[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Social Security Administration Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



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Part XLVI



Social Security Administration



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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                                   




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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 November 9, 
1998.

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 toward 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.

    One of our most important agenda items will raise, for a person 
disabled by other than blindness, the amount of earnings ordinarily 
considered to show that he or she is performing substantial gainful 
activity (SGA) from $500.00 a month to $700.00 a month. Under the 
Social Security Act, a person performing SGA is not considered 
disabled for program purposes.

    Another very important agenda item--Expansion of the Use of 
Video Teleconference Technology in Hearings before Administrative 
Law Judges (ALJs) of the Social Security Administration--is 
expected to improve customer service by providing faster access to 
a hearing before an ALJ by removing the need for the claimant (and 
representative, if any) and the ALJ to be physically present at the 
same location.

    We remain committed to managing the Supplemental Security 
Income program, for which we have had responsibility since the 
program's inception in 1974, as efficiently and effectively as 
possible. Successful management depends on our ability to serve our 
SSI beneficiaries and properly administer the public funds that are 
entrusted to us. To that end, we have established four pillars 
under which we are taking significant measures to strengthen the 
integrity of the SSI program. We have under way a series of 
initiatives designed to improve payment accuracy; we have developed 
a 7-year plan for conducting periodic reviews to determine if an 
individual receiving disability benefits has medically recovered; 
and we are engaged in an aggressive program to deter, detect, 
investigate, and prosecute fraud. In addition, we continue to use 
various debt collection tools that have been authorized by law to 
recover individual overpayments. In FY 1997, more than $1.1 billion 
in overpayments was detected. A recent study revealed that our 
recovery efforts have been largely successful. The success of our 
debt recovery efforts notwithstanding, however, we are continually 
looking at ways to further improve the recovery rate. We have 
planned new initiatives and developed legislative proposals that 
will continue to build upon this performance. These new initiatives 
are estimated to result in program savings of $40 million by FY 
2002. In this agenda are several new regulations that are being 
developed to implement additional debt collection tools recently 
authorized by legislation.

    Two final regulations currently being prepared will implement 
several elements of the ``process unification'' initiative. This 
initiative is designed to produce one set of adjudicative standards 
for all levels of disability review within SSA. The first 
regulation--Weight of Disability Determination Service (DDS) 
Medical Consultant Opinions--will define the specific weight to be 
given to DDS medical consultant opinions in hearing decisions. The 
second--Assessment of Residual Functional Capacity--will clarify 
the guidelines in our regulations used in determining whether an 
individual under age 50 lacks the capacity to perform less than a 
full range of sedentary work.

    Also in this agenda are proposed revisions to our rules on 
Plans to Achieve Self-Support, proposed revisions to several of the 
medical criteria used to evaluate whether an individual is disabled 
for benefit purposes, and a final rule--Dedicated Accounts/
Installment Payments--which reflects a welfare reform initiative.

    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

[[Page 22199]]

stakeholders interested in Social Security programs.

    We recognize that it is important for our customers to be able 
to understand our rulemaking documents, and it has long been our 
established policy to write these documents in plain and 
understandable English. We are continuing this policy. In addition 
to serving our customers, these efforts support the 
Administration's Plain Language in Government Writing initiative.

    The April 1999 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Dated: March 3, 1999.

Georgia E. Myers,

Acting SSA Regulations Officer.

                                               Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3929         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the    0960-AD23
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)................
3930         Administrative Review Process; Administrative Res Judicata and Related Rules (526P)..    0960-AE11
3931         Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P)................    0960-AE17
3932         Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain       0960-AE25
            Grants and Agreements With State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547P).........
3933         Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security          0960-AE48
            Administration (601P).................................................................
3934         Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (711P)....................    0960-AE88
3935         Federal Salary Offset (Withholding a Portion of a Federal Employee's Salary To           0960-AE89
            Collect a Delinquent Debt Owed to the Social Security Administration) (721P)..........
3936         Private Collection Agencies (Using Private Collection Agencies to Help SSA Collect       0960-AE90
            Delinquent Title II Debts Owed by Former Beneficiaries) (722P)........................
3937         Charging Interest (Charging Interest on Delinquent Debts) (723P).....................    0960-AE91
3938         Administrative Wage Garnishment (To Repay a Debt Owed to the Social Security             0960-AE92
            Administration) (724P)................................................................
3939         Self-Sufficiency Incentives for Title II and Title XVI Program Beneficiaries (725P)..    0960-AE93
3940         Testimony By Employees and the Production of Records in Legal Proceedings (732P).....    0960-AE95
3941         Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income     0960-AE96
            for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Clarification of ``Age'' as a Vocational Factor
            (736P)................................................................................
3942         OASDI and SSI; Expansion of the Use of Video Teleconference Technology in Hearings       0960-AE97
            Before Administrative Law Judges of the Social Security Administration (737P).........
3943         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Appendix 1 to Subpart P--      0960-AE99
            Listing of Impairments (740P).........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3944         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for       0960-AB01
            Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)............................
3945         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income            0960-AB73
            Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides
            (147F)................................................................................
3946         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security           0960-AD91
            Income, Medical and Other Evidence of Your Impairment(s) (469F).......................
3947         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and         0960-AE42
            Blindness; Revision to Medical-Vocational Guidelines (599F)...........................
3948         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income    0960-AE56
            for the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Evaluating Opinion Evidence (624F)..................
3949         Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F).    0960-AE59
3950         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Deletion of Obesity Listing    0960-AE65
            (620F)................................................................................
3951         Effective Date of Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits (642F).    0960-AE71
3952         Denial of SSI Benefits for Fugitive Felons and Probation and Parole Violators (660F).    0960-AE77
3953         Employer ID Numbers for State and Local Government Employment (691F).................    0960-AE84
3954         Increase in Substantial Gainful Activity (738F)......................................    0960-AE98
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                                                Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3955         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for Evaluating    0960-AC74
            Mental Disorders and Traumatic Head Injury in Adults (222F)...........................
3956         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the    0960-AD22
            Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payment Under Title II & XVI of the Social
            Security Act (295F)...................................................................
3957         Procedure To Review Complaints of Alleged Misconduct on the Part of Administrative       0960-AD54
            Law Judges (341P).....................................................................
3958         Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced     0960-AD56
            Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)...........................................................
3959         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for       0960-AD67
            Determination of Disability; Hemic and Lymphatic System, and Malignant Neoplastic
            Diseases (399P).......................................................................
3960         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System and           0960-AD78
            Obesity and Related Criteria (436P)...................................................
3961         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support          0960-AD92
            (475P)................................................................................
3962         Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P).............    0960-AD93
3963         Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Simultaneous Entitlement to Child's         0960-AD95
            Benefits (481P).......................................................................
3964         Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for             0960-AD96
            Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F).....................
3965         Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F).......................................    0960-AE02
3966         Modification of Private Printing and Prescribed Applications and Other Forms (530P)..    0960-AE15
3967         OASDI; Nonpayment of Benefits to Incarcerated Individuals and Individuals Confined in    0960-AE16
            Criminal Cases, Pursuant to Conviction or by Court Order Based on Findings of Insanity
            (531P)................................................................................
3968         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security         0960-AE18
            Number Cards (543F)...................................................................
3969         Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide              0960-AE27
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)..................................
3970         Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State       0960-AE28
            and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)............................
3971         Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection With the Award of Grants, Contracts, and          0960-AE29
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).........................................................
3972         Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and Benefit    0960-AE40
            Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)..........................................
3973         Determining Disability and Blindness; Eliminating the Lower Substantial Gainful          0960-AE49
            Activity Earnings Guideline Amounts (603P)............................................
3974         Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an Eligible    0960-AE50
            Child (606P)..........................................................................
3975         Implementing Modifications to Prehearing Procedures and Decisions by Adjudication        0960-AE55
            Officers (616P).......................................................................
3976         Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of      0960-AE63
            1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, in Programs Receiving Financial
            Assistance by SSA (617F)..............................................................
3977         Availability of Information and Records to the Public--Charging Fees for Providing       0960-AE64
            Personal Information (618P)...........................................................
3978         Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments; Office of Management and Budget    0960-AE69
            (OMB) Control Number (280F)...........................................................
3979         Determining Disability and Blindness; Providing for Use of a Single Decisionmaker To     0960-AE73
            Make Determinations of Disability Under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act
            (668P)................................................................................
3980         Reflect a Requirement of the Social Security Act That the Commissioner Disregard         0960-AE75
            Evidence in Certain Situations Involving Fraud or Similar Fault Under Titles II or XVI
            of the Act (671P).....................................................................
3981         Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability (661P)..................................    0960-AE78
3982         Adding New SSI Income and Resource Exclusion (VA Payments to Certain Vietnam             0960-AE79
            Veterans' Children with Spina Bifida) to Lists of Exclusions Provided by Other Federal
            Statutes (664F).......................................................................
3983         Standards of Conduct 20 CFR Part 430--Personnel (672F)...............................    0960-AE81
3984         Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance; Calculating Benefits for Auxiliaries or     0960-AE85
            Survivors When There Is a Dually Entitled Beneficiary (692P)..........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3985         Benefits for Spouses, Mothers, Fathers and Children (455F)...........................    0960-AD83
3986         Maximum Family Benefits in Guarantee Cases (510F)....................................    0960-AE03
3987         Application of State Law in Determining Child Relationship (557F)....................    0960-AE30
3988         Reduction of Disability Benefits--Workers' Compensation/Public Disability Benefits       0960-AE35
            (567F)................................................................................

[[Page 22201]]

 
3989         Permit Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service To Collect     0960-AE36
            Information Needed To Assign Social Security Numbers to Aliens (569F).................
3990         Listening-In to or Recording Telephone Conversations (626F)..........................    0960-AE66
3991         Final Rules To Extend the Expiration Date of the Authority for Prehearing Proceedings    0960-AF01
            and Decisions by Attorney Advisors (742F).............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage




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3929. 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                            06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________




3930. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; ADMINISTRATIVE RES JUDICATA AND 
RELATED RULES (526P)

Priority:  Other Significant

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; 42 USC 1382c; 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: These proposed changes will amend our regulations governing 
the administrative review process for the Social Security and 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs to update our procedures 
and to reflect and implement sections 205(b)(3)(A) and 1631(c)(1)(B)(i) 
of the Act, as added by section 5107 of Pub. L. 101-508. Section 5107 
specifies 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, 
section 5107 provides that an individual's failure to timely request 
review of an adverse determination (initial or reconsidered) under the 
Social Security or SSI program may not be used by us as a basis for a 
denial of the claimant's subsequent application for benefits under the 
same program, if the failure to request review was due to certain 
circumstances specified in the statute.
We are also proposing to amend our regulations to expand and clarify 
our policy on administrative res judicata and on collateral estoppel.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Stan Axel, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-7927
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




3931. 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

[[Page 22202]]

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                            10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE17
_______________________________________________________________________




3932. REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS AND SUBAWARDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER 
EDUCATION; CERTAIN GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH STATE, 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: These proposed regulations migrate 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                            06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE25
_______________________________________________________________________




3933. 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); 5 USC 
7301; 5 USC 7353

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                            09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Stuart M. Besser, Attorney, Social Security 
Administration, Office of the General Counsel, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3194
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE48
_______________________________________________________________________




3934. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION (711P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 42 USC 1306(a); 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 401.30; 20 CFR 401.45; 20 CFR 401.55; 20 CFR 
401.150; 20 CFR 401.180

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our privacy and disclosure rules to 
describe the role and function of the Privacy Officer; describe 
safeguards against inappropriate disclosure of personal information by 
electronic means (e.g., through the Internet); revise our special 
procedures on access to medical records; permit disclosures to certain 
government agencies for various administrative purposes related to 
income-maintenance and health-maintenance programs; permit disclosures 
of Social Security number information to government agencies under 
specific circumstances; and clarify our rules on disclosure under legal 
process from courts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Tom Price, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disclosure Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6011
  
Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE88
_______________________________________________________________________




3935. FEDERAL SALARY OFFSET (WITHHOLDING A PORTION OF A FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEE'S SALARY TO COLLECT A DELINQUENT DEBT OWED TO THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (721P)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  42 USC 404; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902; 5 USC 5514

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This initiative will enable the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) to collect qualifying, delinquent title II

[[Page 22203]]

debts owed by former beneficiaries who are currently Federal employees. 
The debt collection will be accomplished by the partial reduction of 
the employee's disposable salary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
Final Action                    09/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social 
Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-0392
  
Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE89
_______________________________________________________________________




3936. PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES (USING PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES TO 
HELP SSA COLLECT DELINQUENT TITLE II DEBTS OWED BY FORMER BENEFICIARIES) 
(722P)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  42 USC 404; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902; 31 USC 3718

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This initiative will enable the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) to refer delinquent title II debts owed by former 
beneficiaries to private collection agencies for further debt 
collection efforts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
Final Action                    09/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is no 
statutory requirement. The agency has not yet determined whether there 
is a paperwork burden associated with this action.

Agency Contact: Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social 
Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-0392
  
Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE90
_______________________________________________________________________




3937. CHARGING INTEREST (CHARGING INTEREST ON DELINQUENT DEBTS) (723P)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  42 USC 404; 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902; 31 USC 3717

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under this initiative, the Social Security Administration 
(SSA) will charge interest and penalties on qualifying, delinquent 
title II debts owed by former beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
Final Action                    09/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social 
Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-0392
  
Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE91
_______________________________________________________________________




3938. ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE GARNISHMENT (TO REPAY A DEBT OWED TO THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (724P)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383; 31 USC 3720D

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This initiative will enable the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) to collect qualifying, delinquent titles II and 
XVI debts owed by former beneficiaries who are now employed (as other 
than Federal employees). Administrative wage garnishment allows SSA to 
direct an employer to deduct a percentage of the disposable wages 
earned by the worker/debtor, and to send that amount to SSA as payment 
toward the delinquent debt. Administrative wage garnishment does not 
require a court judgment to impose the withholding order.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/99
Final Action                    09/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social 
Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-0392
  
Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE92
_______________________________________________________________________




3939. SELF-SUFFICIENCY INCENTIVES FOR TITLE II AND TITLE XVI PROGRAM 
BENEFICIARIES (725P)

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.2101 to 404.2127; 20 CFR 416.2201 to 416.2227

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 22204]]

Abstract: These proposed changes will amend our regulations to provide 
increased choice for people with disabilities who seek vocational 
rehabilitation services and supports so that they may return to work. 
These proposed regulations will also strengthen public-private 
partnerships to encourage support and assistance for people with 
disabilities to become employed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/00
Final Action                    07/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Kenneth McGill, Director, Division of Employment and 
Rehabilitation Programs, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3988
  
Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE93
_______________________________________________________________________




3940.  TESTIMONY BY EMPLOYEES AND THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS IN 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (732P)

Priority:  Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority:  5 USC 301; 42 USC 1306; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 423

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA) is proposing to 
establish procedures governing the appearance of SSA employees as 
witnesses and the production of official documents in legal 
proceedings, to which SSA is not a party, in response to requests for 
such documents or testimony. The proposed rule provides procedures, 
requirements and information concerning how SSA will handle these 
matters and expressly prohibits any disclosure or testimony except as 
approved by the Commissioner. The proposed rule would conserve and 
ensure more efficient use of SSA resources in meeting the Agency's 
mission, promote consistency in decisions, minimize the possibility of 
involving SSA in issues not related to its mission, maintain the 
impartiality of SSA, protect sensitive and confidential information and 
the deliberative processes of SSA, and enhance SSA's ability to respond 
efficiently to requests involving such legal proceedings. When 
published in final, the rule would replace other regulations currently 
applicable to SSA under 45 CFR part 2.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Kaplan, Attorney, Social Security Administration, 
Office of the General Counsel, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235
Phone: 410 965-3164
  
Suzanne DiMarino, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE95
_______________________________________________________________________




3941.  FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
CLARIFICATION OF ``AGE'' AS A VOCATIONAL FACTOR (736P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 423; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 
1383(d)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1563; 20 CFR 404.1568(d)(4) (New); 20 CFR 
416.963; 20 CFR 416.968(d)(4) (New); 20 CFR 404 subpart P, app 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to clarify our 
consideration of ``age'' as a vocational factor at the last step of our 
sequential evaluation process for determining whether an individual is 
disabled. We also propose to better explain how we consider 
transferability of skills for individuals who are of ``advanced age'' 
(age 55 or older) in deciding whether such individuals can make an 
adjustment to other work. These proposed regulations will also update 
the age category of ``closely approaching retirement age'' throughout 
our rules.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elaine Tocco, Vocational Policy Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, Vocational Policy 
Branch, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-6356
  
Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE96
_______________________________________________________________________




3942.  OASDI AND SSI; EXPANSION OF THE USE OF VIDEO 
TELECONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY IN HEARINGS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 
OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (737P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 205(a); 42 USC 205(b); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 
USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.929; 20 CFR 404.936(b); 20 CFR 404.936(c); 20 
CFR 404.936(d)(8) (New); 20 CFR 404.938; 20 CFR 416.1429; 20 CFR 
416.1436(b); 20 CFR 416.1436(c); 20 CFR 416.1436(d)(8) (New); 20 CFR 
416.1438

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend our regulations to permit us to conduct 
hearings before an administrative law judge via video teleconference. 
We also propose to add new sections to the regulations stating that an 
administrative law judge may find good cause to change the time and 
place of the hearing if we schedule a video

[[Page 22205]]

teleconference hearing, and the individual does not wish to have a 
video teleconference hearing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE97
_______________________________________________________________________




3943.  REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, 
APPENDIX 1 TO SUBPART P--LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS (740P)

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); PL 104-193, sec 
211(b)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404 subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to make a number of discrete revisions to 
the Listing of Impairments listings, appendix 1 to subpart P, parts A 
and B, of part 404 of our regulations, in order to reflect advances in 
medical practices, to clarify certain listing criteria, to remove a few 
rarely-used listings, and to add new listings to address current 
medical practices such as organ transplantation. We are also proposing 
to remove some technical references which have become obsolete and 
proposing to reword some listings to update medical terminology. We use 
these listings to adjudicate claims for disability under titles II and 
XVI of the Social Security Act when we evaluate claims of individuals 
at step three of our sequential evaluation process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Carolyn Kiefer, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-9104
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE99
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage




_______________________________________________________________________




3944. 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                    06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




3945. 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

[[Page 22206]]

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                    04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




3946. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, MEDICAL AND OTHER EVIDENCE OF YOUR 
IMPAIRMENT(S) (469F)

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                            10/09/98                    63 FR 54417
NPRM Comment Period End         12/08/98
Final Action                    09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD91
_______________________________________________________________________




3947. 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 clarify 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                    06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




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(a); 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: These changes will revise 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                    06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE56
_______________________________________________________________________




3949. 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(c); 42 USC 1382(e); 42 USC 1383(a) to 1383(d); 42 USC 1383(g)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 416.545; 20 CFR 416.546; 20 CFR 416.640

[[Page 22207]]

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                    09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE59
_______________________________________________________________________




3950. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, DELETION 
OF OBESITY LISTING (620F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will 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
NPRM Comment Period End         05/11/98
Comment Period Extended to 7/13/
98                              06/10/98                    63 FR 31680
Final Action                    09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE65
_______________________________________________________________________




3951. EFFECTIVE DATE OF APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME 
(SSI) BENEFITS (642F)

Priority:  Economically Significant

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 final 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                            08/10/98                    63 FR 42601
NPRM Comment Period End         10/09/98
Final Action                    06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

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
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE71
_______________________________________________________________________




3952. DENIAL OF SSI BENEFITS FOR FUGITIVE FELONS AND PROBATION AND 
PAROLE VIOLATORS (660F)

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 final 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                            06/12/98                    63 FR 32161
NPRM Comment Period End         08/11/98
Final Action                    09/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security

[[Page 22208]]

Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 212334
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE77
_______________________________________________________________________




3953. EMPLOYER ID NUMBERS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT 
(691F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 405(c)(2)(A); 42 USC 418; 42 USC 432; 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1220; 20 CFR 422.112

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our rules dealing with the special ID 
numbers we issued to States that submit modifications to their 
voluntary Social Security coverage group agreements pursuant to section 
218 of the Social Security Act. Under the proposed revision, we would 
issue special ID numbers only in cases where a modification extends 
coverage to periods prior to 1987.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/24/98                    63 FR 71237
NPRM Comment Period End         02/22/99
Final Action                    07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Paul Guillet, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-7882
  
Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Specialist, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE84
_______________________________________________________________________




3954.  INCREASE IN SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (738F)

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority:  42 USC 423; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383c

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.1574(b); 20 CFR 416.974(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules will increase the monthly earnings 
guidelines that we use to determine whether work done by individuals 
with impairments other than blindness is substantial gainful activity 
(SGA). Under these final rules the monthly earnings amount that will 
ordinarily show that work is SGA will be increased from the current 
$500.00 a month to $700.00 a month.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/16/99                     64 FR 7559
NPRM Comment Period End         03/18/99
Final Action                    04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Jack Baumel, Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-9834
  
Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE98
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions




_______________________________________________________________________




3955. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; MEDICAL 
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS AND TRAUMATIC HEAD INJURY IN 
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: On July 18, 1991, we published a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed more extensive revisions to the 
regulations and the mental disorders listings than are in these final 
rules (56 FR 33130). The proposed rules included comprehensive 
revisions to the regulations on the evaluation of mental disorders in 
sections 404.1520a and 416.920a and the adult mental disorders 
listings, as well as the aforementioned proposed guidelines for 
evaluating traumatic head injury in section 11.00 of the listings. The 
proposed revisions also included both new and revised rules for the 
evaluation of mental disorders in children claiming disability benefits 
under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Although the NPRM 
reflected advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of 
evaluating mental impairments that were up-to-date at the time it was 
published, there have been additional advances since then that impact 
on many of the revisions we had proposed. There have also been changes 
in the SSI law and regulations regarding the evaluation of disability 
in children. Consequently, we are withdrawing the proposed revisions in 
the 1991 NPRM that are not finalized by these regulations and will 
publish a new NPRM at a later date that will provide the public with 
another opportunity to comment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/18/91                    56 FR 33130

[[Page 22209]]

NPRM Comment Period End         09/18/91
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

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:  42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 404(f); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 
405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 405(k); 42 USC 
421; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 405 note; 42 USC 421 note; 42 
USC 1383(a)(2); 42 USC 1383(d)(1)

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 of 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. These regulations 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Betsy Byrd, Program Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-7981
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________




3957. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________




3958. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Office 
of Process and Innovation Management, Social Security Administration, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




3959. 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

[[Page 22210]]

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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________




3960. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________




3961. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; 
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR SUPPORT (475P)

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 404.366

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To provide more uniformity in our decisionmaking, 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD92
_______________________________________________________________________




3962. 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 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 22211]]

Agency Contact: Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD93
_______________________________________________________________________




3963. DEFINITION OF ``LARGEST BENEFIT AMOUNT'' FOR SIMULTANEOUS 
ENTITLEMENT TO CHILD'S BENEFITS (481P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 403; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 
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 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Hilton, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-2468
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD95
_______________________________________________________________________




3964. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AD96
_______________________________________________________________________




3965. 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.

[[Page 22212]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE02
_______________________________________________________________________




3966. MODIFICATION OF PRIVATE PRINTING AND PRESCRIBED APPLICATIONS AND 
OTHER FORMS (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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE15
_______________________________________________________________________




3967. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE16
_______________________________________________________________________




3968. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE18
_______________________________________________________________________




3969. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE27


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 22213]]

3970. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE28
_______________________________________________________________________




3971. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE29
_______________________________________________________________________




3972. 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

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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE40
_______________________________________________________________________




3973. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AE49
_______________________________________________________________________




3974. 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

[[Page 22214]]

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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________




3975. 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)

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                             To Be                       Determined
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE55
_______________________________________________________________________




3976. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE63
_______________________________________________________________________




3977. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE64


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 22215]]

3978. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE69
_______________________________________________________________________




3979. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AE73
_______________________________________________________________________




3980. 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:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE75
_______________________________________________________________________




3981. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY (661P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

[[Page 22216]]

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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AE78
_______________________________________________________________________




3982. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 212335
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE79
_______________________________________________________________________




3983. 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 superseded by the 
Office of Government Ethics Standards of Ethical Conduct for employees 
of the Executive Branch.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE81
_______________________________________________________________________




3984. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; CALCULATING BENEFITS 
FOR AUXILIARIES OR SURVIVORS WHEN THERE IS A DUALLY ENTITLED BENEFICIARY 
(692P)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  42 USC 402; 42 USC 403; 42 USC 404(a); 42 USC 404(e); 
42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(c); 42 USC 422(b); 42 USC 423(e); 42 USC 
424a; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.402; 20 CFR 404.403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulation to reflect the adoption 
by the Social Security Administration of the holding in Parisi by 
Cooney v. Chater as national policy. This policy has been an 
Acquiescence Ruling which applied in the First Circuit. The policy is 
that, when determining the benefits for auxiliaries or survivors after 
reduction for the family maximum, dually entitled beneficiaries will be 
considered only to the extent that such persons actually receive a 
benefit. In Parisi, a child's benefits had been lowered due to the 
entitlement of another auxiliary on that Social Security number (SSN), 
even though the other auxiliary did not receive benefits on that same 
SSN but rather received benefits on another SSN.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Hilton, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-2468
  
Lois Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE85

[[Page 22217]]

_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Completed Actions




_______________________________________________________________________




3985. BENEFITS FOR SPOUSES, MOTHERS, FATHERS AND CHILDREN (455F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.332; 20 CFR 404.341; 20 CFR 404.357; 20 CFR 
404.361; 20 CFR 404.366

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/26/99                    64 FR 14606
Final Action Effective          04/26/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD83
_______________________________________________________________________




3986. MAXIMUM FAMILY BENEFITS IN GUARANTEE CASES (510F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.403

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/08/99                    64 FR 17100
Final Action Effective          04/08/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bill Hilton
Phone: 410 965-2468
Lois Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE03
_______________________________________________________________________




3987. APPLICATION OF STATE LAW IN DETERMINING CHILD RELATIONSHIP (557F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.354; 20 CFR 404.355; 20 CFR 404.356

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/28/98                    63 FR 57590
Final Action Effective          11/27/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE30
_______________________________________________________________________




3988. REDUCTION OF DISABILITY BENEFITS--WORKERS' COMPENSATION/PUBLIC 
DISABILITY BENEFITS (567F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 are, with this document, withdrawing the proposed rule 
changes published on Thursday, September 4, 1997, at 62 FR 46682. That 
publication proposed changes to our rules on the reduction of Social 
Security benefits based on disability when an individual is receiving 
workers' compensation benefits or disability benefits or payments 
provided under another Federal program other than Social Security, or 
under a State, or local program. We proposed changes that would have 
clarified a number of our existing policies and would have adopted a 
uniform method for prorating workers' compensation and public 
disability benefit and payment settlements.

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
Withdrawn                       02/11/99                     64 FR 6824

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE35
_______________________________________________________________________




3989. 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.

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.103; 20 CFR 422.106; 20 CFR 422.107; 20 CFR 
422.110

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/22/98                    63 FR 56552
Final Action Effective          11/23/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Daniel T. Bridgewater
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE36
_______________________________________________________________________




3990. LISTENING-IN TO OR RECORDING TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS (626F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 422.701 (New); 20 CFR 422.705 (New); 20 CFR 
422.710 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/26/98                    63 FR 57056
Final Action Effective          11/25/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lois A. Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE66
_______________________________________________________________________




3991.  FINAL RULES TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE 
AUTHORITY FOR PREHEARING PROCEEDINGS AND DECISIONS BY ATTORNEY ADVISORS 
(742F)

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 405 Note; 42 USC 
421; 42 USC 421 Note; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 
1883b; PL 97-455, sec 5; PL 98-460, sec 5; ...

CFR Citation:  20 CFR 404.942; 20 CFR 416.1442

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules extend the time period set out in our 
regulations during which attorney advisors in our Office of Hearings 
and Appeals (OHA)

[[Page 22218]]

may conduct certain prehearing proceedings and, where the documentary 
record developed as a result of these proceedings warrants, issue 
decisions that are wholly favorable to the parties to the hearing in 
claims for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
benefits based on disability. We are extending the date on which these 
rules will no longer be effective from April 1, 1999 until March 31, 
2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/22/99                    64 FR 13677
Final Action Effective          03/22/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Harry J. Short, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-6243

RIN: 0960-AF01
[FR Doc. 99-7016 Filed 04-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-F
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