy and have been seizure free since
February 2003. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since 2003. Their physician states that
they are supportive of Matthew Lee receiving an exemption.
Lisa Martin
Lisa Martin is a 41-year-old class D license holder in New York.
They have a history of epilepsy and have been seizure free since 1994.
They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency
remaining the same since 2012. Their physician states that they are
supportive of Lisa Martin receiving an exemption.
Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez is a 36-year-old class C license holder in Texas.
They have a history of epilepsy and have been seizure free since 2012.
They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency
remaining the same since October 2002. Their physician states that they
are supportive of Pedro Martinez receiving an exemption.
Cecil Massey
Cecil Massey is a 33-year-old class R license holder in
Mississippi. They have a history of epilepsy and have been seizure free
since May 2015. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since December 2009. Their physician
states that they are supportive of Cecil Massey receiving an exemption.
James Philips
James Phillips is a 29-year-old class B CDL holder in North
Carolina. They have a history of focal epilepsy and have been seizure
free since 2012. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since 2012. Their physician states that
they are supportive of James Phillips receiving an exemption.
Joshua Pike
Joshua Pike is a 33-year-old class C license holder in Maine. They
have a history of nocturnal generalized convulsions and have been
seizure free since May 2014. They take anti-seizure medication with the
dosage and frequency remaining the same since 2016. Their physician
states that they are supportive of Joshua Pike receiving an exemption.
Alex Ramerth
Alex Ramerth is a 41-year-old class D license holder in Minnesota.
They have a history of generalized epilepsy and have been seizure free
since 2010. They take anti-seizure medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since 2010. Their physician states that
they are supportive of Alex Ramerth receiving an exemption.
Maciej Skrzyniarz
Maciej Skrzyniarz is a 36-year-old class A license holder in
Illinois. They have a history of generalized epilepsy and have been
seizure free since 2014. They take anti-seizure medication with the
dosage and frequency remaining the same since 2014. Their physician
states that they are supportive of Maciej Skrzyniarz receiving an
exemption.
[[Page 74560]]
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), 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 under the DATES
section of the notice.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023-23966 Filed 10-30-23; 8:45 am]
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