
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4582-4585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01623]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0720]


Request for Public Comment on Waiver Revisions for Certain 
Medications and Suggestions for Risk Evaluation

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed policy clarification and request for 
comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on the policy 
clarification proposed in this Notice regarding the criteria for 
granting medical waivers to mariners who require the use of potentially 
impairing prescription medications. The Coast Guard is also seeking 
input regarding effective methods of risk evaluation of such mariners. 
Current Coast Guard guidance states that the ``use of certain 
medications is considered disqualifying for the issuance of 
credentials,'' and that ``the underlying cause or need for use of these 
medications and potential side effects may result in denial of a 
credential application or require a waiver.'' Current guidance 
specifically identifies that use of benzodiazepine medications, opioid 
and opiate medications, non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic 
medications, and barbiturate medications require a waiver, but does not 
specify the factors that the Coast Guard will consider in making its 
determination on whether the risks associated with use of these 
medications are low enough to warrant consideration for a waiver.
    The Coast Guard is proposing additions to the current medication 
policy that will clarify the circumstances that the Coast Guard will 
consider when determining whether to grant a medical waiver for use of 
these medications. Additionally, the Coast Guard is proposing to 
include a safety warning to mariners advising them to refrain from use 
of impairing medications while operating under the authority of their 
credential. The Coast Guard is seeking comments from the public on 
whether the proposed policy adequately addresses safety concerns 
regarding merchant mariners whose medical conditions require the use of 
medications that have the potential to impair cognitive ability, 
judgment or reaction time.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our 
online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before March 30, 
2015 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2014-0720 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
notice, call or email Lieutenant Ashley Holm, Mariner Credentialing 
Program Policy Division (CG-CVC-4), U.S. Coast Guard, telephone 202-
372-2357, email MMCPolicy@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing 
material in the docket, call Docket Operations at 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation

    You may submit comments and related material regarding whether the 
policy clarifications proposed in this Notice should be incorporated 
into a final policy on issuing medical waivers to mariners whose 
medical conditions require use of benzodiazepine medications, opioid 
and opiate medications, non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic 
medications, or barbiturate medications. All comments received will be 
posted, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov and will include 
any personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (USCG-2014-0720) 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. We 
recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email 
address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we 
can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
type the docket number (USCG-2014-0720) in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on the line associated with 
this notice.
    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 them 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.
    Viewing the comments: To view comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number (USCG-2014-0720) in the 
``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Open Docket Folder'' on 
the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of 
Transportation to use their Docket Management Facility.
    Privacy Act: Anyone can search the electronic form of comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a 
Privacy Act system of records notice regarding our public dockets in 
the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Background and Purpose

    Coast Guard regulations in 46 CFR 10.302 contain the medical 
standards that merchant mariners must meet prior to being issued a 
merchant mariner credential (MMC). In cases where the mariner does not 
meet the medical standards in 46 CFR 10.302, waivers may be granted 
when extenuating circumstances exist that warrant special 
consideration. 46 CFR 10.303. Additionally, 46 CFR 10.304 specifies

[[Page 4583]]

the scope of the general medical exam required for receiving an MMC and 
directs that ``this exam must also document any condition requiring 
medication that impairs cognitive ability, judgment, or reaction 
time.''
    On September 8, 2008, the Coast Guard issued Navigation and Vessel 
Inspection Circular (NVIC) 04-08, ``Medical and Physical Evaluation 
Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials'' (NVIC 04-08). In 
Enclosure (4) of NVIC 04-08, the Coast Guard identifies medications 
that may be disqualifying or may require a medical waiver. (NVIC 04-08 
is available on the Internet at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/pdf/2008/NVIC%2004-08%20CH%201%20with%20Enclosures%2020130607.pdf.)
    The medications identified have a documented potential to impair 
cognitive ability, judgment and/or reaction time. In many instances, 
the medication labels also warn against driving or operating heavy 
machinery while under the influence of these medications. Because of 
the documented potential for impairment associated with these 
medications, the Coast Guard considers the use of these medications to 
be generally disqualifying. In some cases, waivers are granted to allow 
for limited use of the medication; while in other cases, the mariner is 
denied medical certification. When waivers are granted for use of these 
potentially impairing medications, the conditions of the waiver usually 
stipulate that the mariner must refrain from use of the medication for 
a specified time period, in order to decrease the likelihood that the 
mariner will be under the influence of the medication while working. 
However, such waiver stipulations cannot be applied to mariners who are 
medically required to take their potentially impairing medications 
prior to, and while working. As a result, mariners in this situation 
often have to change their medical treatment plan or risk denial of 
medical certification.
    Enclosure (4) to NVIC 04-08 lists benzodiazepine medications, 
opioid and opiate medications, non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic 
medications, and barbiturate medications as requiring a waiver. Since 
the issuance of NVIC 04-08, there have been several instances where 
mariners sought waivers for use of these specific medications. However, 
NVIC 04-08 does not provide any guidance on the circumstances that will 
warrant consideration for a medical waiver. Published guidance on the 
circumstances that will be considered in determining whether the use of 
these medications warrant consideration for a medical waiver will 
support Coast Guard efforts to consistently evaluate merchant mariners 
whose medical condition requires the use of these medications and to 
assess whether an applicant's use of one of these medications warrants 
a medical waiver under 46 CFR 10.303.
    The proposed policy changes seek to clarify the extenuating 
circumstances related to use of potentially impairing medications that 
the Coast Guard weighs in evaluating risk to public and maritime safety 
and in determining suitability for a medical waiver. Additionally, the 
policy would allow for consideration of the treating physician's formal 
assessment of impairment in determining whether the risk associated 
with the mariner's medication use is acceptable for a safety sensitive 
position.
    The Coast Guard recognizes that there are instances when a mariner 
may take a medication or start a prescription for a medication outside 
of the timeframe of the MMC application process, and thus the 
medication use has not been included in the Coast Guard's review of the 
mariner's MMC application. Because a number of prescription medications 
and over-the-counter medications have effects that may impair cognitive 
ability, judgment and reaction time, it is critical that each mariner 
consider the effects of his or her medication before deciding to 
operate under the authority of his or her credential. Between 1987 and 
2000, the National Transportation Safety Board investigated a 
significant number of accidents across all modes of passenger 
transportation that involved the use of potentially impairing 
prescription and over-the-counter medications, and their analysis 
determined that ``prescription and over-the-counter medications 
continue to be factors in transportation accidents and incidents.'' \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ National Transportation Safety Board Safety Recommendation 
I-00-5, January 13, 2000. http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/recletters/2000/I00_5.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current Coast Guard guidance advises mariners that certain 
medications may be considered disqualifying for the issuance of 
credentials, but the policy does not provide guidance on whether it is 
appropriate to operate under the authority of the credential while 
under the effects of a potentially impairing medication. As such, one 
of the proposed changes to the medication policy includes a safety 
warning to mariners advising them to refrain from operating under the 
authority of the credential when they are under the influence of any 
medication that can cause drowsiness, or impair cognitive abilility, 
judgment or reaction time. The Coast Guard is proposing to include 
these policy changes in a replacement to Enclosure (4) to NVIC 04-08.
    In addition to seeking comments from the public about whether the 
proposed policy adequately addresses safety concerns regarding merchant 
mariners whose medical conditions require use of potentially impairing 
medication, the Coast Guard is also seeking public input on five 
specific questions relating to the medical waivers for the use of such 
medications.

Questions for the Public

    1. What factors, if any, should the Coast Guard consider in 
determining whether to grant a waiver for mariners whose conditions 
require them to use (or be under the effects of) a potentially 
impairing medication while operating under the authority of the 
merchant mariner credential?
    2. What methods of objective evaluation are available to reliably 
assure that a mariner is free of any impairing medication effects, 
specifically effects that would interfere with the safe operation of 
the vessel?
    3. Should the treating physician's opinion that the mariner has no 
medication impairment be considered sufficient to mitigate risk to 
public and maritime safety?
    4. Should formal neuropsychological/neurocognitive evaluation be 
required of all mariners who require chronic use of potentially 
impairing medications, or use of potentially impairing medications 
while operating under the authority of the credential? If so, what 
functions should be measured/evaluated, and what would be the 
appropriate standard for a test's outcome?
    5. Under what circumstances, if any, should the Coast Guard 
consider granting waivers for mariners whose conditions require use of 
opioid maintenance therapy (for example, methadone or buprenorphine)?

The Proposed Policy

    The proposed replacement to Enclosure (4) to NVIC 04-08, provided 
below, outlines more specific guidance for each class of medication 
discussed above. Additionally, the guidance advises mariners to 
carefully consider manufacturers' warnings for any medication(s) they 
may be taking, whether prescription or over-the-counter, before acting 
under the authority of the credential. The proposed replacement for 
Enclosure (4) to NVIC 04-08 follows:


[[Page 4584]]



Medications

Definitions

    A. Acting under the authority of the credential. The definition 
of ``acting under the authority of a credential'' is found in 46 CFR 
5.57. It states that
    (a) A person employed in the service of a vessel is considered 
to be acting under the authority of a credential or endorsement when 
the holding of such credential or endorsement is:
    (1) Required by law or regulation; or
    (2) Required by an employer as a condition for employment.
    (b) A person is considered to be acting under the authority of 
the credential or endorsement while engaged in official matters 
regarding the credential or endorsement. This includes, but is not 
limited to, such acts as applying for renewal, taking examinations 
for raises of grade, requesting duplicate or replacement 
credentials, or when appearing at a hearing under this part.
    (c) A person does not cease to act under the authority of a 
credential or endorsement while on authorized or unauthorized shore 
leave from the vessel.
    B. Alcohol means any form or derivative of ethyl alcohol 
(ethanol). See 33 CFR 95.010.
    C. Controlled substance has the same meaning assigned by 21 
U.S.C. 802 and includes all substances listed on Schedules I through 
V as they may be revised from time to time (21 CFR part 1308). See 
33 CFR 95.010.
    D. Dangerous drug means a narcotic drug, a controlled substance, 
or a controlled-substance analog (as defined in section 102 of the 
Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)). 
See 46 CFR 16.105.
    E. Drug means any substance (other than alcohol) that has known 
mind or function-altering effects on a person, specifically 
including any psychoactive substance, and including, but not limited 
to, controlled substances. See 33 CFR 95.010.
    F. Intoxicant means any form of alcohol, drug or combination 
thereof. See 33 CFR 95.010.

Prohibitions

    A. Illegal Substances: Use of illegal or illegally obtained 
substances, including all illegal or illegally obtained dangerous 
drugs (as defined in 46 CFR 16.105), is incompatible with maritime 
service and is not waiverable under any circumstances.
    B. Intoxicants: Operation of vessels while under the influence 
of drugs or alcohol is regulated under 33 CFR part 95. Issuance of a 
credential does not authorize a mariner to operate a vessel in 
contravention of 33 CFR part 95. See also 46 U.S.C. 2302.

Important Safety Warning

    Certain medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, 
have known impairing effects and their labels warn about risk of 
drowsiness and caution against use while driving or operating 
hazardous machinery.
    The nature of shipboard life and shipboard operations is such 
that mariners may be subject to unexpected or emergency response 
duties associated with vessel or crew safety, prevention of 
pollution, and maritime security at any time while aboard a vessel.
    In the interest of safety of life and property at sea, the Coast 
Guard views shipboard life and the attendant shipboard duties that 
can arise without warning, as safety sensitive duties that are 
analogous to operating hazardous machinery. As such:
    A. Mariners are advised to discuss all medication use with their 
treating providers and to inform them of the safety sensitive nature 
of their credential; and
    B. Mariners are cautioned against acting under the authority of 
their merchant mariner credential while under the influence of 
medications that:
    (a) Can cause drowsiness, or
    (b) can impair cognitive ability, judgment or reaction time, or
    (c) carry warnings that caution against driving or operating 
heavy machinery.
    C. Mariners are advised that they are considered to be acting 
under the authority of the credential anytime they are aboard a 
vessel in a situation to which 46 CFR 5.57(a) applies, even when 
off-watch or while asleep.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

    Credential applicants who are required to complete a general 
medical exam should disclose on the Merchant Mariner Credential 
Medical Evaluation Report, CG-719K, all prescription and over the 
counter medications, filled or refilled and/or taken within 30 days 
prior to the date that the applicant submits the CG-719K to the 
Coast Guard. 46 CFR 10.302(a) and 10.304(a).
    In addition, credential applicants who are required to complete 
a general medical exam should disclose on the CG-719K all 
prescription medications and over-the-counter medications, including 
dietary supplements and vitamins, that were used for a period of 30 
days or more within the 90 days prior to the date the applicant 
submits the CG-719K to the Coast Guard. 46 CFR 10.302(a) and 
10.304(a).
    Medications which may impair cognitive ability, judgment or 
reaction time are considered disqualifying for issuance of 
credentials. Additionally, the underlying condition requiring use of 
the potentially impairing medication and/or the possible side-
effects of these medications may result in denial of a credential 
application. Mariners who require the use of disqualifying 
medications may seek consideration for a waiver in accordance with 
46 CFR 10.303.
    The following is a non-exhaustive list of medications that may 
be deemed disqualifying due to risk of impaired cognitive ability, 
judgment or reaction time. Mariners on these medications are subject 
to further medical review, in accordance with enclosure (6) of NVIC 
04-08, to determine whether the applicant's use of the medication is 
disqualifying. If the applicant's medication use is deemed 
disqualifying by the Coast Guard, then the Coast Guard will 
determine whether the mariner qualifies for a waiver under 46 CFR 
10.303. Please refer to the section on Medication Waivers that 
follows.
    A. Anti-Depressants:
    (1) Conditions which require Selective serotonin reuptake 
inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors 
(SNRIs), or Wellbutrin (bupropion) do not require a waiver unless 
the underlying condition is deemed disqualifying.
    (2) Conditions which require the use of other anti-depressants 
will be evaluated for stability of the underlying condition and the 
absence of impairing medication side-effects.
    (3) A waiver is not required when used as a smoking cessation 
aid and with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
    B. Anti-Motion Sickness Agents: Use is approved and a waiver is 
not required when used in accordance with manufacturers' warnings 
and directions.
    C. Anti-Psychotics: The medication and the underlying condition 
will be reviewed to determine whether the mariner qualifies for a 
waiver under 46 CFR 10.303.
    D. Anti-Convulsives: The medication and the underlying condition 
will be reviewed to determine whether the mariner qualifies for a 
waiver under 46 CFR 10.303. See enclosure (8) for guidance on 
evaluating waivers of underlying conditions that may require anti-
convulsives.
    E. Anti-Histamines:
    (1) Non-sedating medications, such as loratadine (Claritin), 
fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are acceptable 
when used in accordance with manufacturers' warnings and directions.
    (2) Sedating medications--The medication and the underlying 
condition will be reviewed to determine whether the mariner 
qualifies for a waiver under 46 CFR 10.303.
    F. Barbiturate Medications: Due to the risk of impaired 
cognitive ability, judgment, and reaction time, use of barbiturate 
medications is disqualifying. The medication and the underlying 
condition will be reviewed to determine whether the mariner 
qualifies for a waiver under 46 CFR 10.303. Waivers for use within 
48 hours prior to, or while acting under the authority of the 
credential will only be approved on a case-by-case basis if the 
Coast Guard determines that there are exceptional circumstances that 
mitigate risk to public safety. See medication waiver discussion 
below.
    G. Benzodiazepines: Due to the risk of impaired cognitive 
ability, judgment, and reaction time, use of benzodiazepine 
medications is disqualifying. The medication and the underlying 
condition will be reviewed to determine whether the mariner 
qualifies for a waiver under 46 CFR 10.303. Waivers for use within 
48 hours prior to, or while acting under the authority of the 
credential will only be approved on a case-by-case basis if the 
Coast Guard determines that there are exceptional circumstances that 
mitigate risk to public safety. See Medication Waivers discussion 
below.
    H. Cough Preparations with Dextromethorphan, Codeine, or other 
Codeine-Related Analogs:
    (1) Use of over-the-counter medications is approved when used in 
accordance with manufacturers' warnings and directions.
    (2) For prescription medications containing opioid or opiate 
ingredients, see section K, Legally Prescribed Controlled 
Substances.
    I. Diet Aids (e.g. Dexatrim, Metabolife, etc.) and Stimulants 
(e.g. modafinil, amphetamines, etc.):

[[Page 4585]]

    (1) Use of over-the-counter medications is approved when used in 
accordance with manufacturers' warnings and directions.
    (2) Prescription medications--The medication and the underlying 
condition will be reviewed to determine whether the mariner 
qualifies for a waiver under 46 CFR 10.303.
    J. Non-benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotic Medications: Due to the 
risk of impaired cognitive ability, judgment, and reaction time, use 
of non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic medications is 
disqualifying. The medication and the underlying condition will be 
reviewed to determine whether the mariner qualifies for a waiver 
under 46 CFR 10.303. Waivers for use within 12 hours prior to, or 
while acting under the authority of the credential will only be 
approved on a case-by-case basis if the Coast Guard determines that 
there are exceptional circumstances that mitigate risk to public 
safety. See medication waiver discussion below.
    K. Legally Prescribed Controlled Substances (including legally 
prescribed narcotics, opiates, opioids and legally prescribed 
medications which contain narcotics or opioids such as Tylenol with 
codeine): Due to the risk of impaired cognitive ability, judgment, 
and reaction time, use of legally prescribed controlled substances 
is disqualifying. The medication and the underlying condition will 
be reviewed to determine whether the mariner qualifies for a waiver 
under 46 CFR 10.303. Waivers for use within 12 hours prior to, or 
while acting under the authority of the credential will only be 
approved on a case-by-case basis if the Coast Guard determines that 
there are exceptional circumstances that mitigate risk to public 
safety. See medication waiver discussion below.
    L. Medical Use of Hallucinogens (e.g. medical marijuana, peyote 
or ecstasy): Even if legalized by a state, is disqualifying and not 
waiverable under any circumstances.
    M. Muscle Relaxants: Centrally acting (e.g. carisoprodol, 
meprobamate, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine citrate, 
anti-muscarinics and phenyltoloxamine, etc.): The medication and the 
underlying condition will be reviewed to determine whether the 
mariner qualifies for a waiver under 46 CFR 10.303. Waivers for use 
within 12 hours prior to, or while acting under the authority of the 
credential will only be approved on a case-by-case basis if the 
Coast Guard determines that there are exceptional circumstances that 
mitigate risk to public safety. See medication waiver discussion 
below.

Medication Waivers

    A. As stated previously, medications which may impair cognitive 
ability, judgment or reaction time are considered disqualifying for 
issuance of credentials. The underlying condition, as well as the 
effects of the medications, may lead to denial of a credential 
application or may result in issuance of a waiver.
    B. Due to the documented risks of impaired cognition, judgment 
and reaction time associated with the use of centrally acting 
opioid/opiate medications, benzodiazepine medications, non-
benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic medications, and barbiturate 
medications, the Coast Guard has determined that use of these 
medications while acting under the authority of the credential is 
generally not waiverable. However, waivers may be considered, on a 
case-by-case basis, if the Coast Guard determines that there are 
exceptional circumstances that warrant consideration for a waiver.
    C. The Coast Guard retains final authority for the issuance of 
waivers.
    D. Waivers may include restrictions and/or limitations on the 
credential.
    E. Applicants seeking consideration for waivers for the use of 
medications that may impair cognitive ability, judgment, or reaction 
time should submit the additional information detailed below, for 
each medication:
    (1) A letter from the prescribing and/or treating physician that 
includes the following:
    a. Whether the physician has familiarized him/herself with the 
detailed guidelines on medical conditions and medications contained 
in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 04-08.
    b. Whether the physician understands the public-safety sensitive 
nature of the merchant mariner credential.
    c. A detailed discussion of the condition which requires use of 
the potentially impairing medication.
    d. A description of any known complications experienced by the 
mariner from the use of a particular medication, level of current 
stability and prognosis of the underlying condition. The physician 
should also provide his or her professional opinion on whether the 
condition is suitable for safety-sensitive work.
    e. A description of the dosage and frequency of use of the 
medication (this description should be very specific; ``as needed'' 
is not sufficient information). The description should also reflect 
that the physician has reviewed the mariner's pharmacy records for 
documentation of the number of pills dispensed for use each month 
and documentation of the length of time that mariner has been on the 
medication.
    f. A detailed statement about whether the mariner is taking the 
medication as directed and if there are any concerns of misuse or 
overuse of the medication.
    g. A statement about whether the mariner is compliant with 
therapy and follow-up appointments.
    h. A statement about whether the mariner requires use of this 
medication while at work, or while aboard the vessel. If the mariner 
requires use of the potentially impairing medication while at work 
or while aboard the vessel, the physician should provide a detailed 
explanation and rationale for the use.
    i. A statement about whether the physician has advised the 
mariner of the risks of impairment related to the medication. The 
physician should also discuss any risks advised, as well as any 
instructions discussed with the mariner for mitigating risk.
    j. A statement about whether the mariner's other medications, 
medical conditions, and work/sleep conditions might compound the 
impairing effects of this medication. This discussion should reflect 
that the physician has knowledge of the specifics of the mariner's 
medications, medical conditions and work/sleep schedule.
    k. A statement about whether the physician has formally 
evaluated the mariner for the presence of any impairing medication 
effects. This discussion should include a description of the method 
of evaluation utilized, as well as the findings.
    l. A medical opinion of whether the mariner has any medication 
effects that would impede safe operation of a vessel or interfere 
with work in a safety sensitive position. This discussion should 
include the rationale for the physician's opinion.
    m. A statement whether the physician has advised the mariner 
that it is safe to operate a vessel, operate hazardous machinery and 
perform safety sensitive functions while under the influence of this 
medication.
    (2) When requested, additional amplifying information, to 
include formal neuropsychological/neurocognitive evaluation.
    a. In particular, mariners seeking waivers to use or be under 
the influence of potentially impairing opioid/opiate, 
benzodiazepine, sedative hypnotic, and/or barbiturate medications, 
while acting under the authority of the credential, may be asked to 
submit the results of a formal neuropsychological/neurocognitive 
evaluation.
    b. When formal neuropsychologic or neurocognitive evaluation is 
requested, the assessment should include objective evaluation of the 
following functions, at a minimum: \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Kay, GG and Logan BK, (2011). Drugged Driving Expert Panel 
report: A consensus protocol for assessing the potential of drugs to 
impair driving. (DOT HS 811 438). Washington, DC: National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    i. Alertness, arousal and vigilance
    ii. Attention (focused, shifting and divided), processing 
speed,and working memory
    iii. Reaction time (choice and complex), psychomotor function, 
upper motor speed and coordination
    iv. Sensory perceptual function
    v. Executive function: Mental flexibility, adaptive problem 
solving, abstract reasoning, impulse control, risk taking/risk 
assessment, organizational ability (including visual spatial 
organization), and planning

Authority

    Ths notice is issued under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 46 
U.S.C. 7101 et seq.

    Dated: January, 16, 2015.
J.C. Burton,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Inspections & Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2015-01623 Filed 1-27-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


