[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 221 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69287-69293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28956]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION


Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

    This statement amends Part T of the Statement of Organization, 
Functions and Delegations of Authority that covers the Social Security 
Administration (SSA). Chapter TA covers the Deputy Commissioner for 
Disability and Income Security Programs. Notice is hereby given that 
Chapter TA, which covers the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, 
Disability and Income Security Programs, is being amended to reflect a 
reorganization. Notice is given that the following Subchapters are 
being deleted:

Subchapter TAE, The Office of Disability
Subchapter TAS, The Office of Program Support

    Notice is further given that the following Subchapters are being 
established:

Subchapter TA, The Office of Disability Determinations
Subchapter TA, The Office of Disability Programs
Subchapter TA, The Office of Program Development and Research

    Also, Subchapter (TAP), ``The Office of Program Benefits'' is being 
retitled as ``The Office of Income Security Programs.'' In addition, 
Subchapter (TAP), The Office of Program Benefits and Subchapter (TAT), 
the Office of Employment Support Programs are being amended to reflect 
the realignment and redistribution of functions resulting from the 
abolishment of the Office of Disability and the Office of Program 
Support and the establishment of the Office of Program Development and 
Research. The Office of Hearings and Appeals and the Office of 
International Programs are excluded from this reorganization. The new 
material and changes are as follows:

Section TA.00 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and 
Income Security Programs--(Mission)

    Add as the 4th sentence, line 10:
    ``The Office manages SSA's disability and SSI policy and research 
agendas and long-term disability initiatives.''
    Delete the 10th sentence, line 21:
    ``Oversees the collection, use and dissemination of both personal 
and non-personal information to ensure consistency with Agency 
objectives, law and the expectations of the American public.''

Section TA.10 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and 
Income Security Programs--(Organization)

    Delete:

D. The Office of Disability (TAE).
H. The Office of Program Support (TAS).

    Establish:

D. The Office of Disability Determinations ( ).
H. The Office of Disability Programs ( ).
J. The Office of Program Development and Research ( ).
Retitle:

[[Page 69288]]

    G. ``The Office of Program Benefits'' to ``The Office of Income 
Security Programs''

Section TA.20 Section (TA-20) The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, 
Disability and Income Security Programs--(Functions)

    Amend C in its entirety to read as follows:
    C. ``The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Disability 
and Income Security Programs provides the Deputy Commissioner with 
staff assistance on the full range of his/her responsibilities. The 
Immediate Office includes the Agency's Regulations Officer and 
establishes and maintains Agency standards for the development of 
regulations and rulings. Provides expert advice and support to the 
Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Commissioner on Agency-level 
projects and initiatives that impact the Agency's policymaking 
processes and the technology that supports them. Provides user support 
to all its subordinate components. Directs all systems activities 
supporting the Agency's electronic programmatic instructional system.''
    Add:
    D. The Office of Disability Determinations (TA ) provides 
operational standards, instructions, operational and procedural advice, 
technical support and management direction to central office, regional 
and field components and State agencies in support of the SSA-
administered disability programs. Processes State agency workloads on a 
temporary or transitional basis and evaluates the impact of policy and 
procedural changes in State agency operations.
    Retitle:

    G. ``The Office of Program Benefits'' to ``The Office of Income 
Security Programs''

    Amend G in its entirety to read as follows:
    G. ``The Office of Income Security Programs provides SSA-wide 
leadership and direction to the development, coordination and 
promulgation of Retirement and Survivors Insurance (RSI) and 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) policies and procedures. It 
develops, coordinates, evaluates and issues the policies, standards and 
instructions for the RSI and SSI programs. The Office develops 
agreements with the States and other agencies that govern State 
supplementation programs, Medicaid eligibility, data exchange programs, 
food stamps, fiscal reporting processes, and electronic computer 
matches. The Office of Income Security Programs is responsible for all 
aspects of SSA's policy process and the migration of RSI and SSI 
program services to the Internet.''
    Add:
    H. The Office of Disability Programs (TA) plans, develops, 
evaluates and issues the operational and administrative appeals process 
policies, standards and instructions for the SSA-administered 
disability programs. Develops and promulgates policies and guidelines 
for use by state, federal or private contractor providers which 
implement the disability provisions of the Social Security Act, as 
amended. Evaluates the effects of proposed legislation and legislation 
pending before Congress to determine the impact on the disability 
programs. Ensures that interrelated policy areas are coordinated.
    I. The Office of Employment Support Programs (TAT)
    Delete the 4th sentence, line 12:
    ``Evaluates the effects of proposed legislation, policy and 
regulatory changes to determine the operational impact on employment 
support programs.''
    Add as the 4th sentence, line 12:
    ``Implements legislation related to employment support programs.''
    Add:
    J. The Office of Program Development and Research (TA) provides 
broad program analysis and development in support of the Disability 
Insurance (DI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. 
Maintains awareness of issues concerning the broad program policy 
environment including Congress, the private sector and other government 
agencies, and ensures the Agency's policy and research agendas consider 
and reflect these points of view. Directs studies of program policy 
issues related to the development and evaluation of disability and SSI 
program initiatives and legislative and policy proposals. Identifies 
trends in the SSI and the disability programs and compiles and analyzes 
data on various aspects of those programs. Designs, implements and 
evaluates demonstration projects to target special populations and 
program issues. Formulates Agency policy regarding crosscutting 
programs or issues related to disability and/or income assistance 
programs and works with other agencies, including the Department of 
Health and Human Services, toward this end.
    Add:

Subchapter (TA)

The Office of Disability Determinations

    TA.00 Mission
    TA.10 Organization
    TA.20 Functions

Section (TA .00) The Office of Disability Determinations--(Mission)

    The Office of Disability Determinations provides operational 
standards, instructions, operational and procedural advice, technical 
support, and management direction to central office, regional office 
and field components, and State agencies in support of the SSA-
administered disability programs. Processes State agency workloads on a 
temporary or transitional basis and evaluates the impact of policy and 
procedural changes on State agency operations.

Section (TA .10) The Office of Disability Determinations--
(Organization)

    The Office of Disability Determinations under the leadership of the 
Associate Commissioner for Disability Determinations includes:
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Disability Determinations (TA).
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Disability Determinations 
(TA).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for 
Disability Determinations (TA).
    D. The Office of Federal Disability Determination Services (TA).
    E. The Office of Field Disability Operations (TA).
    F. The Office of Continuing Disability Reviews Support (TA).

Section (TA .20) The Office of Disability Determinations--(Functions)

    A. The Associate Commissioner for Disability Determinations (TA) is 
directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income 
Security Programs for carrying out its mission and provides general 
supervision to its major components.

    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Disability Determinations 
(TA ) 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 
Disability Determinations (TA) provides the Associate Commissioner and 
the Deputy Associate Commissioner with advisory services and staff 
assistance on the full range of their responsibilities and coordinates 
the administrative and program activities of its components.

    D. The Office of Federal Disability Determination Services (TA):

[[Page 69289]]

    1. The Office of Federal Disability Determination Services develops 
and adjudicates disability determinations either temporarily as help 
for one or more Disability Determination Services (DDS) or as a 
transition until a permanent alternative case processing operation is 
fully operational in the event that SSA must assume the disability 
determination function for a State because of noncompliance with 
regulations and guidelines, or voluntary withdrawal.
    2. Pilot tests new work processes, procedures and systems prior to 
nationwide implementation; validates and conducts usability tests on 
new and/or revised systems processes; evaluates new or revised 
disability adjudication policies for national consistency and practical 
application; and conducts special studies and policy reviews required 
for management purposes.
    3. Reviews and makes disability decisions on applications for 
disability under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act on 
initial applications, on reconsideration requests and continuing 
disability.
    4. Screens disability applicants for, and makes referrals to, 
vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, develops and evaluates 
medical/vocational evidence; and arranges for procurement and payment 
of such evidence, as required.
    5. Reviews state hearing officer and federal hearing officer 
decisions; prepares decisions on foreign claims and revises hearing 
officers' determinations in accordance with the regulations at 20 CFR 
404.918 and 20 CFR 416.1418; participates in hearing process studies; 
and prepares statistical and narrative reports and recommendations for 
training and policy and procedural changes based on case review and 
analysis or study findings.
    6. In conjunction with the Office of Medical Policy and the Office 
of Disability Evaluation Policy, provides medical consultation required 
in the formulation of medical evaluation policies and guides. Conducts 
medical reviews of evidence for purposes of adjudication of medical 
aspects of claims, as part of an evaluation of the application of 
policies and procedures and/or as part of a study to develop new 
medical policies, guides and training.
    E. The Office of Field Disability Operations (TA).
    1. The Office of Field Disability Operations provides national 
guidance for the administrative aspects of the disability determination 
function whether administered through State DDSs, contracted out to the 
private sector or accomplished by designated SSA organizational 
components.
    2. Develops pertinent policies, regulations and procedures related 
to DDS performance by establishing standards and guides for 
performance; monitoring performance, initiating corrective action where 
needed, coordinating workloads and administering the funds for the 
DDSs, etc. Conducts such studies and reviews as are necessary to the 
disability determination function.
    3. Plans, coordinates and manages the systems-related activities 
including DDS and Federal Disability Determination Services automation, 
information resource management, expert systems, development of user 
specifications, and installation and testing of hardware, networks and 
communications links for DDSs.
    4. Analyzes, plans, distributes and monitors all DDS funding on a 
state-by-state basis; this includes establishing and monitoring 
workload and productivity targets for each DDS.
    F. The Office of Continuing Disability Reviews Support (TA).
    The Office of Continuing Disability Reviews Support develops 
guidelines and technical procedures for the continuing disability 
review (CDR) process and oversees this process. Estimates the number of 
CDRs that must be processed on an annual basis for SSA to be current in 
its review responsibilities.
    Develops and implements processing strategies based on the currency 
estimates. The processing strategies include establishing the schedules 
and processes for CDRs directly released as full medical reviews and 
those released as mailers to determine if a full medical review is 
required. Coordinates with all appropriate operational components.
    1. Applies sophisticated profiling methodology to ``score'' every 
SSDI and SSI beneficiary on the rolls for potential CDRs.
    2. On an ongoing annual basis, selects individuals for a CDR 
medical review or mailer.
    3. Designs and maintains databases and extracts in support of the 
continuing disability review process.
    4. Tracks and reports on all medical CDRs and mailers to ensure 
yearly currency and to meet the requirement for yearly reports to 
Congress.
    5. Conducts yearly integrity checks of the CDR mailer process for 
Title II and Title XVI.
    Add:

Subchapter (TA)

The Office of Disability Programs

    TA .00 Mission
    TA .10 Organization
    TA .20 Functions

Section (TA .00) The Office of Disability Programs--(Mission)

    The Office of Disability Programs plans, develops, evaluates and 
issues the operational and administrative appeals process policies, 
standards and instructions for the SSA administered disability 
programs. Develops and promulgates policies and guidelines for use by 
State, Federal or private contractor providers which implement the 
disability provisions of the Social Security Act as amended. Evaluates 
the effects of proposed legislation and legislation pending before 
Congress to determine the impact on the disability programs. Ensures 
that interrelated policy areas are coordinated.

Section (TA .10) The Office of Disability Programs--(Organization)

    The Office of Disability Programs under the leadership of the 
Associate Commissioner for Disability Programs, includes:
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Disability Programs (TA).
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Disability Programs (TA).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for 
Disability Programs (TA).
    D. The Office of Medical Policy (TA).
    E. The Office of Disability Evaluation Policy (TA).
    F. The Office of Process Policy (TA).
    G. The Office of Disability Program Information and Studies (TA).
    H. The Office of Acquiescence and Litigation Coordination (TA).

Section (TA .20) The Office of Disability Programs--(Functions):

    A. The Associate Commissioner for Disability Programs (TA ) is 
directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income 
Security Programs for carrying out its mission and providing general 
supervision to its major components.
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner(s) for Disability Programs (TA 
) 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 
Disability Programs (TA) provides the Associate Commissioner and the 
Deputy Associate

[[Page 69290]]

Commissioner(s) with advisory services and staff assistance on the full 
range of their responsibilities and coordinates the administrative and 
program activities of ODP components. Other duties include:
    1. Development, coordination and oversight of disability policies, 
procedures and process requirements supporting creation of a paperless 
disability claims process; and
    2. Development and oversight of a policy framework supporting 
consistent application of disability program policy through all levels 
of disability adjudication and the quality assurance process.
    D. The Office of Medical Policy (TA)
    1. The Office of Medical Policy develops broad medical concepts and 
policies for the administration of the Title II and Title XVI programs.
    2. Develops studies and research evaluating impairment severity and 
other medical disability issues.
    3. Provides leadership and professional direction to Regional 
Medical Officers and consultants, and to state Disability Determination 
Services medical personnel engaged in Title II and Title XVI disability 
program-related activities.
    4. Provides medical consultation required in the formulation of 
medical evaluation policies and guides and develops orientation and 
training program for all adjudicative personnel in SSA, including state 
Disability Determination Services.
    5. Develops, evaluates, implements and maintains disability program 
policy for all medical issues, both adults and children, including 
evaluation policies for all body systems, standards for evaluating 
medical evidence, the Psychiatric Review Technique, impairment 
duration, medical diaries and presumptive disability/blindness 
criteria, to be used in deciding disability claims at all adjudicative 
levels.
    6. Provides medical policy consultation for individual court cases 
and class actions ensuring that policies and procedures reflect 
specific court orders and legal precedents.
    E. The Office of Disability Evaluation Policy (TA)
    1. The Office of Disability Evaluation Policy develops broad 
vocational and other non-medical concepts and policies for the 
administration of the Title II and Title XVI disability programs.
    2. Develops studies and research evaluating vocational and other 
non-medical disability issues.
    3. Provides leadership and professional direction to regional and 
State Disability Determination Services personnel engaged in Title II 
and Title XVI-related activities.
    4. Develops orientation and training programs in the vocational and 
other non-medical areas for all adjudicative personnel in SSA, 
including State Disability Determination Services.
    5. Develops, evaluates, implements and maintains disability program 
policy for all vocational and other non-medical issues, both adults and 
children, including age, education, work experience, vocational rules, 
vocational data and reference materials (e.g., Dictionary of 
Occupational Titles), work evaluations, disability onset, disability 
standards, credibility, claimant responsibility, evidence development 
and evaluation, medical source opinions, residual functional capacity, 
interview and function forms, medical improvement review standards and 
Title XVI childhood policy (including functional equivalence, evidence 
development, age 18 redeterminations, and other issues) to be used at 
all adjudicative levels.
    6. Provides vocational and other non-medical policy consultation 
for individual court cases and class actions ensuring that policies and 
procedures reflect specific court orders and legal precedent.
    F. The Office of Process Policy (TA)
    1. The Office of Process Policy develops procedures and 
instructions for the disability provisions of other programs including 
certain Titles XVI and XVIII provisions unique to the disability 
programs. Maintains the integrity of the consultative examination 
process by developing regulations and conducting oversight activities.
    2. Develops the procedures and instructions that define the 
administrative appeals process, including policies and procedures for 
the disability hearing process. Develops notice policy and issues 
language and forms for use in disability claims and notices including 
foreign language and Braille notices.
    3. Carries out professional relation efforts in support of SSA's 
efforts to gain support from professional medical associations. 
Maintains liaison and assists with professional relations efforts to 
gain the support of non-vocational rehabilitation advocacy groups, 
federal, state and local agencies and the public and provides guidance 
and assistance on disability professional relations issues to the SSA 
regional and DDS field networks.
    G. Office of Disability Program Information and Studies (TA)
    1. The Office of Disability Program Information and Studies 
conducts studies on the disabled population and recipients relative to 
specific operational/administrative program issues.
    2. Develops and maintains databases for statistical activities and 
program information. Provides recurring and specialized reports and 
coordinates information requirements.
    H. Office of Acquiescence and Litigation Coordination (TA)
    1. Develops, evaluates, maintains and implements acquiescence 
regulations and policies. Evaluates all circuit court decisions to 
assess the need to publish an Acquiescence Ruling.
    2. Coordinates litigation activities with respect to class action 
lawsuits and significant individual cases for all programmatic policy 
areas.
    3. Provides recommendations for policy, regulatory and/or 
legislative changes to remedy weaknesses identified as a result of 
litigation. Maintains the Civil Action Tracking System used to monitor 
activities related to class action lawsuits and acquiescence.
    Revise and Retitle:

Subchapter (TAP)

Office of Income Security Programs

    TAP.00 Mission
    TAP.10 Organization
    TAP.20 Functions

    Retitle:

Section TAP.00 ``The Office of Program Benefits'' to ``The Office of 
Income Security Programs''--(Mission)

    Amend in its entirety:
    ``The Office of Income Security Programs provides SSA-wide 
leadership and direction to the development, coordination and 
promulgation of Retirement and Survivors Insurance (RSI) and 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) policies and procedures. Develops, 
coordinates, evaluates and issues the policies, standards and 
instructions for the RSI and SSI programs. Develops agreements with the 
States and other agencies that govern State supplementation programs, 
Medicaid eligibility, data exchange programs, food stamps, fiscal 
reporting processes, electronic computer matches. Is responsible for 
all aspects of SSA's policy process and the migration of RSI and SSI 
program services to the Internet.''
    Retitle:

Section (TAP.10) The Office of Program Benefits'' to ``The Office of 
Income Security Programs''--(Organization)

    The Office of Income Security Programs under the leadership of the

[[Page 69291]]

Associate Commissioner for Income Security Programs includes:
    Retitle:

    D. ``The Division of Coverage and Support'' to ``The Office of 
Earnings and Information Exchange (TAPB)''.
    E. ``The Division of Eligibility and Enumeration Policy'' to ``The 
Office of Eligibility and Enumeration Policy'' (TAPJ).
    F. ``The Division of Representative Payment and Evaluations'' to 
``The Office of Beneficiary Determinations and Services (TAPK).
    G. ``The Division of Payment Policy'' to the ``Office of Payment 
Policy (TAPE)''.
    Add:

    H. The Office of Technology and Services Policy (TAPF).
    Retitle:

Section (TAP.20) The Office of Program Benefits'' to ``The Office of 
Income Security Programs''--(Functions)

    Retitle:

    D. ``The Division of Coverage and Support'' to ``The Office of 
Earnings and Information Exchange (TAPB)''.
    Amend D in its entirety:
    1. ``Plans, develops and evaluates the policies, standards and 
instructions, and provides guidance to field components on issues 
related to the RSI program, in the areas of coverage earnings records 
and corrections, and pre-1987 State and local reporting and 
corrections. Also establishes policy, provides guidance and manages the 
implementation of the provisions of the Computer Matching and Privacy 
Protection Act of 1988.
    2. Develops and issues guidelines, directives, instructions and 
procedures for such subject areas as wages, coverage and exceptions, 
earnings records and earnings records corrections and discrepancies, 
self-employment status and income, religious exemptions (including 
determinations as to whether sects meet legal requirements for 
exemptions to apply), State and local coverage, statutes of 
limitations, State and local agreements, SSA benefit statements, and 
territory agreements. Coordinates SSA's interaction with other agencies 
in negotiating data releases and exchanges and negotiates with these 
agencies at all levels regarding electronic data sharing and direct 
terminal access to computer records.
    Retitle:

    E. The ``Division of Eligibility and Enumeration Policy'' to ``The 
Office of Eligibility and Enumeration Policy'' (TAPJ)
    Amend E in its entirety:
    1. ``Plans, develops and evaluates the policies, standards and 
instructions and provides guidance to field components on issues 
related to the RSI and SSI programs in the areas of applications, 
eligibility and enumeration.
    2. Develops and issues guidelines, directives, instructions and 
procedures for such eligibility and enumeration subject areas as 
assignment of social security numbers and issuance of cards, non-
citizen issues, evidentiary standards, liaison with Immigration and 
Naturalization Services, insured status, applications for benefits and 
SSNs, adjudication, claims development, relationships, and inter-
program relationships with food stamps.''
    Retitle:

    F. ``The Division of Representative Payment and Evaluations'' to 
``The Office of Beneficiary Determinations and Services (TAPK)''.
    Amend F in its entirety:
    1. ``Plans, develops and evaluates the policies, standards and 
instructions and provides guidance to field components on issues 
related to the RSI and SSI programs in the areas of representative 
payment, outreach, deeming, income, resources, in-kind support and 
maintenance, institutions and living arrangements.
    2. Develops and issues guidelines, directives, instructions and 
procedures for such representative payment subject areas as 
(in)capability assessment, investigation and selection of payees, use 
and conservation of benefits, misuse of benefits, payment for payee 
services and payee oversight, inter-program relationship with Medicaid 
and Medicare, deeming, income, resources, in-kind support and 
maintenance, institutions and living arrangements.''
    Retitle:

    G. ``The Division of Payment Policy'' to ``The Office of Payment 
Policy (TAPE)''.
    Amend G in its entirety:
    1. ``Plans, develops and evaluates the policies, standards and 
instructions and provides guidance to field components on issues 
related to the RSI and SSI programs in the areas of compliance and 
payment policy.
    2. Develops and issues guidelines, directives, instructions and 
procedures for such payment policy subject areas as payment accuracy, 
notices, redeterminations, reporting, change of address, computations, 
offset, overpayments and underpayments, suspensions and terminations, 
garnishments, administrative finality, res judicata, due process, IRS 
levies, appeals, retirement earnings test and Agency notice improvement 
activities.''
    Add:
    H. The Office of Technology and Services Policy (TAPL)
    1. Directs the management of all activities supporting production, 
publication, distribution, indexing and storage of SSA's program 
operational instructions system (both electronic and hardcopy), 
programmatic-related documents. Facilitates the migration of RSI and 
SSI program services to the Internet and to other electronic mediums 
that enable the public to interact with SSA electronically by 
developing a foundation for Internet program policy expertise that 
ensures uniformity and consistency of Internet applications and 
resources.
    2. Oversees SSA's policy process including establishing and 
maintaining Agency standards for the development of program 
instructions. Directs the ongoing evaluation and improvement of SSA's 
policy process and solicits external stakeholder input to the policy 
process and assists authoring components in developing policy 
documents. Directs technical research into improved methods of 
delivering complex policy knowledge and oversees maintenance of SSA's 
technical documents including the Compilation of the Social Security 
Act. Directs change management initiatives aimed at achieving more 
efficient and effective policy-related processes and assists the 
organization and individual employees in the transition to new work 
environments. Identifies crosscutting program and authentication issues 
when implementing Internet applications and recommends changes to meet 
both program and client needs. Develops and issues guidelines, 
directives, instructions, and procedures to field components on 
Internet and electronic services activities.
    Revise:

Subchapter (TAT)

The Office of Employment Support Programs

TAT.00 Mission
TAT.10 Organization
TAT.20 Functions

Section (TAT.00) The Office of Employment Support Programs--(Mission)

    Delete the 4th sentence, which reads: ``Evaluates the effects of 
proposed legislation, policy, and regulatory changes to determine the 
operational impact on employment support programs.''
    Add as the 4th sentence: ``Implements legislation and analyzes the 
effects of policy and regulatory changes to

[[Page 69292]]

determine the operational impact on employment support programs''.

Section (TAT.10) The Office of Employment Support Programs--
(Organization)

    Retitle:

    D. ``The Division of Employment Policy'' to ``The Office of 
Employment Policy (TATB)''.
    E. ``The Division of Employment Support and Program Acquisitions'' 
to ``The Office of Employment Support and Program Acquisitions 
(TATC)''.

Section TAT.20 The Office of Employment Support Programs-- (Functions)

    Retitle:

    D. ``The Division of Employment Policy'' to ``The Office of 
Employment Policy (TATB)''.
    Delete: the first two words in paragraph 1, ``develops, 
evaluates...''
    Add: at the end of paragraph 4, ``and operational 
activities.''
    Retitle:

    E. ``The Division of Employment Support and Program Acquisitions'' 
to ``The Office of Employment Support and Program Acquisitions 
(TATC)''.
    Amend E in its entirety:
    1. ``Implements the provisions of the Social Security Act which 
facilitate access to rehabilitation and other forms of employment 
support services through the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency 
Program.
    2. Evaluates the performance of service providers in the public and 
private sectors. Certifies payment to service providers and ensures 
that beneficiary participation in the program is appropriate.
    3. Develops, implements, evaluates and maintains regulations, 
program operating policies, and instructional and other materials on 
employment services and service provider operations. Interfaces with 
the vocational rehabilitation programs administered under the 
Rehabilitation Act. Develops proposals and plans for new employment 
support services and other related program changes.''
    Add:

Subchapter (TA )

The Office of Program Development and Research

TA .00 Mission
TA .10 Organization
TA .20 Functions

Section (TA .00) The Office of Program Development and Research--
(Mission)

    The Office of Program Development and Research provides broad 
program analysis and development in support of the Disability and 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The Office maintains 
awareness of issues concerning the broad program policy environment 
including Congress, the private sector and other government agencies, 
and ensures the Agency's policy and research agendas consider and 
reflect these points of view. Directs studies of program policy issues 
related to the development and evaluation of disability and the SSI 
program initiatives and legislative and policy proposals. The Office 
identifies trends in the SSI and the disability programs and compiles 
and analyzes data on various aspects of those programs. Designs, 
implements and evaluates demonstration projects to target special 
populations and program issues. Formulates Agency policy regarding 
crosscutting programs or issues related to disability and/or income 
assistance programs and works with other agencies, including the 
Department of Health and Human Services, toward this end.

Section (TA .10) The Office of Program Development and Research--
(Organization)

    The Office of Program Development and Research under the leadership 
of the Associate Commissioner for Program Development and Research, 
includes:
    A. The Associate Commissioner for Program Development and Research 
(TA).
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Program Development and 
Research (TA).
    C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner for Program 
Development and Research (TA).
    D. The Office of Program Development (TA).
    E. The Office of Program Evaluation (TA).
    F. The Office of Data Analysis (TA).
    G. The Office of Program Research (TA).

Section (TA .20) The Office of Program Development and Research--
(Functions)

    A. The Associate Commissioner for Program Development and Research 
(TA) is directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Disability and 
Income Security Programs for carrying out the mission of the office and 
providing general supervision to its major components.
    B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for Program Development and 
Research (TA) 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 Program 
Development and Research (TA) provides the Associate Commissioner and 
the Deputy Associate Commissioner with advisory services and staff 
assistance on the full range of their responsibilities and coordinates 
the administrative and program activities of OPDR components.
    D. The Office of Program Development (TA).
    1. Develops and implements disability and SSI-related demonstration 
projects including projects that would encourage work and self-
sufficiency.
    2. Administers grants, interagency agreements, contracts and 
unsolicited proposals for ODISP.
    3. Conducts outreach for demonstration projects and other 
initiatives relevant to program development.
    E. The Office of Program Evaluation (TA).
    1. Maintains awareness of issues concerning the broad program 
policy environment including Congress, the private sector and other 
government agencies, and ensures the Agency's policy and research 
agendas consider and reflect these points of view.
    2. Formulates Agency policy regarding cross-cutting programs or 
issues related to disability and/or income assistance programs and 
works with other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human 
Services, toward this end.
    3. Formulates Agency policy regarding crosscutting programs or 
issues related to disability and/or income assistance programs and 
works with other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human 
Services, toward this end.
    4. Conducts analyses of international disability and income 
assistance programs.
    F. The Office of Data Analysis (TA).
    1. Identifies trends in disability programs and emerging issues and 
policy implications.
    2. Compiles and analyzes data on various aspects of the SSDI and 
SSI disability programs, including such areas as SSI children, 
demonstration projects, denied applicants and work incentives.
    G. The Office of Program Research (TA).
    1. Identifies and develops potential research projects that will 
support future policy initiatives.
    2. Reviews current research and determines SSDI/SSI disability 
policy implications.

[[Page 69293]]

    3. Conducts studies and analyses on the national disabled 
population, applicants for benefits, disability beneficiaries, work 
incentives and disability assessment tools.
    4. Conducts analyses of the interrelationships between SSA's 
disability programs, the national economy and other income maintenance 
programs, as well as various socioeconomic factors.

    Dated: November 4, 2002.
Jo Anne B. Barnhart,
Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 02-28956 Filed 11-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P