[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 202 (Thursday, October 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25944]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 20, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Social Security Administration

 

Statement of Organization, Functions, Delegations of Authority

    Part S of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations 
of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
covers the Social Security Administration (SSA). Notice is given that 
Part S is being revised to reflect organizational realignments within 
Chapter 2, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Operations; 
Chapter 3, the Office of the Deputy for Programs and Chapter S5, the 
Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and External Affairs. The 
following chapters reflect these changes.

Statement of Organization, Functions, Delegations of Authority

    Part S of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations 
of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) 
covers the Social Security Administration (SSA). Notice is being given 
that Chapter S2, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Operations 
(ODCO) is being amended. The Office of Public and Employee Services 
(OPES) and the Office of Operations Management and Program Integration 
(OOMPI) are being abolished and a new Office of Public Service and 
Operations Support (OPSOS) is being established to replace them. The 
Office of Telephone Services (OTS) is also being established. The 
changes are as follows.

Chapter 2

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Operations
    S2.00  Mission
    S2.10  Organization
    S2.20  Functions

Section S2.10  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Operations--
(Organization)

Delete
    G. The Office of Public and Employee Services (S2J).
    H. The Office of Operations Management and Program Integration 
(S2K).
Establish
    G. The Office of Public Service and Operations Support (S2N).
    H. The Office of Telephone Services (S2Q).

Section S2.20  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Operations--
(Functions)

Delete
    G. The Office of Public and Employee Services (S2J) in its 
entirety.
    H. The Office of Operations Management and Program Integration 
(S2K) in its entirety.
Establish
    G. The Office of Public Service and Operations Support (S2N) 
provides operations analysis, program support, service to the public 
and employee services for the Deputy Commissioner, Operations, and 
conducts studies and analyses. Provides broad operations support to the 
field offices (FO), teleservice centers (TSC), processing center 
operations (PCO), the Office of Disability and International Operations 
(ODIO) and the Office of Central Records Operations (OCRO). OPSOS also 
integrates operational delivery of public services under the 
retirement, survivors and disability insurance (RSDI), the supplemental 
security income (SSI) and health insurance (HI) programs for domestic 
beneficiaries and delivery of RSDI program services to foreign 
beneficiaries. Provides broad operations support to the maintenance of 
the basic earnings data which support the Social Security programs. 
Conducts activities associated with the overall effectiveness and 
efficiency of the Deputy Commissioner for Operations (DCO) components. 
Directs and coordinates internal management support functions to ensure 
effective position management, workforce utilization and management 
analysis and planning. Directs the overall DCO budget process. Plans, 
implements, manages and assesses the interrelated duties of delivering 
SSA program and related services to the public.
    H. The Office of Telephone Services (S2Q) plans, implements, 
operates and evaluates SSA's telephone service to the public delivered 
by the National 800 Number and SSA FOs. Plans and conducts studies, 
pilots and analyses of 800 Number and FO telephone operations to assess 
and improve the service provided. Provides direct support to 37 TSCs 
and approximately 1,300 FOs, including developing and communicating 
uniform operating policies and procedures. Maintains close, effective 
working relationships with SSA policy, program and administrative 
components, with other Federal agencies and with vendors which have 
important roles in the delivery and evaluation of SSA's telephone 
service to the public. Manages SSA's National 800 Number network 
operation, designs and administers call routing plans, continuously 
monitors call handling and adjusts routing to handle emergency 
situations and to maximize call answering effectiveness and efficiency.
Delete
    Subchapter S2J, the Office of Public and Employee Services in its 
entirety.
Delete
    Subchapter S2K, the Office of Operations and Program Integration in 
its entirety.
Add Subchapter

Subchapter S2N

Office of Public Service and Operations Support
    S2N.00  Mission
    S2N.10  Organization
    S2N20.  Functions

Section S2N.00  The Office of Public Service and Operations Support--
(Mission)

    The Office of Public Service and Operations Support (OPSOS) 
provides operations analysis, program support, service to the public 
and employee services for the DCO, and conducts studies and analysis. 
Provides broad operations support to the FOs, TCSs, PCOs, ODIO and 
OCRO. Integrates operational delivery of public services under the 
RSDI, SSI and HI programs for domestic beneficiaries and delivery of 
RSDI program services to foreign beneficiaries. Provides broad 
operations support to the maintenance of the basic earnings data which 
support the Social Security programs. Conducts activities associated 
with the overall effectiveness and efficiency of DCO components. 
Directs and coordinates internal management support functions to ensure 
effective position management, workforce utilization and management 
analysis and planning. Directs the overall DCO budget process. Plans, 
implements, manages and assesses the interrelated duties of delivering 
SSA program and related services to the public.

Section S2N.10  The Office of Public Service and Operations Support--
(Organization)

    The Office of Public Service and Operations Support, under the 
leadership of the Associate Commissioner for Public Service and 
Operations Support, includes:
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Public Service and Operations 
Support (S2N).
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Public Service and 
Operations Support (S2N).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for Public 
Service and Operations Support (S2N).

Section S2N.20  The Office of Public Service and Operations Support--
(Functions)

    A. The Associate Commissioner for Public Service and Operations 
Support (S2N) is directly responsible to the DCO for carrying out 
OPSOS's mission and provides general supervision to the major 
components of OPSOS.
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Public Service and 
Operations Support (S2N) assists the Associate Commissioner in carrying 
out his/her responsibilities and performs other duties as the Associate 
Commissioner may prescribe.
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for Public 
Service and Operations Support (S2N) provides the Associate 
Commissioner with staff assistance on the full range of his/her 
responsibilities.
Delete
    Subchapter S2M, Office of 800 Number Operations in its entirety.
Add Subchapter

Subchapter S2Q

Office of Telephone Services
    S2Q.00  Mission
    S2Q.10  Organization
    S2Q.20  Functions

Section S2Q.00  The Office of Telephone Services--(Mission)

    The Office of Telephone Services is responsible for planning, 
implementing, operating and evaluating SSA's telephone service to the 
public delivered by the National 800 Number and SSA FOs. The Office 
plans and conducts studies, pilots and analyses of 800 Number and FO 
telephone operations to assess and improve the service provided. The 
office provides direct support to 37 TSCs and approximately 1,300 FOs, 
including developing and communicating uniform operating policies and 
procedures. The office maintains close, effective working relationships 
with SSA policy, program and administrative components, with other 
Federal agencies and with vendors which have important roles in the 
delivery and evaluation of SSA's telephone service to the public. This 
office manages SSA's National 800 Number network operation, designs and 
administers call routing plans, continuously monitors call handling and 
adjusts routing to handle emergency situations and to maximize call 
answering effectiveness and efficiency.

Section S2Q.10  The Office of Telephone Services--(Organization)

    The Office of Telephone Services includes:
    A. The Director of the Telephone Services (S2Q).
    B. The Deputy Director of the Office of Telephone Services (S2Q).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Director of the Office of Telephone 
Services (S2Q).

Section S2Q.20  The Office of Telephone Services--(Functions)

    A. The Director, Office of Telephone Services (S2Q) is directly 
responsible to the DCO for carrying out the Office's mission relating 
to the operation of SSA's National 800 Number and FO telephone service, 
and provides general supervision to the major components in the Office.
    B. The Deputy Director, Office of Telephone Services (S2Q) assists 
the Director in carrying out his/her responsibilities and performs 
other duties as the Director may prescribe.
    C. The Immediate Office of the Office of Telephone Services (S2Q) 
provides the Director with staff assistance over the full range of his/
her responsibilities.

Statement of Organization, Functions, Delegations of Authority

    Part S of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations 
of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
covers the Social Security Administration (SSA). Notice is being given 
that Chapter S3, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Programs is 
being amended. The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance (ORSI) 
and the Office of Supplemental Security Income (OSSI) are being 
abolished and a new Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and 
Supplemental Security Income Policy (ORSISSIP) is being established to 
replace them. The changes are as follows:

Chapter 3

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs
    S3.00  Mission
    S3.10  Organization
    S3.20  Functions

Section S3.10  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs--
(Organization)

Delete
    D. The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance (S3B).
    F. The Office of Supplemental Security Income (S3E).
Establish
    D. The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and 
Supplemental Security Income Policy (S3J).
Reletter
    ``G'' to ``F'' and ``H'' to ``G''

Section S3.20  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Programs--
(Functions)

Delete
    D. The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance (S3B) in its 
entirety.
    F. The Office of Supplemental Security Income (S3E) in its 
entirety.
Establish
    D. The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and 
Supplemental Security Income Policy (S3J) develops, coordinates and 
evaluates the program issues the operational policies, standards and 
instructions for the RSI and SSI programs. Develops cost estimates for 
the SSI program. Develops and issues policies and guidelines for use by 
State and Federal organizations which implement the SSI provision. 
Develops agreements with the States that govern State supplementation 
programs, Medicaid eligibility, data exchange programs, food stamps and 
fiscal reporting processes. Plans and directs continuing performance 
evaluation and economic and social survey programs to evaluate the 
current impact and future needs of the RSI and SSI programs.
Reletter
    ``G'' to ``F'' and ``H'' to ``G''.
Add Subchapter

Subchapter S3J

Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental 
Security Income Policy
    S3J.00  Mission
    S3J.10  Organization
    S3J.20  Functions

Section S3J.000  The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and 
Supplemental Security Income Policy--(Mission)

    The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental 
Security Income Policy (ORSISSIP) provides SSA-wide leadership and 
direction to the development, coordination and promulgation of RSI and 
SSI policies and procedures. It develops, coordinates and evaluates the 
program and issues the operational policies, standards and instructions 
for the RSI and SSI programs. Develops cost estimates for the SSI 
program. Develops and issues policies and guidelines for use by State 
and Federal organizations which implement the SSI provision. Develops 
agreements with the States that govern State supplementation programs, 
Medicaid eligibility, data exchange programs, food stamps and fiscal 
reporting processes. Plans and directs continuing performance 
evaluation and economic and social survey programs to evaluate the 
current impact and future needs of the RSI and SSI programs.

Section S3J.10  The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and 
Supplemental Security Income Policy--(Organization)

    The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental 
Security Income Policy, under the leadership of the Associate 
Commissioner for Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental 
Security Income Policy includes:
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Retirement and Survivors 
Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Policy (S3J).
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner(s) for Retirement and 
Survivors Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Policy (S3J).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for 
Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental Security Income 
Policy (S3J).

Section S3J.20  The Office of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and 
Supplemental Security Income Policy--(Functions)

    A. The Associate Commissioner for Retirement and Survivors 
Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Policy (S3J) is directly 
responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Programs for carrying out 
ORSISSIP's mission and provides general supervision to the major 
components of ORSISSIP.
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner(s) for Retirement and 
Survivors Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Policy (S3J) 
assists the Associate Commissioner in carrying out his/her 
responsibilities and performs other duties as the Associate 
Commissioner may prescribe.
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for 
Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental Security Income 
Policy (S3J) provides the Associate Commissioner and Deputy Associate 
Commissioner with staff assistance on the full range of their 
responsibilities and helps coordinate the activities of ORSISSIP 
components.

Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegation of Authority

    Part S of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations 
of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
covers the Social Security Administration (SSA). Notice is being given 
that Chapter S5, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and 
External Affairs (DCPEA). is being amended to reflect the establishment 
of the Information Technology Systems Staff (S5J), Office of Public 
Inquiries (S5J) and the Office of Disclosure Policy S5K). The 
Management Staff (S5A-1) is being abolished. The new material and 
changes are as follows.

Chapter 5

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and External Affairs
    S5.00  Mission
    S5.10  Organization
    S5.20  Functions

Section S5.10  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and 
External Affairs--(Organization)

Delete
    F. The Management Staff (S5A-1).
Add
    F. The Information Technology Systems Staff (S5C).
    J. The Office of Public Inquiries (S5J).
    K. The Office of Disclosure Policy (S5K).
Retitle
    E. ``The Office of Policy (S5R)'' to ``The Office of Policy 
Communications (S5R).''

Section S5.20  The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and 
External Affairs--(Functions)

Delete
    F. The Management Staff (S5A-1) in its entirety.
Add
    F. The Information Technology Systems Staff (S5C) designs, 
implements and maintains automated information and communications 
systems DCPEA-wide and provides systems support to the Deputy 
Commissioner for Programs (DCP) with respect to the Office Support 
System.
    J. The Office of Public Inquiries (S5J) provides central receipt, 
control, acknowledgement, response, and referral program for all high-
priority and other inquiries addressed to, or telephone calls directed 
to, SSA headquarters, the Commissioner or other SSA executives. The 
Office develops correspondence policy and procedure and guide language 
on recurring topics and issues for use throughout the Agency.
    K. The Office of Disclosure Policy (S5K) develops and interprets 
SSA policy governing requests for disclosure of information from SSA 
records made under the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA).
Retitle
    E. The Office of Policy (S5R) to The Office of Policy 
Communications (S5R) and amend statement to read as follows: The Office 
of Policy Communications (S5R) directs the planning and analysis of 
programs directly administered by SSA. It serves as the focal point 
throughout the Agency to make certain that strategic policy decisions 
are properly translated into operational policies and procedures and 
are implemented in an effective manner. It coordinates the development 
of policies across program lines to ensure consistency in 
implementation. The Office develops, promulgates and reviews all 
program regulations for consistency. It also reviews regulations for 
directly-administered programs for consistency with statutory and 
congressional intent and with SSA policy decisions and requirements. 
The Office is responsible for development, review and distribution of 
the Agency's instructional system. It ensures that policies are 
coordinated internally and that all instructional materials developed 
are compatible with overall operating policies and practices. The 
Office establishes policies relating to the Agency's notices to the 
public and serves as the focal point for the Agency's effort to improve 
service to the public through issuing clear notices. The Office 
evaluates the effectiveness of national policies in meeting program 
goals and recommends program modifications.
Amend
    The Office of Public Affairs (S5E) to read as follows: The Office 
of Public Affairs (S5E) implements and directs a program designed to 
develop and preserve working relationships with a wide variety of 
national organizations, special interest and advocacy groups, the 
media, members of Congress, other Federal agencies and State and local 
governments, for purposes of securing understanding, cooperation and 
acceptance of SSA programs, policies and procedures and for providing 
avenues of public participation in the decisionmaking processes of SSA. 
Plans, directs, coordinates, implements and evaluates SSA's nationwide 
public affairs program, which involves interaction with other Federal 
and State agencies, and other organizations concerned with public 
affairs programs and activities. Develops public information programs 
and materials to ensure public knowledge and understanding of 
protections, rights and responsibilities under the programs 
administered by SSA. Directs SSA's Satellite Communications Network 
activities. Directs the non-English communications activities within 
SSA.
Amend
    H. The Office of International Policy (S5G) to read as follows: The 
Office of International Policy (S5G) serves as SSA's focal point for 
international program policy matters and for its participation in the 
international Social Security community. Serves as liaison to 
international agencies and associations which deal with Social Security 
matters. Negotiates international Social Security (totalization) 
agreements with foreign governments, and develops policies and 
procedures to implement the agreements. Develops and implements 
policies and procedures relating to the operation of the Social 
Security program outside the United States. Provides programs of 
training and technical consultations on Social Security and related 
fields to Social Security officials and other experts outside the 
United States.
Add Subchapter

Subchapter S5C

The Information Technology Systems Staff
    S5C.00  Mission
    S5C.10  Organization
    S5C.20  Functions

Section S5C.00  The Information Technology Systems Staff--(Mission)

    The Information Technology Systems Staff (ITSS) (S5C) designs, 
implements and maintains automated information and communications 
systems DCPEA-wide and provides systems support to the Deputy 
Commissioner for Programs with respect to the Office Support System.

Section S5C.10  The Information Technology Systems Staff--
(Organization)

    Information Technology Systems Staff, under the leadership of the 
Director of Information Technology Systems Staff, includes:
    A. The Director of Information Technology Systems Staff (S5C).
    B. The Immediate Office of the Director of Information Technology 
Systems Staff (S5C).

Section S5C.20  The Information Technology Systems Staff--(Functions)

    A. The Director of Information Technology Systems Staff (S5C) is 
directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and External 
Affairs (DCPEA), for carrying out ITSS's mission and provides 
managerial direction to the staff of ITSS.
    B. The Immediate Office of the Director of Information Technology 
Systems Staff (S5C) provides the Director with staff assistance on the 
full range of his/her responsibilities.
    1. Designs, implements and maintains automated information and 
communications systems DCPEA-wide and provides systems support to the 
Deputy Commissioner for Programs (DCP) with respect to the Office 
Support System.
    2. Prepares all support documentation and represents DCPEA 
interests with respect to Information Technology Systems (ITS) projects 
and procurements, including performing project officer duties on major 
contracts.
    3. Performs contract management functions for all DCPEA computer 
system contracts and interagency agreements.
    4. Provides end-user support to DCPEA and DCP users. Performs 
liaison function with vendors for servicing hardware and software.
    5. Maintains inventory of computer property and performs property 
management function for ITS equipment and software.
    6. Designs complex computer-based systems to improve efficiency of 
DCPEA operations and functions. Performs management analysis of 
requirements, workflow, work processes and writes specifications for 
computer systems needed to improve operations, work processes and 
tasks.
    7. Provides day-to-day operational management and support services 
for the Office Support System (OSS), including minicomputers, network, 
communications and microcomputer operations.
    8. Serves as DCPEA electronic mail administrator.
    9. Maintains electronic gateways from OSS networks into Agency and 
non-SSA mainframe and other computer systems.
Add Subchapter

Subchapter S5J

The Office of Public Inquiries
    S5J.00  Mission
    S5J.10  Organization
    S5J.20  Functions

Section S5J.00  The Office of Public Inquiries--(Mission)

    The Office of Public Inquiries (OPI) provides a central receipt, 
control, acknowledgment, response, and referral program for all high-
priority and other inquiries addressed to, or telephone calls directed 
to, SSA headquarters, the Commissioner or other SSA executives. The 
Office develops correspondence policy and procedure and guide language 
on recurring topics and issues for use throughout the Agency.

Section S5J.10  The Office of Public Inquiries--(Organization)

    OPI, under the leadership of the Director of the Office of Public 
Inquiries, includes:
    A. The Director of the Office of Public Inquiries (S5J).
    B. The Immediate Office of the Director of the Office of Public 
Inquiries (S5J).
    C. The Procedures, Appraisal and Systems Group (S5JA).
    D. The Correspondence Analysis and Response Group (S5JB).

Section S5J.20  The Office of Public Inquiries--(Functions)

    A. The Director of the Office of Public Inquiries (S5J) is directly 
responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and External Affairs 
(DCPEA), for carrying out OPI's mission and provides managerial 
direction to the major components of OPI.
    B. The Immediate Office of the Director of the Office of Public 
Inquiries (S5J) provides the Director with staff assistance on the full 
range of his/her responsibilities.
    C. The Procedures, Appraisal and Response Group (PARG) (S5JA) 
develops policy and procedures concerning the style, control, workflow 
and signature of correspondence, and disseminates the information to 
headquarters components. The Group performs a pre-release quality 
review of final replies prepared to OPI to ensure that they are well-
written, accurate and responsive. The Group designs and oversees OPI's 
electronic correspondence management system and provides support to 
system users. The Group directs surveys and analyses to increase the 
effectiveness of the correspondence workflow process throughout SSA.
    D. The Correspondence Analysis and Response Group (CARG) (S5JB) 
processes all written and telephone inquiries received in OPI. The 
Group performs correspondence receipt, screening, imaging, routing and 
letterwriting functions. Identifies sensitive inquiries and trends. The 
Group receives and responds to telephone inquiries.
Add Subchapter

Subchapter S5K

The Office of Disclosure Policy
    S5K.00  Mission
    S5K.10  Organization
    S5K.20  Functions

Section S5K.00  The Office of Disclosure Policy--(Mission)

    The Office of Disclosure Policy (ODP) develops and interprets SSA 
policy governing requests for disclosure of information from SSA 
records made under the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA).

Section S5K.10  The Office of Disclosure Policy--(Organization)

    ODP, under the leadership of the Director of the Office of 
Disclosure Policy, includes:
    A. The Director of the Office of Disclosure Policy (S5K).
    B. The Immediate Office of the Director of the Office of Disclosure 
Policy (S5K)

Section S5K.20  The Office of Disclosure Policy--(Functions)

    A. The Director of the Office of Disclosure Policy (S5K) is 
directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Policy and External 
Affairs (DCPEA), for carrying out ODP's mission and provides managerial 
direction to the major components of ODP.
    B. The Immediate Office of the Director of the Office of Disclosure 
Policy (S5K) provides the Director with staff assistance on the full 
range of their responsibilities.
    1. Develops and interprets SAA policy governing requests for 
information made under the provisions of the Privacy Act.
    2. Develops national standards relating to the release and exchange 
of personal data in SSA data bases. Manages SSA's interaction with 
other agencies in negotiating data releases and exchanges. Develops and 
interprets SSA policy related to personal access initiatives which 
allow individuals to use technology (e.g., personal computers, kiosks) 
to access their records from SSA data bases.
    3. Negotiates with various federal government entities regarding 
electronic data sharing, direct terminal access to SSA computer records 
and use of the Social Security Number.
    4. Assures Agencywide sensitivity to importance of privacy 
considerations in all situations involving disclosure of SSA data about 
individuals. Reviews Agency projects and initiatives to ensure 
compliance with the Privacy Act and related laws and regulations. 
Examines public service issues related to handling various information 
requests from the public. Develops decisions on Privacy Act appeals for 
the Commissioner.
    5. Develops and interprets SSA policy governing requests for 
information made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA). Directs FOIA activities in SSA, develops SSA's FOIA policies 
and procedures, and prepares the Annual Report to Congress on these 
activities. Decides whether records are required to be disclosed to 
members of the public. Develops decisions on FOIA appeals for the 
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

Subchapter S5E

The Office of Public Affairs

Section S5E.00  The Office of Public Affairs--(Mission)

    Amend to read as follows: The Office of Public Affairs implements 
and directs a program designed to develop and preserve working 
relationships with a wide variety of national organizations, special 
interest and advocacy groups, the media, members of Congress, other 
Federal agencies and State and local governments, for purposes of 
securing understanding, cooperation and acceptance of SSA programs, 
policies and procedures and for providing avenues of public 
participation in the decisionmaking processes of SSA. Plans, directs, 
coordinates, implements and evaluates SSA's nationwide public affairs 
program, which involves interaction with other Federal and State 
agencies, and other organizations concerned with public affairs 
programs and activities. Develops public information programs and 
materials to ensure public knowledge and understanding of protections, 
rights and responsibilities under the programs administered by SSA. 
Directs SSA's Satellite Communications Network activities. Directs the 
non-English communications activities within SSA.

Section S5E.10  The Office of Public Affairs--(Organization)

Delete
    F. The Office of Public Inquiries (S5EP) in its entirety.

Section S5E.20  The Office of Public Affairs--(Functions)

Delete
    F. The Office of Public Inquiries (S5EP) in its entirety.

Subchapter S5G

Section S5G.00  The Office of International Policy--(Mission)

    Amend to read as follows: The Office of International Policy serves 
as SSA's focal point for international program policy matters and for 
its participation in the international Social Security community. 
Serves as liaison to international agencies and associations which deal 
with Social Security matters. Negotiates international Social Security 
(totalization) agreements with foreign governments, and develops 
policies and procedures to implement the agreements. Develops and 
implements policies and procedures relating to the operation of the 
Social Security program outside the United States. Provides programs of 
training and technical consultations on Social Security and related 
fields to Social Security officials and other experts outside the 
United States.

Subchapter S5R

The Office of Policy

    Retitle The Office of Policy (S5R) to The Office of Policy 
Communications (S5R) and amend statement to read as follows:

Section S5R.10  The Office of Policy Communications--(Mission)

    The Office of Policy Communications directs the planning and 
analysis of programs directly administered by SSA. It serves as the 
focal point throughout the Agency to make certain that strategic policy 
decisions are properly translated into operational policies and 
procedures and are implemented in an effective manner. It coordinates 
the development of policies across program lines to ensure consistency 
in implementation. The Office develops, promulgates and reviews all 
program regulations for consistency. It also reviews regulations for 
directly-administered programs for consistency with statutory and 
congressional intent and with SSA policy decisions and requirements. 
The Office is responsible for development, review and distribution of 
the Agency's instructional system. It ensures that policies are 
coordinated internally and that all instructional materials developed 
are compatible with overall operating policies and practices. The 
Office establishes policies relating to the Agency's notices to the 
public and serves as the focal point for the Agency's effort to improve 
service to the public through issuing clear notices. The Office 
evaluates the effectiveness of national policies in meeting program 
goals and recommends program modifications.

    Dated: October 12, 1994.
Donna E. Shalala,
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 94-25944 filed 10-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-M