E6-8587. Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes

AGENCY:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

ACTION:

Notice of applications for exemption from the diabetes standard; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from forty-seven individuals for exemptions 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 July 3, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments identified by Department of Transportation (DOT) Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Number FMCSA-2006-24210 using any of the following methods:

• Web site: http://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.

All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.

Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to http://dms.dot.gov at any time or Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The DMS 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: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register Notice published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, [phone], [e-mail], FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8301, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 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 forty-seven individuals listed in this Notice have recently requested 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 the statute.

Qualifications of Applicants

Charles A. Adams Jr.

Mr. Adams, age 36, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Adams meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class 2 operator's license from Connecticut which qualifies him to drive any motor vehicle, including a recreational vehicle of any weight, except a commercial motor vehicle, an articulated vehicle, or combination of motor vehicle and trailer where the gross weight of the trailing unit or trailer is more than 10,000 miles.

Scott R. Anderson

Mr. Anderson, 53, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and 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 ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from Wisconsin.

Richard Bechtel

Mr. Bechtel, 56, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Bechtel meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Arizona.

Robert R. Chase

Mr. Chase, 69, has had ITDM since 1998. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Chase meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative stable diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Nebraska.

Dale J. Cleaver

Mr. Cleaver, 37, has had ITDM since 2000. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cleaver meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Pennsylvania.

Jeffrey W. Cotner

Mr. Cotner, 43, has had ITDM since 1995. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Cotner was granted an exemption by FMCSA from the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) on May 31, 2005. His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Oregon.

Todd A. Dean

Mr. Dean, 43, has had ITDM since 2003. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Dean meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from West Virginia.

Dale R. Gansz

Mr. Gansz, 44, has had ITDM since 1994. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gansz meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Neal J. Gifford

Mr. Gifford, 41, has had ITDM since 2001. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gifford meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio.

Donald W. Havourd, Sr.

Mr. Havourd, 61, has had ITDM since 1998. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Havourd meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Connecticut.

Peter D. Jacobs

Mr. Jacobs, 48, has had ITDM since 1989. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Jacobs meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's license from Wisconsin.

David A. Kelley

Mr. Kelley, 52, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and 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 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Nebraska.

Jeffrey M. King

Mr. King, 33, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. King meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from Oregon.

Milton A. Klise

Mr. Klise, 48, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Klise meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Ohio.

Jeffrey Knight

Mr. Knight, 42, has had ITDM since 1973. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Knight meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that “Since his laser treatment, his proliferative diabetic retinopathy is in complete involution and he has no further signs of diabetic retinopathy.” He holds an operator's license from Washington.

Edward V. Kruse

Mr. Kruse, 58, has had ITDM since 1986. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kruse meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Iowa.

Lee P. Lembke

Mr. Lembke, 48, has had ITDM since 1992. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Lembke meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Wisconsin.

Dominick T. Mastroni

Mr. Mastroni, 45, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Mastroni meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that his non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is stable. He holds a Class A CDL from Kansas.

Ronald S. Mavilla

Mr. Mavilla, 62, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Mavilla meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Derril W. Nunnally

Mr. Nunnally, 36, has had ITDM since 2003. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Nunnally meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from Georgia.

Ronald D. Olson

Mr. Olson, 42, has had ITDM since 1993. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Olson meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Wisconsin.

Robert L. Olson

Mr. Olson, 74, has had ITDM since 1988. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Olson meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's license from Wisconsin.

Terence V. Parker

Mr. Parker, 44, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Parker meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from New York.

Robert L. Pflugler, Jr.

Mr. Pflugler, 39, has had ITDM since 1997. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Pflugler meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Pennsylvania.

William E. Pruett, Jr.

Mr. Pruett, 36, has had ITDM since January 30, 2006. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Pruett meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio.

Ronald B. Purdum

Mr. Purdum, 31, has had ITDM since 1998. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Purdum meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Illinois.

Wilbert C. Rasely Jr.

Mr. Rasely, 53, has had ITDM since 1995. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rasely meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Maurice E. Ratliff, Sr.

Mr. Ratliff, 55, has had ITDM since 1995. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Ratliff meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from California.

Ron R. Rawson

Mr. Rawson, 50, has had ITDM since 1985. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rawson meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Arizona.

Duane C. Rieger

Mr. Rieger, 57, has had ITDM since 2002. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rieger meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from North Dakota.

Gregory A. Rigg

Mr. Rigg, 47, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rigg meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Michigan.

Scott L. Shreffler

Mr. Shreffler, 42, has had ITDM since 2001. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Shreffler meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Illinois.

Henry E. Sisler

Mr. Sisler, 63, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Sisler meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Virginia.

Vernon L. Small

Mr. Small, 58, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Small meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Colorado.

Sandra L. Smith

Ms. Smith, 51, has had ITDM since 2001. Her endocrinologist examined her in 2006 and certified that she has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of her diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Smith meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). Her ophthalmologist examined her in 2006 and certified that she does not have diabetic retinopathy. She holds a Class D operator's license from South Carolina.

John J. Steigauf

Mr. Steigauf, 46, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Steigauf meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Minnesota.

Walter D. Stowman

Mr. Stowman, 48, has had ITDM since 1984. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Stowman meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has stable nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D auto driver's license from New Jersey.

Thomas C. Torbett

Mr. Torbett, 32, has had ITDM since 1975. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Torbett meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a class E operator's license from Missouri.

Derrick Underhill, Sr.

Mr. Underhill, 46, has had ITDM since 2003. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Underhill meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class D operator's license from Connecticut.

Paul M. Violette

Mr. Violette, 38, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Violette meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class 2 operator's license from Connecticut which qualifies him to drive any motor vehicle, including a recreational vehicle of any weight, except a commercial motor vehicle, an articulated vehicle, or combination of motor vehicle and trailer where the gross weight of the trailing unit or trailer is more than 10,000 pounds.

Antonino S. Vita

Mr. Vita, 40, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Vita meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from New York.

Henry B. Walker-Waltz, III

Mr. Walker-Waltz, 24, has had ITDM since 1995. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Walker-Waltz meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from Oregon.

Arthur C. Webber

Mr. Webber, 52, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Webber meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania.

Scott A. Wertz

Mr. Wertz, 39, has had ITDM since 1976. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Wertz meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has stable proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from North Dakota.

Larry D. Williams

Mr. Williams, 63, has had ITDM since 2004. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and 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 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from Indiana.

Danny R. Wood

Mr. Wood, 39, has had ITDM since 2005. His endocrinologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Wood meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His ophthalmologist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Missouri.

Jeffrey E. Zaniewski

Mr. Zaniewski, 50, has had ITDM since 1999. His endocrinologist examined him in 2006 and certified that he has had no 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 5 years; understands diabetes management and monitoring; and has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Zaniewski meets the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His optometrist examined him in 2005 and certified that he does not have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class C operator's license from Nevada.

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 earlier in the Notice.

FMCSA notes that Section 4129 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) 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).

Section 4129 requires: (1) The elimination of the requirement for three years of experience operating CMVs while being treated with insulin; and (2) the 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. 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 in the Notice in the Federal Register on November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777), remain in effect.

Dated: May 26, 2006.

Pamela M. Pelcovits,

Acting Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development.

Footnotes

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.