[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24311-24312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11946]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary


Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

    Part A (Office of the Secretary), of the Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority for the Department of Health 
and Human Services, Chapter AA ``Office of the Secretary'' as last 
amended at 60 FR 52403, dated October 6, 1995; Chapter ABC ``Office of 
the Deputy Under Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs'' as last 
amended at 46 FR 3284, dated January 14, 1981; and Chapter AD ``Office 
of the Regional Director'' as last amended at 55 FR 5072, dated 
February 13, 1990 is being revised. Also, Chapter HD ``Public Health 
Service Regional Offices'' as last amended at 60 FR 48164, dated 
September 18, 1995 is being deleted in its entirety.
    Part A is being amended to reflect the role and responsibility of 
the Office for Intergovernmental Affairs and to place the Regional 
Health Administrators within the Office of the Regional Directors. The 
specific amendments are:
    I. Make the following changes to Chapter AA ``Office of the 
Secretary,'' paragraph AA.10 Organization: Delete the Office of the 
Deputy Under Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs and insert the 
Office for Intergovernmental Affairs.
    II. Delete Chapter ABC in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    ABC.00  Mission. The Director of the Office for Intergovernmental 
Affairs (IGA) serves as the principal advisor and Assistant to the 
Secretary and Deputy Secretary on intergovernmental affairs, with the 
responsibility for facilitating the coordination and implementation of 
Administration and Secretarial initiatives as they pertain to 
intergovernmental affairs at the headquarters, regional, State, tribal, 
local and community levels. The Director for Intergovernmental Affairs 
is the central point of reference in the Department for issues, 
problems and questions involving these matters. The Director for 
Intergovernmental Affairs provides leadership, coordination, 
evaluation, and administrative direction to the Regional Director; also 
provides general guidance and direction to the Office of Veterans 
Affairs and Military Liaison; and to special initiatives, such as, 
Human Service Transportation Coordination and the National Rural 
Development Partnership. As directed the Director provides coordination 
services for functions and activities of the Deputy Secretary.
    ABC.10  Organization. the Office for Intergovernmental Affairs is 
under the direction and control of the Director for Intergovernmental 
Affairs, who reports directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.
    ABC.20  Functions. The Director for Intergovernmental Affairs 
undertakes a variety of assignments for the Secretary and Deputy 
Secretary on critical intergovernmental problems which are beyond the 
authority of the Regional Director or which cross program/agency/
departmental lines.
    Advises on State, tribal and local impact of proposed Departmental 
action whether in legislation, regulation, or administrative decision. 
Serves as the point of contact between the Regional Directors (RDs) and 
the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Responds to Secretarial initiatives 
having regional, State and local implications by directing the RDs to 
take specific actions.
    Ensures a full and timely opportunity for the RDs to contribute to 
the planning, development and implementation of Departmental policy. In 
consultation with OPDIV heads ensures the resolution of policy issues 
involving intergovernmental concerns of operating divisions and the 
regional offices. Resolves intergovernmental problems and situations 
that cut across the OPDIVs in headquarters and in the regions. 
Formulates and recommends Departmental policies on the delivery of 
services to States and communities. Serves as a focal point for 
coordinated HHS efforts to deal with community problems as a whole. Has 
primary responsibility to ensure consistency of approach, 
administration, and action of programs within HHS as they impact on 
state and local governments.
    Represents the Secretary and Deputy Secretary with officials of 
other Federal agencies, officials of State, tribal and local 
governments, and non-governmental organizations including national 
associations which represent State and local general purpose 
governments and relevant subdivisions in functions which cut across 
program lines. Develops strategies to strengthen intergovernmental 
relationships and collaborates with Governors, their key officials, 
county and city officials, on national goals and programs in health and 
human services. Serves as liaison with the White House on 
intergovernmental matters and concerns through the Assistant to the 
President for Intergovernmental Affairs.
    Under the Direction of the Director for Intergovernmental Affairs, 
the Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Liaison provides advice and 
counsel and appropriate information and liaison to the White House, the 
Secretary, and veteran's and military organizations and associations; 
develops initiatives within the Department to improve services to 
veterans and the military; and focuses health and human resources on 
the needs of all veterans and military families as part of a Health and 
Human Services/Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense 
initiative to better serve their health and human service needs. 
Provides coordinative support relating to sick, disabled and 
disadvantaged veterans/military for research targeted toward specific 
areas.
    As directed, the Director IGA coordinates program and management 
functions and activities that the Deputy

[[Page 24312]]

Secretary is responsible for. The Director IGA represents the 
Department in special initiatives, such as the Human Services 
Transportation Coordination and the National Rural Development 
Partnership initiatives.
    III. Delete Chapter AD in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    AD.00  Mission. The Regional Director serves as the direct personal 
representative of the Secretary with the responsibility for carrying 
out the Secretary's policies in the Region. The Regional Director 
provides leadership for the Secretary's special initiatives and 
coordination of the complex activities of the Region.
    AD.10  Organization. The Office of the Regional Director is under 
the direction and control of the Regional Director, who reports 
directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary through the Director for 
Intergovernmental Affairs, and consists of the following:

Regional Director AD(1-X)
Regional Health Administrator ADA(1-X)

    AD.20  Function. A. The Regional Director serves as the Secretary's 
representative in direct official dealings with State, tribal and local 
government organizations, non-government officials and their respective 
representative organizations. Establishes and maintains effective 
relationships with Governors, mayors, county officials, and other key 
State and local officials; furnishes advice and assistance and strives 
to develop a mutually beneficial Federal-State-local partnership; 
provides guidance and coordination to the efforts of all regional staff 
members on the priorities, emphasis, and merits of various programs 
based on the expression of needs and analyses by Governors, mayors, and 
other key officials. In consultation with the Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Legislation, provides a central focus in the Region for 
department relations with Congressional delegations and individual 
members of Congress. Promotes general public understanding of programs, 
policies, and objectives of the Department; participates in developing 
and carrying out a region-wide public information program; and provides 
regional clearance on official public communiques.
    Assesses the effectiveness of Department activities and makes 
reports and recommendations to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, 
Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and other Departmental officials 
concerning the application or improvement of policies and service 
delivery systems. Serves as coordinator, facilitator, and expediter in 
solving cross-cutting issues to assure effective, efficient, and 
responsible actions in the interest of total service to the public. 
Advises the Secretary on the potential effect of proposed Department 
action, whether legislative, regulatory, or administrative decision. 
Provides input into policy decisions and strategy regarding the 
concerns and interests of State and local governments and non-
government organizations as derived from their key officials. In 
conjunction with the Regional Health Administrators, develops plans for 
emergency preparedness and directs all Departmental activities 
necessary to ensure continuity of essential functions within the Region 
in case of an emergency due to enemy action or natural disaster.
    B. The Regional Health Administrator ADA(1-X)--Reports to the 
Secretary's Regional Director, receives professional guidance from the 
Assistant Secretary for Health, Director, Office of Public Health and 
Science (OPHS) programs. The Regional Health Administrator and 
associated staff are a component of the U.S. Public Health Service, 
along with the OPHS and PHS Operating Divisions.
    Participates in policy development and implementation; directs and 
coordinates regionally based programs of OPHS, including the offices of 
Emergency Preparedness, Minority Health, Women's Health, and Population 
Affairs. Develops regional goals and objectives consistent with the 
needs of the population and in conformity with national health 
priorities and objectives and Departmental plans and programs. Serves 
as the principal official in the assigned area of jurisdiction to 
provide oversight and coordination for Public Health Service programs. 
Solicits and provides input from regional, State, and local health, 
mental health and substance abuse professional organizations to assist 
the Regional Director, the Assistant Secretary for Health, Director, 
OPHS, Director IGA and PHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) in the 
formulation, development, analysis, and evaluation of PHS OPDIV field 
programs and cross cutting Departmental initiatives in public health.
    IV. Under Part H, delete Chapter HD in its entirety.

    Dated: April 11, 1996.
John J. Callahan,
Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget.
[FR Doc. 96-11946 Filed 5-13-96; 8:45 am]
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