[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47301-47305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21900]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0234]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes 
Mellitus

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 27 individuals 
for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with insulin-treated 
diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 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 November 13, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0234 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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 number(s) 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 FDMS is available 24 hours each day e.t., 
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 online.
    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 http://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at http://www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, [email protected], FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions 
regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket 
Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 47302]]

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the FMCSRs for a five-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 
five-year period. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-
year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical 
certification.
    The 27 individuals listed in this notice have requested an 
exemption from the diabetes prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3). 
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 diabetes 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person:
    Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of 
diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control.
    The Agency established the current requirement for diabetes in 1970 
because several risk studies indicated that drivers with diabetes had a 
higher rate of crash involvement than the general population.
    FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the 
Agency's July 2000 study entitled ``A Report to Congress on the 
Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated 
Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the 
Transportation Act for the 21st Century.'' The report concluded that a 
safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with ITDM to 
operate CMVs is feasible. The September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52441), Federal 
Register notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777), 
Federal Register notice provides the current protocol for allowing such 
drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    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). 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) Elimination of the requirement for three 
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 three-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.

II. Qualifications of Applicants

James J. Aden

    Mr. Aden, 70, has had ITDM since 1997. 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 (two or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Aden understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Aden 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 Minnesota.

Serafim S. Amaral

    Mr. Amaral, 62, has had ITDM since 2017. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Amaral understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Amaral 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 from California.

John E. Biel

    Mr. Biel, 71, 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 (two or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Biel understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Biel 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 B CDL from Pennsylvania.

Adam D. Comer

    Mr. Comer, 32, has had ITDM since 1987. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Comer understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Comer 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 an operator's license 
from Arkansas.

Timothy P. Conner

    Mr. Conner, 49, has had ITDM since 2010. His endocrinologist 
examined him

[[Page 47303]]

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 (two or more) 
severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Conner understands diabetes 
management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using 
insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Conner 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 Virginia.

Miguel P. Flores

    Mr. Flores, 57, has had ITDM since 2012. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Flores understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Flores 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 Washington.

Mark J. Fulks

    Mr. Fulks, 32, 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Fulks understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Fulks 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 B CDL from Iowa.

Daniel Gonzalez, III

    Mr. Gonzalez, 46, has had ITDM since 2012. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Gonzalez understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Gonzalez 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 Texas.

Chad A. Hayden

    Mr. Hayden, 42, 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Hayden understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hayden 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 Indiana.

Joseph F. Hubenka

    Mr. Hubenka, 57, has had ITDM since 2017. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Hubenka understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hubenka 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 A CDL from 
Nebraska.

Galen M. Hurd, III

    Mr. Hurd, 53, 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 (two or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Hurd understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Hurd 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 South Carolina.

Edward S. Jacobs

    Mr. Jacobs, 58, has had ITDM since 2017. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Jacobs understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, 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 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he has stable 
nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an operator's license 
from Michigan.

Jason D. Jones

    Mr. Jones, 45, has had ITDM since 2017. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Jones understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Jones meets the 
requirements

[[Page 47304]]

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 Oklahoma.

David M. Kelly

    Mr. Kelly, 63, 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Kelly understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Kelly meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Maryland.

Robert A. Leboffe

    Mr. Leboffe, 25, has had ITDM since 1999. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Leboffe understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Leboffe 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 Pennsylvania.

Tanner H. Littlefield

    Mr. Littlefield, 26, 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Littlefield understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Littlefield 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.

Veneta K. Mayor

    Ms. Mayor, 49, has had ITDM since 2012. Her endocrinologist 
examined her in 2017 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. Her endocrinologist certifies that Ms. Mayor understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of her diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Mayor meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). Her 
optometrist examined her in 2017 and certified that she does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. She holds an operator's license from Nevada.

Randy J. Nekuda

    Mr. Nekuda, 60, has had ITDM since 2017. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Nekuda understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Nekuda 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 Nebraska.

Thomas M. Reece

    Mr. Reece, 45, has had ITDM since 2017. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Reece understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Reece 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 
proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class A CDL from North 
Carolina.

Michael L. Rivera

    Mr. Rivera, 36, 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Rivera understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rivera 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 New York.

Gary L. Robbins

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

Eddie Rodriguez, Jr.

    Mr. Rodriguez, 37, has had ITDM since 2011. 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

[[Page 47305]]

months and no recurrent (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in 
the last five years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Rodriguez 
understands diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of 
his diabetes using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. 
Rodriguez 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 proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He holds an 
operator's license from Texas.

Erwin R. Rud

    Mr. Rud, 68, has had ITDM since 1954. 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 (two or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Rud understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Rud 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 an operator's license from Minnesota.

Diane L. Simmons

    Ms. Simmons, 70, has had ITDM since 2016. Her endocrinologist 
examined her in 2017 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. Her endocrinologist certifies that Ms. Simmons understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of her diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Ms. Simmons meets the 
requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). Her 
optometrist examined her in 2017 and certified that she does not have 
diabetic retinopathy. She holds a Class B CDL from Idaho.

Russell Van Alphen

    Mr. Van Alphen, 47, has had ITDM since 1999. 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Van Alphen understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely.
    Mr. Van Alphen 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 Massachusetts.

Thomas C. Williams

    Mr. Williams, 22, 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 (two or more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five 
years. His endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Williams understands 
diabetes management and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes 
using insulin, and is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Williams meets 
the requirements of the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). His 
ophthalmologist examined him in 2017 and certified that he does not 
have diabetic retinopathy. He holds a Class B CDL from Kansas.

Glen E. Wray, Jr.

    Mr. Wray, 55, 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 (two or 
more) severe hypoglycemic episodes in the last five years. His 
endocrinologist certifies that Mr. Wray understands diabetes management 
and monitoring, has stable control of his diabetes using insulin, and 
is able to drive a CMV safely. Mr. Wray 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 Pennsylvania.

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's 
section of the notice.

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-2017-0234 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 materials received during the 
comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after 
the close of the comment period.

V. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this 
preamble, go to http://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert 
the docket number FMCSA-2017-0234 and click ``Search.'' Next, click 
``Open Docket Folder'' and you will find all documents and comments 
related to this notice.

    Issued on: October 2, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-21900 Filed 10-10-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P