[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions] [Social Security Administration Semiannual Regulatory Agenda] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] _______________________________________________________________________ Part XLIV Social Security Administration _______________________________________________________________________ Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 22874]]SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) _______________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION Office of the Commissioner 20 CFR Ch. III Semiannual Unified Regulatory Agenda AGENCY: Social Security Administration. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: Executive Order 12866 entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' issued September 30, 1993, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) require each Federal agency to publish semiannually a brief description of all regulatory actions then under development or review, expected to be under development or review for the next 12 months, or completed since the previous publication of the agenda. Our last agenda of regulations was published on October 29, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about a specific regulatory action, contact the person identified as the agency contact for that action. Comments or inquiries of a general nature should be directed to Georgia E. Myers, Acting Regulations Officer, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235; telephone (410) 965-3632. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has responsibility for the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance programs under title II of the Social Security Act (the Act) and the supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Act. We are not a regulatory agency. For the most part, SSA's regulations do not impose burdens on the private sector or on State, local, or tribal governments. Our regulations document the rules under which we make eligibility determinations and set forth both the responsibilities of the Agency towards the public and beneficiary's rights and responsibilities under the programs we administer. Our regulatory efforts can be placed into one of the following three categories: 1) Legislative implementation; 2) program improvements to provide better service to SSA customers; and 3) improvements or clarifications to fulfill commitments made as part of the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative. We continue to seek legislative improvements for the programs we administer. However, because of the complexity of our programs, statutory language is rarely detailed enough to govern the actions of agency adjudicative decisionmakers. Supporting regulations are often required. In some instances, the Congress directs SSA to issue implementing regulations. For other legislative provisions, SSA regulations provide program information to applicants for benefits, current beneficiaries, and their legal counsels. Providing world-class service to our customers remains a principal objective of the Social Security Administration. Our regulatory program supports this overarching Agency goal. One of the areas in which we are working hard to deliver high quality service is our disability determination process. Several of our agenda items support improvements to disability program administration. A number of the regulatory items support SSA's Disability Redesign Plan. The Disability Redesign aims to streamline our disability determination process and provide better service to applicants for disability benefits. One of our agenda items--Permit Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to Collect Information Needed to Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens--supports the President's Reiventing Government (REGO II) initiative to create a Federal Government that works better and costs less. Another of our agenda items provides for redeterminations of entitlement when there is reason to believe fraud was involved in the application for benefits. This initiative is in support of the Agency's goal of ``zero tolerance for fraud.'' Also in this agenda are revisions to our rules on Plans to Achieve Self-Support, changes to the Representative Payment provisions of the title II and title XVI regulations, and regulations implementing several of the Administration's welfare reform initiatives. Consistent with the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative, we are working diligently to improve our program benefit regulations and to develop partnerships with large segments of the community of stakeholders interested in Social Security programs. Our aim is to clarify or improve over 50 percent of the Code of Federal Regulations pages for which we are responsible. The remainder of our Unified Agenda items are such improvements and clarifications. The April 1998 regulatory agenda for the Social Security Administration follows. Dated: February 20, 1998. Georgia E. Myers, Acting SSA Regulations Officer. Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3929 Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, Medical and Other Evidence of Your Impairment(s) (469P)....................... 0960-AD91 3930 Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P)................ 0960-AE17 3931 Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain Grants and Agreements With States, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547P)........ 0960-AE25 3932 Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security Administration (601P)................................................................. 0960-AE48 3933 Implementing Modifications to Prehearing Procedures and Decisions by Adjudication Officers (616P)....................................................................... 0960-AE55 3934 Effective Date of Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits (642P). 0960-AE71 [[Page 22875]] 3935 Determining Disability and Blindness; Providing For Use of a Single Decisionmaker To Make Determinations of Disability Under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (668P)................................................................................ 0960-AE73 3936 Reflect a Requirement of the Social Security Act that the Commissioner Disregard Evidence in Certain Situations Involving Fraud or Similar Fault Under Titles II or XVI of the Act (671P)..................................................................... 0960-AE75 3937 Denial of SSI Benefits for Fugitive Felons and Probation and Parole Violators (660P). 0960-AE77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3938 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)............................ 0960-AB01 3939 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides (147F)................................................................................ 0960-AB73 3940 Standards of Conduct for Claimant Representatives (431F)............................. 0960-AD73 3941 Valuation of Certain In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Where There Is a Cost-of- Living Adjustment in SSI Benefits (454F).............................................. 0960-AD82 3942 Benefits for Spouses, Divorced Spouses, and Children (455F).......................... 0960-AD83 3943 Application of State Law in Determining Child Relationship (557F).................... 0960-AE30 3944 Reduction of Disability Benefits--Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits (567F)................................................................................ 0960-AE35 3945 Permit Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service To Collect Information Needed To Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens (569F)................. 0960-AE36 3946 Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and Blindness; Revision to Medical-Vocational Guidelines (599F)........................... 0960-AE42 3947 Identification and Referral of Cases for Quality Review Under the Appeals Council's Authority To Review Cases on Its Own Motion (623F).................................... 0960-AE53 3948 Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Evaluating Opinion Evidence (624F).................. 0960-AE56 3949 Supplemental Security Income; Determining Disability for a Child Under Age 18 (625F). 0960-AE57 3950 Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Deletion of Obesity Listing (620P)................................................................................ 0960-AE65 3951 Listening-In to or Recording Telephone Conversations (626P).......................... 0960-AE66 3952 Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments (640F).............................. 0960-AE68 3953 Application of Circuit Court Law--Strengthening the Acquiescence Process and Furthering National Uniformity in Program Administration (669F)....................... 0960-AE74 3954 Charging Administration Fees for Making State Supplementary Payments (679F).......... 0960-AE82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3955 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders for Adults (222F).................................................... 0960-AC74 3956 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payment Under Title II & XVI of the Social Security Act (295F)................................................................... 0960-AD22 3957 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)................ 0960-AD23 3958 Procedure To Review Complaints of Alleged Misconduct on the Part of Administrative Law Judges (341P)..................................................................... 0960-AD54 3959 Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)........................................................... 0960-AD56 3960 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability; Hemic and Lymphatic System, and Malignant Neoplastic Diseases (399P)....................................................................... 0960-AD67 3961 Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and Obesity and Related Criteria (436P)................................................... 0960-AD78 3962 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support (475P)................................................................................ 0960-AD92 3963 Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P)............. 0960-AD93 [[Page 22876]] 3964 Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Simultaneous Entitlement to Child's Benefits (481P)....................................................................... 0960-AD95 3965 Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F)..................... 0960-AD96 3966 Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payment Provisions for Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (507P)...... 0960-AD98 3967 SSI Eligibility for Students Temporarily Abroad (505P)............................... 0960-AE01 3968 Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F)....................................... 0960-AE02 3969 Guaranteed Family Maximums (510F).................................................... 0960-AE03 3970 Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Income and Resources, Deeming of Parental Income and Resources When Children Are Hospitalized (522P)........ 0960-AE08 3971 Administrative Review Process; Administrative Res Judicata and Related Rules (526P).. 0960-AE11 3972 Misuse of Symbols, Emblems, or Names in Reference to the Social Security Administration (530P)................................................................. 0960-AE15 3973 OASDI; Nonpayment of Benefits to Incarcerated Individuals and Individuals Confined in Criminal Cases, Pursuant to Conviction or by Court Order Based on Findings of Insanity (531P)................................................................................ 0960-AE16 3974 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security Number Cards (543F)................................................................... 0960-AE18 3975 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F).................................. 0960-AE27 3976 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)............................ 0960-AE28 3977 Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection With the Award of Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements (556F)......................................................... 0960-AE29 3978 Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and Benefit Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F).......................................... 0960-AE40 3979 Determining Disability and Blindness; Eliminating the Lower Substantial Gainful Activity Earnings Guideline Amounts (603P)............................................ 0960-AE49 3980 Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an Eligible Child (606P).......................................................................... 0960-AE50 3981 Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F). 0960-AE59 3982 Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, in Programs Receiving Financial Assistance by SSA (617F).............................................................. 0960-AE63 3983 Availability of Information and Records to the Public--Charging Fees for Providing Personal Information (618P)........................................................... 0960-AE64 3984 Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number (280F)........................................................... 0960-AE69 3985 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability (661P).................................. 0960-AE78 3986 Adding New SSI Income and Resource Exclusion (VA Payments to Certain Vietnam Veterans' Children with Spina Bifida) to Lists of Exclusions Provided by Other Federal Statutes (664F)....................................................................... 0960-AE79 3987 Standards of Conduct 20 CFR Part 430--Personnel (672F)............................... 0960-AE81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3988 Definition of United States Resident; Religious Record of Birth or Baptism as Evidence of Citizenship; Plan To Help Blind and Disabled Individuals Achieve Self- Support (515F)........................................................................ 0960-AE05 3989 Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Overpayment Debt Collection Procedures (523F)................................................................................ 0960-AE09 3990 Payments for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (615P)............................... 0960-AE54 3991 Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and Blindness; Extension of Expiration Date for the Cardiovascular Body System Listings (685F)................................................................................ 0960-AE80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22877]] _______________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3929. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, MEDICAL AND OTHER EVIDENCE OF YOUR IMPAIRMENT(S) (469P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1512; 20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 416.913 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to add speech and language pathologists to the list of acceptable medical sources in our current regulations. These sources will assist us in establishing the existence of speech and language impairments. We also propose to make other changes in our regulations to clarify what we mean by an acceptable medical source. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/99 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AD91 _______________________________________________________________________ 3930. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT (506P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 103-296, sec 203; 42 USC 1383b(d) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1180; 20 CFR 416.1181; 20 CFR 416.1182; 20 CFR 416.1224; 20 CFR 416.1225; 20 CFR 416.1226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations revise our rules on plans to achieve self- support (PASS) to take into account the time period an individual will need for completion of his or her PASS and other factors determined to be appropriate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Secuarity Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE17 _______________________________________________________________________ 3931. REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS AND SUBAWARDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; CERTAIN GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH STATES, LOCAL, AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS (547P) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 31 USC 7505; 41 USC 403(11) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 435.000 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 45 CFR part 74 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR 435 now that SSA is an independent agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE25 _______________________________________________________________________ 3932. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (601P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC app (Ethics in Government Act of 1978) CFR Citation: 5 CFR ch LXXXI (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA), with the concurrence of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), proposes to issue regulations for officers and employees of SSA that supplement the OGE Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, which became effective February 3, 1993. The proposed rule specifies procedural and substantive requirements that are necessary to address ethical issues unique to SSA. There were no alternatives considered for these proposed rules. The proposed changes addressed have already been implemented. Any costs or savings will be insignificant. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/98 Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1762 RIN: 0960-AE48 _______________________________________________________________________ 3933. IMPLEMENTING MODIFICATIONS TO PREHEARING PROCEDURES AND DECISIONS BY ADJUDICATION OFFICERS (616P) Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 31 USC 3720A; 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 421(d); 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5) [[Page 22878]] CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.943 (New); 20 CFR 416.1443 (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending our rules to implement use of an adjudication officer, who, under the Plan for a New Disability Claim Process approved by the Commissioner of Social Security in September 1994 (the disability redesign plan), would be the focal point for all prehearing activities when a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) is filed. The adjudication officer position is an integral part of the disability redesign plan. These proposed rules will add several new sections setting out the responsibilities of the adjudication officer in connection with a claim for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on disability. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/98 Final Action 12/00/99 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, 3-C-3 Operations, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE55 _______________________________________________________________________ 3934. EFFECTIVE DATE OF APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BENEFITS (642P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1310(b); 42 USC 1381; 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 1382d(c); 42 USC 1382h(a); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1383c; PL 93-66; PL 94-241; PL 99-643; 48 USC 1681 note; 42 USC 1382(a) to 1382(c); ... CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.211; 20 CFR 416.305; 20 CFR 416.315; 20 CFR 416.330; 20 CFR 416.335; 20 CFR 416.420; 20 CFR 416.421; 20 CFR 416.501; 20 CFR 416.502; 20 CFR 416.520; 20 CFR 416.1801; 20 CFR 416.200; 20 CFR 416.203; 20 CFR 416.1335; 20 CFR 416.1902; ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These proposed regulations reflect and implement section 204 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Section 204 changed the date a supplemental security income (SSI) application is effective so that the earliest month for which benefits can be paid is the month following the month in which the application is filed. Section 204 also made related changes concerning emergency advance payments (EAP), interim assistance reimbursements (IAR) and in the definition of ``eligible spouse''. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Loretta Tabacca, Program Policy Specialist, Social Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AE71 _______________________________________________________________________ 3935. DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; PROVIDING FOR USE OF A SINGLE DECISIONMAKER TO MAKE DETERMINATIONS OF DISABILITY UNDER TITLES II AND XVI OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (668P) Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 421; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 902(a); 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 1383b CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1546; 20 CFR 404.1615; 20 CFR 416.946; 20 CFR 416.1015 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to amend our rules to provide for a single decisionmaker who will make determinations of disability under title II and title XVI of the act after consultation with a medical or psychological consultant, as appropriate. The decisionmaker would have the authority to request, review, and evaluate evidence and make the disability determination without having the medical consultant sign the disability determination forms. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/98 Final Action 08/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: State, Federal Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1762 RIN: 0960-AE73 _______________________________________________________________________ 3936. REFLECT A REQUIREMENT OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT THAT THE COMMISSIONER DISREGARD EVIDENCE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS INVOLVING FRAUD OR SIMILAR FAULT UNDER TITLES II OR XVI OF THE ACT (671P) Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: Not yet determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation would reflect amendments to the Social Security Act by P.L. 103-296 concerning program fraud. Those amendments specify that SSA, when redetermining the entitlement, or making an initial determination of entitlement of an individual, will disregard evidence if there is reason to believe that fraud or similar fault was involved in the providing of such evidence. The regulation will include definitions of key terms to be used by SSA or the State disability determination services in making a fraud or similar fault finding. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/98 Final Action 10/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: State, Federal Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and [[Page 22879]] Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE75 _______________________________________________________________________ 3937. DENIAL OF SSI BENEFITS FOR FUGITIVE FELONS AND PROBATION AND PAROLE VIOLATORS (660P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.202; 20 CFR 416.708; 20 CFR 416.1331 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These proposed regulations, carry out section 202(a) of P.L. 104-193 which prohibits payment of SSI benefits to individuals who are fleeing to avoid prosecution for a crime which is a felony; or fleeing to avoid custody or confinement after conviction for a crime which is a felony; or violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 212334 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE77 _______________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3938. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY; MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM (143F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Listings 1.00 and 101.00 of appendix 1 to the disability regulations at 20 CFR 404.1501 through 404.1599 describe those musculoskeletal impairments which are considered severe enough to prevent a person from doing any gainful activity or, for an individual under age 18 under the SSI program, an impairment(s) causing ``marked and severe functional limitations.'' Comprehensive revisions to these listings are being made to ensure that the medical evaluation criteria are up to date and consistent with the latest advances in medicine. The SSI program incorporates by reference and uses the same medical criteria as the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/21/93 58 FR 67574 NPRM Comment Period End 02/22/94 Final Action 03/00/99 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AB01 _______________________________________________________________________ 3939. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAMS, DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY GUIDES (147F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 98-460, sec 10; PL 99-643; PL 100-203; PL 101-508; 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404; 20 CFR 416 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These final regulations will clarify how the Social Security Administration evaluates a person's work activity to determine whether work is substantial gainful activity and whether an individual is entitled to a trial work period. These regulations also reflect statutory changes with respect to the trial work period and the re- entitlement period. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/06/95 60 FR 12166 NPRM Comment Period End 05/15/95 Final Action 03/00/99 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 3940. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR CLAIMANT REPRESENTATIVES (431F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 406; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383(d)(1); 42 USC 1383(d)(2) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1700ff; 20 CFR 416.1500ff Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending our regulations to establish standards of conduct and responsibility for persons serving as representatives of claimants seeking a right or benefit under titles II or XVI of the Social Security Act. These regulations are part of SSA's Disability Redesign. [[Page 22880]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/03/97 62 FR 352 NPRM Comment Period End 03/04/97 Final Action 05/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AD73 _______________________________________________________________________ 3941. VALUATION OF CERTAIN IN-KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (ISM) WHERE THERE IS A COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN SSI BENEFITS (454F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 103-66, sec 13735 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.420; 20 CFR 416.1130(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final regulation will reflect the amendment to section 1611(c) of the Act, effective January 1, 1995, that the current Federal benefit rate be used in determining the value of certain in-kind support and maintenance for the first 2 months in which a cost-of- living adjustment in SSI benefits applies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/09/95 60 FR 40542 NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/95 Final Action 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-3298 RIN: 0960-AD82 _______________________________________________________________________ 3942. BENEFITS FOR SPOUSES, DIVORCED SPOUSES, AND CHILDREN (455F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.332; 20 CFR 404.341; 20 CFR 404.357; 20 CFR 404.361; 20 CFR 404.366 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These final regulations make several clarifying technical changes to correct language incorporated into the regulations when they were recodified on June 15, 1979, which could potentially result in the regulations being interpreted incorrectly. They also make a technical change to one section of the regulations to conform to a change in the statute, and to another section to reflect a longstanding SSA policy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AD83 _______________________________________________________________________ 3943. APPLICATION OF STATE LAW IN DETERMINING CHILD RELATIONSHIP (557F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 425 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.354; 20 CFR 404.355; 20 CFR 404.365 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These final regulations revise our rules on determining whether a natural child has inheritance rights under appropriate State law and therefore may be entitled to Social Security benefits as the child of an insured worker. Specifically, they revise our rules to explain which version of State law we will apply, depending on whether the insured is living or deceased, how we will apply State law requirements on time limits for determining inheritance rights, and how we will apply State law requirements for a court determination of paternity. They also clarify our current rule on determining an applicant's status as a legally adopted child of an insured individual. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/30/97 62 FR 4494 NPRM Comment Period End 03/31/97 Final Action 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AE30 _______________________________________________________________________ 3944. REDUCTION OF DISABILITY BENEFITS--WORKERS' COMPENSATION/PUBLIC DISABILITY BENEFITS (567F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 402 to 405; 42 USC 424a; 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.408 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to revise our rules on reduction of Social Security benefits based on disability on account of receipt of workers' compensation and/or public disability benefits and payments provided under Federal (other than Social Security), State, or local laws or plans to clarify our existing policies. We also propose to adopt a uniform method for proration of workers' compensation and public disability benefit/payment settlements. In addition, we propose to incorporate into our rules certain policy interpretations established previously [[Page 22881]] in relevant Social Security Rulings (SSRs). Finally, we propose to update provisions that have not been changed since 1984. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/04/97 62 FR 46682 Extension of Public Comment Period 11/10/97 62 FR 60672 NPRM Comment Period End 01/05/98 Final Action 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-3298 RIN: 0960-AE35 _______________________________________________________________________ 3945. PERMIT DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND THE IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE TO COLLECT INFORMATION NEEDED TO ASSIGN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS TO ALIENS (569F) Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.103; 20 CFR 422.106; 20 CFR 422.107; 20 CFR 422.110 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Aliens will apply for social security cards at the same time they complete Immigration and Naturalization (INS) paperwork. Currently, alien applicants are required to furnish almost the same information to both SSA and INS. This one-stop service will reduce the potential for issuing social security cards based on fraudulent INS documents, and will result in efficiencies for the government. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/02/97 62 FR 63681 NPRM Comment Period End 02/02/98 Final Action 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-3298 RIN: 0960-AE36 _______________________________________________________________________ 3946. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; REVISION TO MEDICAL-VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES (599F) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 423; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would make minor clarifications to the Social Security Medical-Vocational guidelines used to evaluate disability in individuals under age 50 who have severe impairments that do not meet or equal the criteria of any listed impairment but have a residual functional capacity for no more than the full range of sedentary work. The guidelines are contained in appendix 2 of subpart P of 20 CFR 404. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/23/97 62 FR 49636 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/97 Final Action 06/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AE42 _______________________________________________________________________ 3947. IDENTIFICATION AND REFERRAL OF CASES FOR QUALITY REVIEW UNDER THE APPEALS COUNCIL'S AUTHORITY TO REVIEW CASES ON ITS OWN MOTION (623F) Priority: Other Significant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 31 USC 3720A; 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 421(d); 42 USC 423(h); 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5); PL 96-265, sec 304(g) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.900ff; 20 CFR 416.1400ff Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulations are in furtherance of our published Plan for a New Disability Claim Process and, specifically, the quality assurance aspect of that Plan (59 FR 47918). This initiative provides for a preeffectuation review of decisions made by Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) administrative law judges. Decisions that appear to be unsupported by the evidence of record will be forwarded to the OHA Appeals Council for review in accordance with 20 CFR 404.970 or 416.1470. These regulations will set out the procedures by which we will identify and refer these cases to the Appeals Council for quality review under its existing authority to review cases on its own motion. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/25/97 62 FR 50266 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/97 Final Action 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE53 [[Page 22882]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3948. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED; EVALUATING OPINION EVIDENCE (624F) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 902(c)(5); 42 USC 1382C; 42 USC 221 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1502; 20 CFR 404.1512; 20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 404.1519; 20 CFR 404.1527; 20 CFR 416.902; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 416.913; 20 CFR 416.919; 20 CFR 416.927 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are revising our disability regulations to clarify the weight administrative law judges and the Appeals Council are to give to opinion evidence from State agency medical and psychological consultants, other program physicians and psychologists, and medical experts in claims for disability benefits under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/25/97 62 FR 50270 NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/97 Final Action 12/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AE56 _______________________________________________________________________ 3949. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; DETERMINING DISABILITY FOR A CHILD UNDER AGE 18 (625F) Priority: Economically Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5); PL 104-193 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500 app 1; 20 CFR 416.901; 20 CFR 416.906; 20 CFR 416.911; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 416.913; 20 CFR 416.919a; 20 CFR 416.919n; 20 CFR 416.924; 20 CFR 416.924a to 416.924e; 20 CFR 416.925; 20 CFR 416.926a; 20 CFR 416.927; 20 CFR 416.929; 20 CFR 416.987 (New); ... Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996. 90 Days After Enactment--3 months after the effective date of P.L. 104- 193, August 22, 1996 Abstract: These regulations will implement provisions of P.L. 104-193, The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform), which eliminates the comparable severity standard for children and provides instead that a child under age 18 be considered under a disability if he/she has a medically determinable impairment which results in marked and severe functional limitations and which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. These new childhood disability eligibility criteria are applicable to individuals whose claims for child's disability benefits are filed on or after August 22, 1996, and those whose claims were not ``finally adjudicated'' as of August 21, 1996. In addition, these new eligibility criteria will also apply when redetermining a child's continuing eligibility for benefits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/11/97 62 FR 6408 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/14/97 Final Action 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-3298 RIN: 0960-AE57 _______________________________________________________________________ 3950. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, DELETION OF OBESITY LISTING (620P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would eliminate ``Obesity'' from the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 of subpart P of 20 CFR part 404. Current medical and vocational research demonstrates that obesity, viewed alone, is not determinative of an individual's inability to engage in any gainful activity. Instead, individuals with obesity would have their cases reviewed under the listing for (an) affected body system(s) or, on a case-by-case basis, at the remaining steps of the sequential evaluation process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/11/98 63 FR 11854 Final Action 09/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AE65 _______________________________________________________________________ 3951. LISTENING-IN TO OR RECORDING TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS (626P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.701 (New); 20 CFR 422.705 (New); 20 CFR 422.710 (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are proposing to add a new subpart H to part 422 of our rules which will contain regulations relating to the use of SSA's telephone lines. In the new subpart H, we propose to describe the limited circumstances under which SSA employees may listen-in to or record telephone conversations and the procedures we will follow in connection with this activity. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/11/98 63 FR 11856 Final Action 12/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security [[Page 22883]] Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AE66 _______________________________________________________________________ 3952. ELECTRONIC FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AMENDMENTS (640F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 402.30; 20 CFR 402.35; 20 CFR 402.40; 20 CFR 402.45; 20 CFR 402.100; 20 CFR 402.130; 20 CFR 402.140; 20 CFR 402.145; 20 CFR 402.150; 20 CFR 402.160 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: P.L. 104-231, enacted 10/02/96, amended the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 USC 552). It has a two-fold purpose: to improve public access to Government information and records maintained in an electronic format by Federal agencies and to reduce delays in agency responses to FOIA requests. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/14/97 62 FR 43489 NPRM Comment Period End 09/15/97 Final Action 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1762 RIN: 0960-AE68 _______________________________________________________________________ 3953. APPLICATION OF CIRCUIT COURT LAW--STRENGTHENING THE ACQUIESCENCE PROCESS AND FURTHERING NATIONAL UNIFORMITY IN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION (669F) Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.985; 20 CFR 416.1485 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise our regulations to strengthen SSA's acquiescence process and to ensure to the extent possible national uniformity in the administration of its programs. These rules would apply to circuit court decisions which contain a holding which SSA determines conflicts with its interpretation of a provision of the Social Security Act or regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/18/97 62 FR 48963 NPRM Comment Period End 11/17/97 Final Action 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE74 _______________________________________________________________________ 3954. CHARGING ADMINISTRATION FEES FOR MAKING STATE SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS (679F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 105-33, sec 5102 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.2010 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are revising our rules to bring them into accord with legislation that requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to increase the administration fee it charges States for making supplementary payments on behalf of States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: State Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a statutory requirement. There is no paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Gareth Dence, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-9872 RIN: 0960-AE82 _______________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) Long-Term Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3955. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS FOR ADULTS (222F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1; 20 CFR 404.1520a; 20 CFR 404.1528; 20 CFR 416.920a; 20 CFR 416.928 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These amendments revise the medical evaluation criteria for mental disorders for the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs. The revisions will reflect advances in medical treatment and in methods of evaluating certain mental impairments and will provide up-to-date medical criteria for use in the evaluation of disability claims based on mental disorders. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/18/91 56 FR 33130 NPRM Comment Period End 09/18/91 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and [[Page 22884]] Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AC74 _______________________________________________________________________ 3956. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT UNDER TITLE II & XVI OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (295F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 101-508, sec 5105 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.902; 20 CFR 404.2011; 20 CFR 404.2022; 20 CFR 404.2024; 20 CFR 404.2025; 20 CFR 404.2030; 20 CFR 404.2041; 20 CFR 404.2050; 20 CFR 416.611; 20 CFR 416.622; 20 CFR 416.624; 20 CFR 416.625; 20 CFR 416.630 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Effective stewardship at SSA programs requires mechanisms to assure that benefits are used to meet the needs of beneficiaries who are not able to manage their own benefits due to legal incompetence or medical infirmity. Congress determined that improvements to the representative payment procedures were needed to assure program integrity as part of P.L. 101-508. Any costs associated with these regulations are reflected in the President's budget as part of legislative implementation. They are required to further our program integrity efforts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/15/94 59 FR 11949 NPRM Comment Period End 05/16/94 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Craig Street, Program Policy Specialist, Social Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-9793 RIN: 0960-AD22 _______________________________________________________________________ 3957. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; FEES FOR REPRESENTATION OF CLAIMANTS (296P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 101-508, Sec 5106 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1703; 20 CFR 404.1713; 20 CFR 404.1720; 20 CFR 404.1715 to 404.1717; 20 CFR 404.1725; 20 CFR 416.1503; 20 CFR 416.1513; 20 CFR 416.1520; 20 CFR 416.1515 to 416.1517; 20 CFR 416.1525 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to amend the regulations to reflect section 5106(a) of Pub. L. 101-508 which modifies the manner in which past-due benefits are calculated and the process by which SSA approves fees charged by persons representing claimants before the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1762 RIN: 0960-AD23 _______________________________________________________________________ 3958. PROCEDURE TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES (341P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: EO 12674 as modified by EO 12731; 42 USC 405 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.700 to 713 (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These proposed regulations would establish a procedure to review complaints of alleged misconduct on the part of Administrative Law Judges. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Office of Process and Innovation Management, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AD54 _______________________________________________________________________ 3959. ELECTION OF BENEFITS BASED ON AGE BY DISABLED WIDOW, WIDOWER, AND SURVIVING DIVORCED SPOUSE BENEFICIARIES (343P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.336; 20 CFR 404.337 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to amend our regulations to permit the election of benefits based on age by widows, widowers and surviving divorced spouses (hereinafter, collectively widows) who are at least age 60 and who are already entitled to widow's benefits based on disability. This proposal would allow the widow to choose which of the two types of widow's benefits is more advantageous. The estimated increase in benefit payments is less than $500,000 per year for fiscal years 1992- 1995. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Office of Process and [[Page 22885]] Innovation Management, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1794 RIN: 0960-AD56 _______________________________________________________________________ 3960. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY; HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, AND MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC DISEASES (399P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Sections 7.00 and 107.00 (hemic and lymphatic system), and 13.00 and 113.00 (malignant neoplastic diseases) of appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of the Disability Regulations (404.1501 through 404.1599) describe those impairments which are considered severe enough to prevent a person from engaging in any gainful activity, or in the case of a child under age 18, age-appropriate activities. We are proposing revisions to these sections to ensure that the medical evaluation criteria are up-to-date and consistent with the latest advances in medical knowledge and treatment. The Supplemental Security Income program incorporates and uses the same medical criteria as the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AD67 _______________________________________________________________________ 3961. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND OBESITY AND RELATED CRITERIA (436P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Sections 9.00 and 109.00 of appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of the Disability Regulations (404.1501 through 404.1599) describe those impairments which are considered severe enough to prevent a person from engaging in any gainful activity, or in the case of a child under age 18, age-appropriate activities. We are proposing to revise the criteria in these sections to reflect advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating endocrine impairments. The Supplemental Security Income program incorporates and uses the same medical criteria as the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AD78 _______________________________________________________________________ 3962. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; CONTRIBUTIONS FOR SUPPORT (475P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 1302 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.366 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To provide more uniformity in our decision making, we are proposing to amend our rules on the contributions for support that must be provided by the insured to certain categories of claimants for child's benefits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AD92 _______________________________________________________________________ 3963. COMPUTATION OF SSI BENEFITS FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF PAYMENT (476P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.320 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: SSI eligibility and payment are calculated by taking into account income received by the applicant/recipient. Two calculations must be made for each month. The first is the eligibility computation and is based on the current (payment) month's income. The second is the payment computation, which, under retrospective monthly accounting, is based (usually) on the income of a prior month called the budget month. Generally the budget month is 2 months prior to the payment month. The transitional computation for the first 3 months of SSI payment is an exception to the general rule described above. While the eligibility computation continues to apply to the current month's income, the budget [[Page 22886]] month on which each of the first 3 months' payments are based is the first month of eligibility. This policy was intended to facilitate the transition into the 2 month retrospective accounting cycle and to avoid penalizing the recipient for income received prior to initial SSI eligibility. However, the policy also has the effect of counting income which is only received in one month more than one time. In Jones v. Shalala the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that SSA's transitional computation for the first 3 months of eligibility is not permissible because it will result in the triple counting of nonrecurring income received only in the first month of eligibility. The proposed policy addresses the triple counting of nonrecurring income. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1762 RIN: 0960-AD93 _______________________________________________________________________ 3964. DEFINITION OF ``LARGEST BENEFIT AMOUNT'' FOR SIMULTANEOUS ENTITLEMENT TO CHILD'S BENEFITS (481P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 402(d); 42 USC 403; 42 USC 404(a); 42 USC 404(e); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(c); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 422(b); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 424a; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.304; 20 CFR 404.353b; 20 CFR 404.407d Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 202(k)(2)(A) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 402(k)(2)(A)) contains the statutory requirements for determining the earnings record on which SSA will pay a person, who is simultaneously entitled to child's insurance benefits on the earnings records of more than one worker. Generally, the child's benefits will be paid on the earnings record that yields the highest primary insurance amount (PIA). However, under certain circumstances, the child's benefits will be paid on the earnings record that yields a lower PIA if that record produces the ``largest benefit'' to which the child could be entitled under section 202(d) without the application of the reduction under the ``family maximum'' provisions. In implementing section 202(k)(2)(A), SSA has determined the ``largest benefit'' under section 202(k)(2)(A) by comparing the original benefit amount (i.e., 50 percent of the PIA of a living worker and 75 percent of the PIA of a deceased worker) calculated on the dependent and/or survivor claim of the child on the earnings record of each worker without applying any reductions or deductions. The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in Agee v. Sullivan rejected this interpretation and held that SSA must compare the amounts payable to the child under each earnings record after considering all applicable deductions and reductions other than the reduction under the family maximum provisions. Legal support for both interpretations can be found in the statutory language and legislative history of section 202(k)(2)(A). We have found current regulations implementing section 202(k)(2)(A) to be ambiguous. We propose to amend these regulations to reflect the longstanding SSA interpretation, rather than the interpretation adopted by the district court in the Agee decision. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AD95 _______________________________________________________________________ 3965. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; BENEFIT REFORMS FOR INDIVIDUALS DISABLED BASED ON DRUG ADDICTION OR ALCOHOLISM (496F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.315; 20 CFR 404.316; 20 CFR 404.321; 20 CFR 404.332; 20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.337; 20 CFR 404.350; 20 CFR 404.352; 20 CFR 404.402; 20 CFR 404.470; 20 CFR 404.480; 20 CFR 404.902; 20 CFR 404.1535; 20 CFR 404.1536; 20 CFR 404.1537; ... Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 11, 1995. Section 201 of Public Law 103-296. Abstract: The Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-296) contains provisions affecting the payment of benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to individuals whose drug addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. These final rules implement certain provisions related to limitations on benefit payments and the nonpayment and termination of benefits to these individuals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent With Request for Comments 10/17/94 59 FR 52380 Interim Final Rule 02/10/95 60 FR 8140 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/11/95 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AD96 [[Page 22887]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3966. FEDERAL OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT PROVISIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS DISABLED BASED ON DRUG ADDICTION OR ALCOHOLISM (507P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 103-296, sec 201; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.2001; 20 CFR 404.2010; 20 CFR 404.2021; 20 CFR 404.2040; 20 CFR 404.2040a; 20 CFR 404.2053; 20 CFR 416.621; 20 CFR 416.640; 20 CFR 416.640a; 20 CFR 416.655 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to extend the representative payee requirement, which now applies only to recipients of supplemental security income (SSI) benefit payments, to Social Security disability insurance (DI) beneficiaries whose drug addiction or alcoholism is material to a finding of disability. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AD98 _______________________________________________________________________ 3967. SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENTS TEMPORARILY ABROAD (505P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.202; 20 CFR 416.270 (New) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These regulatory changes are required by section 204 of P.L. 103-296, the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994. This provision allows individuals who leave the United States temporarily as part of an educational program that is not available in the United States, that is designed for gainful employment, and that is sponsored by a school, college, or university in the United States, to continue receiving SSI benefits for up to 1 year if they were eligible for SSI benefits for the month they left the country. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Henry D. Lerner, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1762 RIN: 0960-AE01 _______________________________________________________________________ 3968. REPEAL OF FACILITY OF PAYMENT PROVISION (508F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 403 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.402(b); 20 CFR 404.458 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will reflect section 309 of P.L. 103-296 which repeals the facility of payment provision under which Social Security benefits subject to the family maximum would not be redistributed in certain cases and provides that the reduction for the family maximum will be made prior to a temporary suspension for work when the non-working auxiliary resides in a separate household from the working auxiliary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1794 RIN: 0960-AE02 _______________________________________________________________________ 3969. GUARANTEED FAMILY MAXIMUMS (510F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 403(a) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.403 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will reflect section 310 of P.L. 103-296 which provides that the guaranteed primary insurance amount is to be used in establishing the maximum family benefit for workers who had previously been entitled to disability insurance benefits and became reentitled to retirement or disability benefits on or after December 1995. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AE03 [[Page 22888]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3970. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; INCOME AND RESOURCES, DEEMING OF PARENTAL INCOME AND RESOURCES WHEN CHILDREN ARE HOSPITALIZED (522P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1382c(f)(2); 42 USC 1383(d) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1165; 20 CFR 416.1167; 20 CFR 416.1202 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Current SSI regulations reflect the concept that deeming (the process of considering another person's income to be your own) applies only in household situations. Currently, children in medical care facilities are not subject to parental deeming because they are not considered to be in the same household as their parents. While maintaining the concept of ``household'' for deeming purposes, these proposed rules will expand upon current policy from the household and, as a result, will be subject to parental deeming. This extends the current policy that is applicable to children away at school to children in medical care facilities. That is, a child who is born in or enters a medical care facility and who is subject to the control of a parent will be considered temporarily absent from the parental household. During this absence, deeming will apply. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1759 RIN: 0960-AE08 _______________________________________________________________________ 3971. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; ADMINISTRATIVE RES JUDICATA AND RELATED RULES (526P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 421; 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 425; 42 USC 405 note; 42 USC 421 note; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1383b; 31 USC 3720A; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 404(f) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.903a (New); 20 CFR 404.903b (New); 20 CFR 404.950; 20 CFR 404.957; 20 CFR 404.967; 20 CFR 416.1403a (New); 20 CFR 416.1403b (New); 20 CFR 416.1450; 20 CFR 416.1457; 20 CFR 416.1467 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to amend our regulations which govern the administrative review process for the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act) to reflect and implement sections 205(b)(3)(A) and 1631(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Act. These sections of the Act were added by section 5107 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA 1990), Pub. L. 101-508, to specify certain cases in which our policy on administrative res judicata may not be applied to deny a claimant's subsequent application for benefits under the Social Security or SSI program. In general, those sections of the Act provide that a claimant's failure to timely request review of an adverse initial or reconsidered determination which we make on an application for benefits under the Social Security or SSI program shall not serve as a basis for a denial by us of the claimant's subsequent application for benefits under the same program if the failure to so request review was due to certain circumstances specified in the statute. In connection with making changes to our regulations to reflect this statutory exception to administrative res judicata, we are also proposing to amend our regulations to expand and clarify our rules concerning our policy on administrative res judicata. We are also proposing to amend our regulations to clarify our rules concerning a distinct but related Agency policy which we refer to in our existing regulations as ``collateral estoppel,'' but which we propose to rename ``adoption of findings'' in these proposed regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Stan Axel, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, Office of Program and Benefits Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-7927 RIN: 0960-AE11 _______________________________________________________________________ 3972. MISUSE OF SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, OR NAMES IN REFERENCE TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (530P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: PL 103-296, sec 312 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.527 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will implement section 312 of P.L. 103-296 which expands prohibitions on the use of certain letters and symbols and also the reproduction for a fee of forms and publications of SSA and HHS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1769 RIN: 0960-AE15 [[Page 22889]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3973. OASDI; NONPAYMENT OF BENEFITS TO INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS AND INDIVIDUALS CONFINED IN CRIMINAL CASES, PURSUANT TO CONVICTION OR BY COURT ORDER BASED ON FINDINGS OF INSANITY (531P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 402(x); 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.468 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation will implement section 4 of P.L. 103-387 which modifies and expands the current prisoner nonpayment provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Cassandra A. Bond, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1794 RIN: 0960-AE16 _______________________________________________________________________ 3974. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS; REPLACING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CARDS (543F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 405 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These final rules will support our pilot test for replacing social security number cards when we receive a request by telephone. We will test replacing the card based on information furnished by telephone, without requiring additional documentation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/22/95 60 FR 32444 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/21/95 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-3298 RIN: 0960-AE18 _______________________________________________________________________ 3975. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) (554F) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 41 USC 403(11); 41 USC 701 et seq CFR Citation: 20 CFR 436.000 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 45 CFR part 76 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 436 now that SSA is an independent agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE27 _______________________________________________________________________ 3976. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS (555F) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 41 USC 403(ii) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 437.000 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 45 CFR part 92 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 437 now that SSA is an independent agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE28 _______________________________________________________________________ 3977. RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING IN CONNECTION WITH THE AWARD OF GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS (556F) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 31 USC 1352 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 438.000 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final regulation migrates the HHS grants regulation at 45 CFR part 93 into a new SSA regulation at 20 CFR part 438 now that SSA is an independent agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE29 _______________________________________________________________________ 3978. ELIMINATION OF ROUNDING DISTORTION IN THE CALCULATION OF THE CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT BASE AND EARNINGS TEST EXEMPT AMOUNTS (512F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383 [[Page 22890]] CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.211(c); 20 CFR 404.430(c); 20 CFR 404.1047 to 1048; 20 CFR 404, subpart C, app 1; 20 CFR 404.403(d); 20 CFR 404.408ff; 20 CFR 404.1048(c); 20 CFR 404.1918(b) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 321(g) of Pub. L. 103-296 designates 1994 as the base year to be used in calculating increases in the OASDI contribution and benefit base and earnings test exempt amounts for all years after 1994. (Increases in these amounts will no longer be based on the rounded amounts applicable in the previous year, which can distort the base and exempt amounts over time.) The provision is effective for the contribution and benefit base beginning in 1995 and for earnings test exempt amounts for taxable years ending after 1994. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1759 RIN: 0960-AE40 _______________________________________________________________________ 3979. DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; ELIMINATING THE LOWER SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY EARNINGS GUIDELINE AMOUNTS (603P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 42 USC 423(d)(4); 42 USC 1382c (a)(3)(D); 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1574; 20 CFR 416.974 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These proposed rules would eliminate the lower substantial gainful activity earnings guideline amounts to simplify the evaluation of work activity in claims for disability benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. This reflects a recommendation of the Disability Reengineering Project Proposal published in the Federal Register on April 15, 1994 (59 FR 18188). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AE49 _______________________________________________________________________ 3980. DEEMING OF INCOME FROM AN INELIGIBLE SPOUSE TO AN ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL AND AN ELIGIBLE CHILD (606P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1382a; 42 USC 1382c(f); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1382b; 42 USC 1382j CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1160 (c)(3)(iii); 20 CFR 416.1165 (g)(1); 20 CFR 416.1166 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would revise the method used under the SSI program to determine income for a child who lives with both parents where one parent is ineligible for SSI because of income deemed from an ineligible spouse. Instead of deeming any excess income from the ineligible spouse to the child, referred to as ``pass-through deeming,'' we would deem income to the child using the method we use where neither parent files for SSI. Under current rules, ``pass- through'' deeming has had the unintended effect of deeming more income than would have been deemed if the regular rules for deeming from ineligible parents who do not file for SSI are used. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AE50 _______________________________________________________________________ 3981. DEDICATED ACCOUNTS AND INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN PAST DUE SSI BENEFITS (622F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381; 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 1382a; 42 USC 1382b; 42 USC 1382c(f); 42 USC 1382j; 42 USC 1383 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.535; 20 CFR 416.538; 20 CFR 416.542; 20 CFR 416.545; 20 CFR 416.546; 20 CFR 416.570; 20 CFR 416.640; 20 CFR 416.1124; 20 CFR 416.1210; 20 CFR 416.1247 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996. Abstract: These regulations reflect amendments to the Social Security Act made by sections 213 and 221 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Section 213 requires the establishment of accounts in financial institutions for the payment of past-due SSI benefits after reimbursement to a State for Interim Assistance Reimbursement exceeding 6 months' benefits to representative payees on behalf of children under age 18. These accounts will be dedicated for certain purposes by restrictions on the use of such past- due benefits. Section 221 requires past-due SSI benefits after reimbursement to a State for Interim Assistance Reimbursement which equals or exceeds 12 months' benefits to be paid in installments, with certain exceptions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/20/96 61 FR 67203 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/18/97 Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and [[Page 22891]] Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AE59 _______________________________________________________________________ 3982. EFFECTUATION OF TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AND THE AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 1975, IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY SSA (617F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 5 USC 301; 20 USC 1405; 21 USC 1174; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 290dd-2; 42 USC 2000d-1; 42 USC 6101 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 431 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Prior to March 31, 1995, SSA was an operating component of HHS and the general regulatory authority for SSA programs and administration was vested in the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) based on section 1102 of the Social Security Act (the Act) (42 U.S.C. 1302). The SSIPIA established SSA as an independent agency in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government effective March 31, 1995, and vested general regulatory authority in the Commissioner of Social Security (the Commissioner). Under section 106(b) of SSIPIA, HHS regulations in effect immediately prior to March 31, 1995, which relate to functions now vested in the Commissioner by reason of SSA's independence, continue to apply to SSA until such time as they are modified, suspended, terminated or repealed by the Commissioner. SSA is promulgating regulations at 20 CFR part 431 which are based in large measure upon the HHS regulations at 45 CFR parts 80, 81, 84, 85, 90, and 91. These SSA regulations reflect changes necessary to adapt the HHS regulations to SSA procedures. Upon SSA's rules becoming final regulations, the HHS regulations will cease to have application to SSA in accordance with section 106(b) of SSIPIA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1769 RIN: 0960-AE63 _______________________________________________________________________ 3983. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS TO THE PUBLIC--CHARGING FEES FOR PROVIDING PERSONAL INFORMATION (618P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1360; 18 USC 1905; 26 USC 6103; 30 USC 923(b); 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1306 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 402 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These proposed rules will, in general, provide that SSA will not charge fees for personal information if it is to be used for a publicly administered program whose purpose is compatible with a Social Security Act program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE64 _______________________________________________________________________ 3984. COVERAGE OF EMPLOYEES OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS; OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CONTROL NUMBER (280F) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 410; 42 USC 418; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 418 note CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1215; 20 CFR 404.1203; 20 CFR 404.1204; 20 CFR 404.1214; 20 CFR 404.1216; 20 CFR 404.1220; 20 CFR 404.1225; 20 CFR 404.1237; 20 CFR 404.1239; 20 CFR 404.1242; 20 CFR 404.1243; 20 CFR 404.1247; 20 CFR 404.1249; 20 CFR 404.1251; 20 CFR 404.1265; ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: SSA regulations providing Social Security coverage for the services of employees of State and local governments and interstate instrumentalities, were published in the Federal Register on August 29, 1988 (53 FR 32972). Those regulations included sections which contained information collection and recordkeeping requirements which were not effective until they were approved by OMB. This document notifies the public that the information collection and recordkeeping requirements were approved by OMB and provides the OMB control number. This document also adds an OMB approval number to section 404.1215. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AE69 _______________________________________________________________________ 3985. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY (661P) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1302; PL 103-296 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 431.100; 20 CFR 431.105; 20 CFR 431.110; 20 CFR 431.115; 20 CFR 431.120; 20 CFR 431.125; 20 CFR 431.200; 20 CFR 431.205; 20 CFR 431.210; 20 CFR 431.215; 20 CFR 431.220; 20 CFR 431.225; 20 CFR 431.230; 20 CFR 431.235; 20 CFR 431.240; ... Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These proposed regulations are intended to ensure that individuals are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability, race, color, national origin, sex, age, or religion in any program or activity conducted by SSA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None [[Page 22892]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-6243 RIN: 0960-AE78 _______________________________________________________________________ 3986. ADDING NEW SSI INCOME AND RESOURCE EXCLUSION (VA PAYMENTS TO CERTAIN VIETNAM VETERANS' CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA) TO LISTS OF EXCLUSIONS PROVIDED BY OTHER FEDERAL STATUTES (664F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 38 USC 1805(d) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1182, app; 20 CFR 416.1236 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: P.L. 104-204 provides that a Department of Veterans Affairs monthly allowance paid to children of Vietnam veterans for disabilities resulting from spina bifida will not be considered income or resources in determining eligibility for or the amount of benefits under any Federal or federally assisted program. These regulations update the lists of exclusions from income and resources under the SSI program that are in statutes other than the Social Security Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 212335 Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AE79 _______________________________________________________________________ 3987. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 20 CFR PART 430--PERSONNEL (672F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1302 CFR Citation: 20 CFR 430.201; 20 CFR 430.202; 45 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: These final rules establish policy for standards of conduct for SSA employees. They adopt, with certain minor changes, the same policy prescribed in 45 CFR part 73, sections 73.735-301, 73.735-302, 73.735-305, 73.735-306, 73.735-802, 73.735-805, 73.735-1201 and 73.735- 1301 through 73.735-1304 that was applicable to SSA when it was a component of HHS and that has remained applicable to SSA since March 31, 1995 by virtue of section 106(b) of the SSIPIA that continues certain HHS regulations in effect for SSA until such time as they are set aside. These are the provisions that were not superceded by the Office of Government Ethics Standards of Ethical Conduct for employees of the Executive Branch. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 00/00/00 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1769 RIN: 0960-AE81 _______________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3988. DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES RESIDENT; RELIGIOUS RECORD OF BIRTH OR BAPTISM AS EVIDENCE OF CITIZENSHIP; PLAN TO HELP BLIND AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE SELF-SUPPORT (515F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1180; 20 CFR 416.1603; 20 CFR 416.1610 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/05/97 62 FR 59812 Final Action Effective 12/05/97 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lois Berg Phone: 410 965-1713 RIN: 0960-AE05 _______________________________________________________________________ 3989. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; OVERPAYMENT DEBT COLLECTION PROCEDURES (523F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.520 to 523; 20 CFR 404.525 to 527; 20 CFR 404.903; 20 CFR 422.301 to 317 (New) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/05/97 62 FR 64274 Final Action Effective 01/05/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AE09 _______________________________________________________________________ 3990. PAYMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (615P) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.2111; 20 CFR 404.2117; 20 CFR 404.2121; 20 CFR 416.2211; 20 CFR 416.2217; 20 CFR 416.2221 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Discontinued 02/19/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 22893]] Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine Phone: 410 966-5121 RIN: 0960-AE54 _______________________________________________________________________ 3991. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE CARDIOVASCULAR BODY SYSTEM LISTINGS (685F) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 416 (i); 42 USC 421(a); 42 USC 421 (i); 42 USC 422 (c); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5) CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA) adjudicates claims at the third step of its sequential process for evaluating disability using the Listing of Impairments (the listings) under the Social Security and supplemental security income (SSI) programs. This rule extends the date on which the cardiovascular body system listings will no longer be effective. We have made no revisions to the medical criteria in these listings; they remain the same as they now appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. This extension will ensure that we continue to have medical evaluation criteria in the listings to adjudicate claims for disability based on impairments in the cardiovascular body system at step three of our sequential evaluation process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/30/98 63 FR 4570 Final Action Effective 01/30/98 Small Entities Affected: None Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard M. Bresnick, Legal Assistant, Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235 Phone: 410 965-1758 RIN: 0960-AE80 [FR Doc. 98-5164 Filed 04-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4190-29-F