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



[[Page 65301]]

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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 April 26, 1999.

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 
21235-6401; Telephone (410) 965-3632.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  For this edition of the Social Security 
Administration's (SSA) regulatory agenda, the most important 
significant regulatory actions are included in The Regulatory Plan, 
which appears in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register. The 
Regulatory Plan entries are listed in the Table of Contents below and 
are denoted by a bracketed bold reference which directs the reader to 
the appropriate Sequence Number in Part II.

    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 (SSI) program 
under title XVI of the Act. We are not a regulatory agency. For the 
most part, our regulations do not impose burdens on the private 
sector or on State, local or tribal governments. Our regulations 
document the rules under which we make eligibility determinations 
and set forth both the responsibilities of the Agency towards the 
public and beneficiary's rights and responsibilities under the 
programs we administer.

    Our regulatory efforts can be placed into one of the following 
three categories: 1) legislative implementation; 2) program 
improvements to provide better service to SSA customers; and 3) 
improvements or clarifications to fulfill commitments made as part 
of the President's Regulatory Reinvention initiative.

    We continue to seek legislative improvements for the programs 
we administer. However, because of the complexity of our programs, 
statutory language is rarely detailed enough to govern the actions 
of agency adjudicative decision-makers. 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.

    Included in our Agenda is an item, which will amend our 
regulations to provide more choices for people with disabilities 
who seek Return-to-Work services so that they may become self-
sufficient. This proposed regulation parallels provisions of 
legislation, The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, presently 
pending in Congress.

    An area 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. In addition, we have announced a prototype 
involving a combination of modifications to the disability 
determination process. The prototype incorporates multiple 
modifications to the disability determinations procedures employed 
by State Disability Determination Services which have been shown to 
be effective in earlier tests. The prototype incorporates a series 
of changes that improve the initial disability determination 
process by: providing greater decisional authority to the 
disability examiner and more effective use of the expertise of the 
medical consultant; ensuring appropriate development and 
explanation of key issues; increasing opportunities for claimant 
interaction with the decision maker before a determination is made; 
and simplifying the appeals process by eliminating the 
reconsideration step.

    Two of our agenda items implement elements of a major agency 
initiative known as ``process unification.'' Process unification is 
designed to produce one set of adjudicative standards for all 
levels of disability review within SSA. Weight of Disability 
Determination Service Medical Consultant Opinions will define the 
weight to be given to opinion evidence from State agency medical 
and psychological consultants, other program physicians and 
psychologists, and medical experts in claims at the hearing level 
for disability benefits under titles II and XVI of the Act. 
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.

    The Agenda contains several other regulations intended to 
improve the processing of disability claims including a final rule 
regarding sources of evidence for establishing the existence of a 
medically determinable impairment, a proposed rule to reflect 
advances in medical practices such as organ transplantation, and a 
proposed rule to add a new medical listing for individuals age 18 
or older who have non-mosaic Down syndrome.

    SSA is committed to enhancing the service that we provide to 
our customers by reducing the time it takes them to receive a 
hearing and decision. We believe that the new Hearings Process 
Improvement (HPI) Initiative will enhance the timeliness of 
decisions, and improve customer service by effectively utilizing 
the staffing resources that are dedicated to this goal. The 
Hearings Process Improvement Initiative is part of SSA's overall 
plan for managing the disability process. One very important HPI 
initiative listed in the 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 improving stewardship of the SSI 
program, for which we have had responsibility since

[[Page 65303]]

the program's inception in 1974, as efficiently and effectively as 
possible. In this Agenda is a proposed rule, Collection of SSI 
(Title XVI) Overpayment Debts from Title II Benefits, which will 
implement one of the debt collection tools recently authorized by 
legislation.

    Eliminating fraud and abuse in Social Security's programs is a 
vital goal of SSA. SSA's Strategic Plan asserts zero tolerance for 
fraud and abuse, and states that we will increase our attention on 
deterring fraudulent activities. This initiative reflects SSA's 
idea that we must remain vigilant if we are to fulfill our role as 
capable stewards of the public trust. To further this goal, in this 
Agenda are proposed revisions to our rules based on legislation 
pending in Congress, which would provide us with additional tools 
to strengthen the integrity of the Social Security and SSI 
programs, and a final rule implementing legislation to preclude 
eligibility for SSI benefits for certain fugitives and probation 
and parole violators.

    Consistent with the President's Regulatory Reinvention 
Initiative, we are working diligently to improve our program 
benefit regulations and to develop partnerships with large segments 
of the community of stakeholders interested in Social Security 
programs. The remainder of our Unified Agenda items reflect such 
improvements and clarifications.

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

Dated:  September 30, 1999

 Georgia E. Myers,

Acting SSA Regulations Officer

                                                  Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4110         Assignment of Social Security Administration Numbers (SSN) for Non-Work Purposes        0960-AF05
            (751P)..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                               Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4111         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for       0960-AD22
            the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Representative Payment Under Title II and XVI of the
            Social Security Act (295P)..........................................................
4112         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for       0960-AD23
            the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Claimants (296P)..........
4113         Modification of Private Printing and Prescribed Applications and Other Forms (530P)     0960-AE15
4114         Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P)..............     0960-AE17
4115         Requirements for Awards and Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education; Certain      0960-AE25
            Grants and Agreements with State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (547P).......
4116         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)........
4117         Private Collection Agencies (Using Private Collection Agencies to Help SSA Collect      0960-AE90
            Delinquent Title II Debts Owed by Former Beneficiaries) (722P)......................
4118         Charging Interest (Charging Interest on Delinquent Debts) (723P)...................     0960-AE91
4119         Administrative Wage Garnishment (To Repay a Debt Owed to the Social Security            0960-AE92
            Administration) (724P)..............................................................
4120         Self-Sufficiency Incentives for Title II and Title XVI Program Beneficiaries (725P)     0960-AE93
4121         Testimony By Employees and the Production of Records in Legal Proceedings (732P)...     0960-AE95
4122         Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security           0960-AE96
            Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Clarification of ``Age'' as a Vocational
            Factor (736F).......................................................................
4123         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) (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 152)...................................................................
4124         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and        0960-AF03
            Blindness; Addition of Medical Criteria for Evaluating Down Syndrome in Adults
            (743P)..............................................................................
4125         Assessing Attorney Representatives for Direct Payment (763P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 153)     0960-AF08
4126         Anti-Fraud Provisions (765P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 154)................................     0960-AF09
4127         Work Incentives Improvement Act (767P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 155)......................     0960-AF11
4128         Amount of Student-Earned Income Exclusion..........................................     0960-AF12
4129         Title XVI, Cross-Program Recovery (746P)...........................................     0960-AF13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 65304]]


                                                Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4130         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income           0960-AB73
            Programs, Determining Disability and Blindness; Substantial Gainful Activity Guides
            (147F)..............................................................................
4131         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and        0960-AE42
            Blindness; Revision to Medical-Vocational Guidelines (599F) (Reg Plan Seq No. 156)..
4132         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security          0960-AE56
            Income for the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Evaluating Opinion Evidence (624F) (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 157)...................................................................
4133         Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits           0960-AE59
            (622F)..............................................................................
4134         Denial of SSI Benefits for Fugitive Felons and Probation and Parole Violators           0960-AE77
            (660F)..............................................................................
4135         Reduction of Title II Benefits Under the Family Maximum Provisions in Cases of Dual     0960-AE85
            Entitlement (692F)..................................................................
4136         20 CFR Parts 401, 402, 404, 410, 416 and 422--Revised as of April 1, 1999;              0960-AF04
            Correction (745F)...................................................................
4137         Cost of Living Increases in Primary Insurance Amounts (759F).......................     0960-AF14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in Part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                                Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4138         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Revised Medical Criteria for      0960-AB01
            Determination of Disability; Musculoskeletal System (143F)..........................
4139         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Medical Criteria for              0960-AC74
            Evaluating Mental Disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults (222F).............
4140         Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving             0960-AD56
            Divorced Spouse Beneficiaries (343P)................................................
4141         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).....................................................................
4142         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System (436P)..     0960-AD78
4143         Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security          0960-AD91
            Income, Medical and Other Evidence of Your Impairment(s) and Definition of Medical
            Consultant (469F)...................................................................
4144         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program; Contributions for Support         0960-AD92
            (475P)..............................................................................
4145         Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P)...........     0960-AD93
4146         Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Simultaneous Entitlement to Child's        0960-AD95
            Benefits (481P).....................................................................
4147         Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508F).....................................     0960-AE02
4148         Administrative Review Process; Administrative Res Judicata and Related Rules (526P)     0960-AE11
4149         OASDI; Nonpayment of Benefits to Incarcerated Individuals and Individuals Confined      0960-AE16
            in Criminal Cases, Pursuant to Conviction or by Court Order Based on Findings of
            Insanity (531P).....................................................................
4150         Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security        0960-AE18
            Number Cards (543F).................................................................
4151         Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide             0960-AE27
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)................................
4152         Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State      0960-AE28
            and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)..........................
4153         Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection with the Award of Grants, Contracts, and         0960-AE29
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).......................................................
4154         Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and           0960-AE40
            Benefit Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)................................
4155         Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security         0960-AE48
            Administration (601P)...............................................................
4156         Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an            0960-AE50
            Eligible Child (606P)...............................................................
4157         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)............................................................
4158         Availability of Information and Records to the Public--Charging Fees for Providing      0960-AE64
            Personal Information (618P).........................................................
4159         Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments; Office of Management and          0960-AE69
            Budget (OMB) Control Number (280F)..................................................
4160         Determining Disability and Blindness; Providing for Use of a Single Decisionmaker       0960-AE73
            to Make Determinations of Disability Under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security
            Act (668P)..........................................................................
4161         Enforcement of Nondiscrimination in Social Security Programs or Activities (661P)..     0960-AE78
4162         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).............................................................
4163         Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (711P)..................     0960-AE88

[[Page 65305]]

 
4164         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Appendix 1 to Subpart P--     0960-AE99
            Listing of Impairments (740P).......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4165         Procedure To Review Complaints of Alleged Misconduct on the Part of Administrative      0960-AD54
            Law Judges (341P)...................................................................
4166         Federal OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Benefit Reforms for            0960-AD96
            Individuals Disabled Based on Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (496F)...................
4167         Determining Disability and Blindness; Eliminating the Lower Substantial Gainful         0960-AE49
            Activity Earnings Guideline Amounts (603P)..........................................
4168         Implementing Modifications to Prehearing Procedures and Decisions by Adjudication       0960-AE55
            Officers (616P).....................................................................
4169         Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Deletion of Obesity           0960-AE65
            Listing (620F)......................................................................
4170         Effective Date of Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits           0960-AE71
            (642F)..............................................................................
4171         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)...............................................................
4172         Standards of Conduct 20 CFR Part 430--Personnel (672F).............................     0960-AE81
4173         Employer ID Numbers for State and Local Government Employment (691F)...............     0960-AE84
4174         Increase in Substantial Gainful Activity (738F)....................................     0960-AE98
4175         Federal Old-Age Survivor's and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and         0960-AF02
            Blindness; Extension of Expiration Dates for Several Body Systems Listings (741F)...
4176         Administrative Review Process; Prehearing Proceedings and Decisions by Attorney         0960-AF07
            Advisors; Extension of Expiration Date (761F).......................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                      Prerule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4110.  ASSIGNMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION NUMBERS 
(SSN) FOR NON-WORK PURPOSES (751P)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 432; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
1320b-1; 42 USC 1320b-13

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.104

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: SSA is providing advance notice of proposed rulemaking 
regarding when we will assign an SSN to an alien who is legally in the 
United States (U.S.) but not under authority of law permitting him or 
her to work in the U.S. We are considering a proposal to assign an SSN 
to an alien who is legally in the U.S. but does not have authorization 
to work only if there is a Federal statute or regulation that requires 
the alien to furnish an SSN to receive a federally-funded benefit or 
service. Under such a proposal, we would no longer assign an SSN to an 
alien if the alien's sole reason for applying for the SSN is to satisfy 
a State or local statute or regulation that requires an individual to 
furnish an SSN in order to receive a benefit or service. The intent of 
such a proposed change would be to reduce the possibility of fraud 
through misuse of SSNs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/12/99                    64 FR 55217
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/13/99
NPRM                            04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Nancy Grace, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7911

Fran O. Thomas, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-9822

RIN: 0960-AF05

[[Page 65306]]

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Social Security Administration (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4111. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; REPRESENTATIVE 
PAYMENT UNDER TITLE II AND XVI OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (295P)

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 Public Law 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
Second NPRM                     01/00/00

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

Betsy Byrd, Program Policy Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7981

RIN: 0960-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________




4112. 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 Public Law 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                            12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________




4113. 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 Public Law 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                            11/00/99

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE15
_______________________________________________________________________




4114. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT 
(506P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority: PL 103-296, sec 203; 42 USC 1383b(d)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1180; 20 CFR 416.1181; 20 CFR 416.1182; 20 CFR 
416.1224; 20 CFR 416.1225; 20 CFR 416.1226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations revise our rules on plans to achieve self-
support (PASS) to take into account the time period an individual will 
need for completion of his or her PASS and other factors determined to 
be appropriate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 65307]]

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

RIN: 0960-AE17
_______________________________________________________________________




4115. 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                            10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

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

RIN: 0960-AE25
_______________________________________________________________________




4116. 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: Substantive, Nonsignificant. 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 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                            03/00/00

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-0392

RIN: 0960-AE89
_______________________________________________________________________




4117. PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES (USING PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES TO 
HELP SSA COLLECT DELINQUENT TITLE II DEBTS OWED BY FORMER BENEFICIARIES) 
(722P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. 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                            03/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-0392

RIN: 0960-AE90
_______________________________________________________________________




4118. CHARGING INTEREST (CHARGING INTEREST ON DELINQUENT DEBTS) (723P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. 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                            03/00/00

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-0392

RIN: 0960-AE91
_______________________________________________________________________




4119. ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE GARNISHMENT (TO REPAY A DEBT OWED TO THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (724P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

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

[[Page 65308]]

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                            03/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal

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

Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-0392

RIN: 0960-AE92
_______________________________________________________________________




4120. 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

Abstract: These proposed changes will amend our regulations to provide 
increased choice for people with disabilities who seek vocational 
rehabilitation services and support so that they may return to work by 
establishing the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency (Ticket) Program. 
These proposed regulations will also strengthen public-private 
partnerships to encourage support and assistance for people with 
disabilities to become employed. They will also eliminate disincentives 
to work activity for people with disabilities: by eliminating work 
activity as a basis for conducting a continuing disability review for 
beneficiaries who are using a Ticket, or who have received Social 
Security disability benefits for at least 24 months; and by providing 
for reinstatement of Social Security disability benefits at the 
beneficiary's request within 5 years of the termination of benefits due 
to work activity, if the beneficiary has to stop working.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

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

Kenneth McGill, Director, Social Security Administration, Office of 
Employment Support, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-3988

RIN: 0960-AE93
_______________________________________________________________________




4121. TESTIMONY BY EMPLOYEES AND THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS IN LEGAL 
PROCEEDINGS (732P)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 1306; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 403

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                            10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

Brad Howard, Attorney, Social Security Administration, Office of the 
General Counsel, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-1817

RIN: 0960-AE95
_______________________________________________________________________




4122. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; 
CLARIFICATION OF ``AGE'' AS A VOCATIONAL FACTOR (736F)

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

[[Page 65309]]

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                            08/04/99                    64 FR 42310
NPRM Comment Period End         10/04/99
Final Action                    04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Elaine Tocco, Vocational Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability, Vocational Policy Branch, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-6356

RIN: 0960-AE96
_______________________________________________________________________




4123. OASDI AND SSI; EXPANSION OF THE USE OF VIDEO TELECONFERENCE 
TECHNOLOGY IN HEARINGS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES OF THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (737P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 152 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE97
_______________________________________________________________________




4124.  FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; 
DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; ADDITION OF MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR 
EVALUATING DOWN SYNDROME IN ADULTS (743P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 
405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 416(i); 42 USC 421(a); 42 USC 421(i); 42 USC 
422(c); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to add a new listing 10.06 to part A of 
appendix 1, subpart P of part 404, the Listing of Impairments (the 
Listings). The new listing would provide for the evaluation of Down 
syndrome for individuals age 18 and over. We currently have a listing 
for Down syndrome only in part B, listing 110.06, for individuals who 
have not attained age 18. In our current listings, section 10.00 is 
reserved for future use. Accordingly, we also propose to add the 
heading ``Multiple Body Systems'' to this section to contain the new 
listing. The heading conforms to the corresponding heading of section 
110.00 in part B of the Listings.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

Michelle Hungerman, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-2289

RIN: 0960-AF03
_______________________________________________________________________




4125.  ASSESSING ATTORNEY REPRESENTATIVES FOR DIRECT PAYMENT 
(763P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 153 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF08
_______________________________________________________________________




4126.  ANTI-FRAUD PROVISIONS (765P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 154 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF09
_______________________________________________________________________




4127.  WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT (767P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 155 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF11
_______________________________________________________________________




4128.  AMOUNT OF STUDENT-EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1112(c)(3)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed regulation would update the amount of the 
student-earned-income exclusion (SEIE) to $1,290 a month, not to exceed 
$5,200 a year; and adjust the SEIE for inflation annually, using the 
consumer price index.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Steve Fear, Social Security Administration, Office of 
Policy, 500 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20254
Phone: 202 358-6121

RIN: 0960-AF12
_______________________________________________________________________




4129.  TITLE XVI, CROSS-PROGRAM RECOVERY (746P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.401; 20 CFR 416.558; 20 CFR 416.570; 20 CFR 
416.572

[[Page 65310]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations dealing with the 
recovery of overpayments under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
Program to permit SSA to recover SSI overpayments by adjusting the 
amount of Social Security benefits payable to the individual under 
title II of the Act. This collection practice would be limited to 
individuals who are not currently eligible to receive an SSI cash 
benefit. Also, the amount of the title XVI overpayment recoverable in a 
month would be limited to 10 percent of the amount payable under title 
II unless the overpaid person (or his or her spouse) willfully 
misrepresented or concealed material information about the overpayment. 
In that case, the entire title II benefit amount would be adjusted to 
recover the overpayment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

Edward Johns, Financial Management Analyst, Social Security 
Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-0392

RIN: 0960-AF13
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4130. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME PROGRAMS, DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; 
SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY GUIDES (147F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority: PL 98-460, sec 10; PL 99-643; PL 100-203; PL 101-508; 
42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404; 20 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations will clarify how the Social Security 
Administration evaluates a person's work activity to determine whether 
work is substantial gainful activity and whether an individual is 
entitled to a trial work period. These regulations also reflect 
statutory changes with respect to the trial work period and the re-
entitlement period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/06/95                    60 FR 12166
NPRM Comment Period End         05/15/95
Final Action                    10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




4131. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; DETERMINING 
DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; REVISION TO MEDICAL-VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES 
(599F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 156 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




4132. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR THE AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED; 
EVALUATING OPINION EVIDENCE (624F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 157 in Part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE56
_______________________________________________________________________




4133. 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

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                    01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

[[Page 65311]]

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

RIN: 0960-AE59
_______________________________________________________________________




4134. DENIAL OF SSI BENEFITS FOR FUGITIVE FELONS AND PROBATION AND 
PAROLE VIOLATORS (660F)

Priority: Other Significant

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 Public 
Law 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                    11/00/99

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE77
_______________________________________________________________________




4135. REDUCTION OF TITLE II BENEFITS UNDER THE FAMILY MAXIMUM PROVISIONS 
IN CASES OF DUAL ENTITLEMENT (692F)

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

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule With Comments10/27/99                    64 FR 57774
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/27/99
Final Action                    03/00/00

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

Bill Hilton, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-2468

RIN: 0960-AE85
_______________________________________________________________________




4136.  20 CFR PARTS 401, 402, 404, 410, 416 AND 422--REVISED AS 
OF APRIL 1, 1999; CORRECTION (745F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 401.20; 20 CFR 402.35; 20 CFR 404.401; 20 CFR 
404.403; 20 CFR 404.450; 20 CFR 404.457; 20 CFR 404.1275; 20 CFR 
404.1408; 20 CFR 404.1410; 20 CFR 410.240; 20 CFR 410.601; 20 CFR 
416.428; 20 CFR 416.702; 20 CFR 416.929; 20 CFR 416.993; 20 CFR 
416.1104; 20 CFR 416.1202; 20 CFR 416.1323; 20 CFR 416.1336; 20 CFR 
416.1442; 20 CFR 416.1801; 20 CFR 416.2045; 20 CFR 416.2096; 20 CFR 
422.125; 20 CFR 422.130; 20 CFR 422.135

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are correcting several invalid cross-references and 
typographical errors in 20 CFR parts 401, 402, 410, 416 and 422, 
chapter III.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AF04
_______________________________________________________________________




4137.  COST OF LIVING INCREASES IN PRIMARY INSURANCE AMOUNTS 
(759F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402(a); 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 415; 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.273 to 404.275

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule revises our rules dealing with automatic 
cost-of-living increases to primary insurance amounts under title II of 
the Social Security Act. The revisions eliminate the restriction that 
we could only grant cost-of-living increases based on rises in the 
Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Average Wage Index (AWI) if either 
the CPI or AWI increased by 3 percent or more during the prescribed 
measuring period. The 3 percent restriction was removed by legislation 
enacted in 1986.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 65312]]

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

Jeff Kunkel, Actuary, Social Security Administration, Office of the 
Actuary, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-3013

RIN: 0960-AF14
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4138. 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 that are considered severe enough to 
prevent a person from doing any gainful activity or, for a child 
claiming SSI payments under title XVI, that causes 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                     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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




4139. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; MEDICAL 
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN 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) (56 FR 33130) that proposed more extensive revisions 
to the regulations and the mental disorders listings than are in these 
final rules. 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 brain 
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
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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________




4140. 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,

[[Page 65313]]

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 Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




4141. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM; REVISED 
MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY; HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC 
SYSTEM, AND MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC DISEASES (399P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing 
Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or 
duplication, or streamline requirements.

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 405

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Sections 7.00 and 107.00 (hemic and lymphatic system), and 
13.00 and 113.00 (malignant neoplastic diseases) of appendix 1 to 
subpart P of part 404 of the Disability Regulations (404.1501 through 
404.1599) describe those impairments that are considered severe enough 
to prevent a person from doing any gainful activity, or for a child 
claiming SSI payments under title XVI, that causes marked and severe 
functional limitations. 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: Lois A. Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________




4142. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, 
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM (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 that are considered severe enough to prevent a person 
from doing any gainful activity, or in the case of a child claiming SSA 
payments under title XVI, that cause marked and severe functional 
limitations. 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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________




4143. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, MEDICAL AND OTHER EVIDENCE OF YOUR 
IMPAIRMENT(S) AND DEFINITION OF MEDICAL CONSULTANT (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 will add speech-language pathologists, licensed 
podiatrists, and licensed or certified school psychologists to the list 
of acceptable medical sources in our current regulations. These sources 
will assist us in establishing the existence of impairments within 
their areas of expertise. We will also revise the definition of the 
term ``medical consultant'' 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                     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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD91


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 65314]]

4144. 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 A. Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AD92
_______________________________________________________________________




4145. 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

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

RIN: 0960-AD93
_______________________________________________________________________




4146. 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: Lois A. Berg, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401

[[Page 65315]]

Phone: 410 965-1713

Bill Hilton, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-2468

RIN: 0960-AD95
_______________________________________________________________________




4147. 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 Public Law 103-
296 which repeals the facility of payment provision under which Social 
Security benefits subject to the family maximum would not be 
redistributed in certain cases and provides that the reduction for the 
family maximum will be made prior to a temporary suspension for work 
when the non-working auxiliary resides in a separate household from the 
working auxiliary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE02
_______________________________________________________________________




4148. 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 Public Law 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                             To Be                       Determined

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7927

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

RIN: 0960-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




4149. 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 Public Law 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 Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AE16
_______________________________________________________________________




4150. 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

[[Page 65316]]

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-3298

RIN: 0960-AE18
_______________________________________________________________________




4151. 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: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE27
_______________________________________________________________________




4152. 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: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE28
_______________________________________________________________________




4153. 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: Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation 
Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE29
_______________________________________________________________________




4154. 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 Public Law 103-296 designated 1994 as the 
base year to be used in calculating increases in the OASDI contribution 
and benefit base and the earnings test exempt amounts. The provision is 
effective for the contribution and benefit base and for the earnings 
test exempt amount for taxable years ending after 1994. Section 102 of 
Public Law 104-121, however, established a schedule of earnings test 
exempt amounts for persons at or above the normal retirement age for 
1996 through 2002. Thereafter the provision calculates the increase in 
this exempt amount in the same manner as provided by Public Law 103-
296, but designates 2002 as the base year.

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 Security Administration, 
Office of Process and Innovation Management, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AE40


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 65317]]

4155. 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. Any costs or savings will be insignificant.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

Stuart M. Besser, Attorney, Social Security Administration, Office of 
the General Counsel, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-3194

RIN: 0960-AE48
_______________________________________________________________________




4156. DEEMING OF INCOME FROM AN INELIGIBLE SPOUSE TO AN ELIGIBLE 
INDIVIDUAL AND AN ELIGIBLE CHILD (606P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 
1382a; 42 USC 1382c(f); 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1382b; 42 USC 1382j

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1160 (c)(3)(iii); 20 CFR 416.1165 (g)(1); 20 
CFR 416.1166

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise the method used under the SSI program 
to determine income for a child who lives with both parents where one 
parent is ineligible for SSI because of income deemed from an 
ineligible spouse. Instead of deeming any excess income from the 
ineligible spouse to the child, referred to as ``pass-through 
deeming,'' we would deem income to the child using the method we use 
where neither parent files for SSI. Under current rules, ``pass-
through'' deeming has had the unintended effect of deeming more income 
than would have been deemed if the regular rules for deeming from 
ineligible parents who do not file for SSI are used.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________




4157. 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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE63
_______________________________________________________________________




4158. 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.

[[Page 65318]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE64
_______________________________________________________________________




4159. 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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AE69
_______________________________________________________________________




4160. 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 to 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: Federal, State

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

RIN: 0960-AE73
_______________________________________________________________________




4161. ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS OR 
ACTIVITIES (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

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

RIN: 0960-AE78
_______________________________________________________________________




4162. 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: Public Law 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

[[Page 65319]]

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 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE79
_______________________________________________________________________




4163. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal

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

Tom Price, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Disclosure Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-6011

RIN: 0960-AE88
_______________________________________________________________________




4164. 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                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

Carolyn Kiefer, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9104

RIN: 0960-AE99
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4165. PROCEDURE TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED MISCONDUCT ON THE PART 
OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES (341P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.700 to 713 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

No Further Action Planned       09/09/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AD54


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 65320]]

4166. 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

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; ...

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

No Further Action Planned       08/19/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD96
_______________________________________________________________________




4167. DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; ELIMINATING THE LOWER 
SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY EARNINGS GUIDELINE AMOUNTS (603P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1574; 20 CFR 416.974

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With RIN 0960-AF10       08/31/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence V. Dudar
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AE49
_______________________________________________________________________




4168. IMPLEMENTING MODIFICATIONS TO PREHEARING PROCEDURES AND DECISIONS 
BY ADJUDICATION OFFICERS (616P)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.943 (New); 20 CFR 416.1443 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

No Further Action Planned       08/25/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

RIN: 0960-AE55
_______________________________________________________________________




4169. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, DELETION 
OF OBESITY LISTING (620F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      08/24/99                    64 FR 46122
Final Rule Effective            10/25/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 966-5121

RIN: 0960-AE65
_______________________________________________________________________




4170. EFFECTIVE DATE OF APPLICATION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME 
(SSI) BENEFITS (642F)

Priority: Economically Significant

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; ...

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      06/15/99                    64 FR 31969
Final Rule Effective            08/16/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE71
_______________________________________________________________________




4171. 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

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

No Further Action Planned       07/30/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

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

RIN: 0960-AE75
_______________________________________________________________________




4172. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 20 CFR PART 430--PERSONNEL (672F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 430.201; 20 CFR 430.202; 45 CFR 73

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Discontinued                    08/12/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE81
_______________________________________________________________________




4173. EMPLOYER ID NUMBERS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT 
(691F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1220; 20 CFR 422.112

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      06/21/99                    64 FR 33015
Final Rule Effective            07/21/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 966-5121
Paul Guillet
Phone: 410 965-7882

RIN: 0960-AE84


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 65321]]

4174. INCREASE IN SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (738F)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      04/15/99                    64 FR 18566
Correction                      04/28/99                    64 FR 22903
Final Rule Effective            07/01/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Agency Contact: Jack Baumel
Phone: 410 965-9834
Lawrence V. Dudar
Phone: 410 965-5995

RIN: 0960-AE98
_______________________________________________________________________




4175.  FEDERAL OLD-AGE SURVIVOR'S AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; 
DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATES FOR 
SEVERAL BODY SYSTEMS LISTINGS (741F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 
405(d) to 405(h); 42 USC 416(i); 42 USC 421(a); 42 USC 421(i); 42 USC 
422(c); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: SSA adjudicates claims at the third step of its sequential 
evaluation process for evaluating disability using the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) under the Social Security and supplemental 
security income (SSI) programs. This final rule extends the dates on 
which several body system listings will no longer be effective. We have 
made no revisions to the medical criteria in these listings; they 
remain the same as they now appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. 
These extensions will ensure that we continue to have medical 
evaluation criteria in these listings to adjudicate claims for 
disability based on impairments in these body systems at step three of 
our sequential evaluation process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      06/03/99                    64 FR 29786
Final Rule Effective            06/03/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Deborah Barnes, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-4171

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

RIN: 0960-AF02
_______________________________________________________________________




4176.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; PREHEARING PROCEEDINGS AND 
DECISIONS BY ATTORNEY ADVISORS; EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATE (761F)

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) 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 at 
which these rules will no longer be effective from April 1, 2000, until 
April 2, 2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      09/27/99                    64 FR 51892
Final Rule Effective            10/27/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

RIN: 0960-AF07
[FR Doc. 99-27053 Filed 11-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-F