[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 29349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14124]



[[Page 29349]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs; Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority

    Introduction. Part A, Chapter AW, U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs 
(USOCA), of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of 
Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services, as last 
amended at 59 FR 41763, August 15, 1994, is being amended to reflect a 
reorganization of USOCA. The reorganization will enable realignment of 
functions assigned to USOCA subunits, thus enabling more efficient 
management of staff and financial resources in the conduct of USOCA 
programs. The revised Chapter reads as follows:
    Section AW.00 Mission. The U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs executes 
the functions assigned by Executive Order 11583 of February 24, 1971 
(as amended by Executive Order 11595 of May 26, 1971, and Executive 
Order 11702 of January 25, 1973) and Executive Order 11566 of October 
26, 1970, advises the President on consumer affairs, and coordinates 
consumer functions in the Federal government. In accordance with 
Executive Order 12160 of September 26, 1979, the staff also provides 
assistance to the Chairperson of the Consumer Affairs Council.
    Section AW.10 Organization. A. The Director of the U.S. Office of 
Consumer Affairs reports directly to the President and directs and 
coordinates the activities of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs.
    B. The U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs consists of the following 
components:

Office of the Director
Division of Policy Development
Division of Internal Operations
Division of External Liaison

    Section AW.20 Functions. A. U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. (1) 
Works to ensure appropriate consideration of the consumer perspective 
in policy development at the White House and Federal agencies. The 
Director also coordinates Federal consumer policy through the Consumer 
Affairs Council, composed of all Federal agencies providing consumer 
programs, under authority of Executive Order 12160. (2) Produces 
consumer education materials and other documents. These publications 
advise individuals how to avoid market place problems and how to 
resolve questions or complaints if they do arise. (3) Promotes 
cooperation between international, Federal, state, local, nonprofit, 
and private sector entities involved in the marketplace, emphasizing 
the need for ethical business practices, regulation and legislation 
where needed and appropriate, and voluntary efforts to promote consumer 
interests through education, dispute resolution and policy 
coordination. The Director chairs the delegation from the United States 
to the Committee on Consumer Policy of the Organization for Economic 
Cooperation and Development, at which international marketplace 
principles are harmonized. (4) Promotes improved consumer skills 
through education programs which emphasize practical application of 
skills learned in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools, as 
well as public and private sector programs which target specific 
consumer issues to be addressed by media information campaigns, 
workshops, facts sheets and other publications. (5) Identifies, 
analyzes and focuses attention on needs, interests and marketplace 
problems of consumers by conducting surveys, conferences, and working 
groups, both independently and in conjunction with other government 
agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
    B. Office of the Director. Directs and coordinates the activities 
of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs.
    C. Division of Policy Development. Participates in the design and 
enactment of the President's consumer legislative program through 
preparation of congressional testimony and serving as Congressional 
liaison; prepares comments on proposed Federal regulations; and 
prepares, reviews, and makes presentations of materials to Federal 
department and agencies. Monitors ongoing programs and emerging issues 
in Federal agencies affecting consumers, with a view to determining the 
effectiveness of current and proposed programs. Maintains government 
relations on the international level involving state and local efforts. 
Researches, develops, and prepare ``White Papers'' on policy matters 
for the Director; and provides support for the Director in role as a 
member of the White House policy staff.
    D. Division of Internal Operations. Responsible for USOCA relations 
with the media through distribution of internally produced educational 
materials, newsletters, articles, other consumer information and 
education materials, and programs for both print and electronic media. 
Responsible for administrative policy and procedures for USOCA in the 
areas of financial management, procurement, personnel management, 
training, and record keeping.
    E. Division of External Liaison. Serves as focal point for liaison 
with individual consumers and with national, state and local voluntary 
organizations which represent consumers and citizens. Maintains liaison 
with trade associations and industry as necessary. Encourages private 
industry to voluntarily develop self-regulatory programs and to adopt 
competitive policies and programs. Responsible for development and 
coordination of conferences and meetings on consumer matters.
    Section AW.30 Order of Succession. In the absences or incapacity of 
the Director, the Division Director for Policy Development shall act as 
Director, USOCA.
    Section AW.40 Delegation of Authority. The exercise of authority 
and duties of the Director, USOCA are set forth in the Executive Orders 
cited in Section AW.00, above. Authority is exercised under Executive 
Order 11583 through the staff of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs 
and under Executive Order 12160 through the Consumer Affairs Council 
comprised of representatives of Federal departments and agencies.

    Dated: May 21, 1997.
Leslie L. Byrne,
Special Assistant to the President, Director of the U.S. Office of 
Consumer Affairs.
[FR Doc. 97-14124 Filed 5-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-04-M