[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 26405]]

Part XLV





Social Security Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 26406]]



SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                                   


  



_______________________________________________________________________

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Office of the Commissioner

20 CFR Ch. III

Semiannual Unified Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Social Security Administration.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and 
Review, issued September 30, 1993, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) require each Federal agency to publish 
semiannually a brief description of all regulatory actions then under 
development or review, expected to be under development or review for 
the next 12 months, or completed since the previous publication of the 
agenda. Our last agenda of regulations was published November 30, 2000.

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, Regulations Officer, Social 
Security Administration, L2109 West Low Rise Building, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401; Telephone (410) 965-3632 or TTY 
(410) 966-5609.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The Social Security Administration (SSA) 
has responsibility for the retirement, 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. Our regulations generally 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 beneficiaries' 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 provide effective stewardship of 
SSA programs.

     We continue to seek legislative improvements for the programs 
we administer. However, because of the complexity of our programs, 
statutory language is rarely detailed enough to govern the actions 
of agency adjudicative decisionmakers. Supporting regulations are 
often required. In some instances, 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 are items that 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. These regulations are required by provisions of ``The 
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999,'' (Pub. 
L. 106-170), which was signed by the President on December 17, 
1999. Among the provisions requiring regulations are provisions 
that will establish the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency program 
in SSA, suspend continuing disability reviews based on work 
activity, and expedite reinstatement of disability benefits 
terminated due to work activity.

     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. We have tested 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. The 
regulation will incorporate 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 decisionmaker 
before a determination is made; and simplifying the appeals process 
by eliminating the reconsideration step. This Agenda includes a 
regulation to allow phased-in implementation of these features.

     The Agenda also contains updates to many of the medical 
listings to reflect advances in medical knowledge, treatment and 
methods of evaluation.

     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 a decision. We believe that the 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 HPI 
Initiative is part of SSA's overall plan for managing the 
disability process. One important HPI initiative listed in the 
Agenda, Prehearing and Posthearing Conference, is expected to 
improve the hearings process by standardizing and increasing the 
efficiency of our procedures for holding prehearing and posthearing 
conferences. Another important HPI initiative listed in the Agenda, 
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. It removes the 
need for the claimant (and representative, if any) and the ALJ to 
be physically present at the same location.

     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. A proposed regulation will make 
improvements to the representative payment procedures needed to 
assure program integrity. This regulation reflects certain 
provisions of Public Law 101-508, 103-296, 104-121, and 105-33.

     We have also included in this agenda, two regulations that 
provide SSA with additional tools to strengthen the integrity of 
the Social Security and SSI programs. One is a proposed regulation 
that implements a provision of the Foster Care Independence Act of 
1999 authorizing SSA to obtain information from financial 
institutions in order to determine initial or continuing 
eligibility for SSI benefits. In addition to the other SSI 
initiatives already discussed, is a rule, Collection of SSI (Title 
XVI) Overpayment Debts from

[[Page 26407]]

Title II Benefits, which will implement one of the debt collection 
tools authorized by legislation.

     We continue to work 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 remaining of our Unified Agenda items reflect such improvements 
and clarifications.

     The April 2001 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Dated:  March 1, 2001.

 Georgia E. Myers,

SSA Regulations Officer.

                               Social Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3921        OASDI and SSI for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Fees for Representation of Parties      0960-AD23
            Under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act (296P)......................
3922        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Hematologic Disorders and Malignant              0960-AD67
            Neoplastic Diseases (399P)..........................................................
3923        Modification of Private Printing and Prescribed Applications and Other Forms (530P).     0960-AE15
3924        Supplemental Security Income; Plans for Achieving Self-Support (506P)...............     0960-AE17
3925        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)........
3926        Private Collection Agencies (Using Private Collection Agencies to Help SSA Collect       0960-AE90
            Delinquent Title II and Title XVI Debts Owed by Former Beneficiaries) (722P)........
3927        Charging Interest (Charging Interest on Delinquent Debts) (723P)....................     0960-AE91
3928        Administrative Wage Garnishment (To Repay a Debt Owed to the Social Security             0960-AE92
            Administration) (724P)..............................................................
3929        Work Activity Standard as a Basis for Review of an Individual's Disabled Status          0960-AE93
            (Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) (725P).................
3930        Expedited Reinstatement of Disability Benefits (Ticket to Work and Work Incentives       0960-AF21
            Improvement Act) (790P).............................................................
3931        Social Security Coverage of Employment for Residents of the Northern Mariana             0960-AF23
            Islands, American Samoa, and Guam (792P)............................................
3932        $30 Private Insurance (794P)........................................................     0960-AF25
3933        Digestive System Listing (800P).....................................................     0960-AF28
3934        Skin Medical Listing (801P).........................................................     0960-AF29
3935        Multiple Body Systems Listings (803P)...............................................     0960-AF32
3936        Immune System Listings (804P).......................................................     0960-AF33
3937        Special Senses (805P)...............................................................     0960-AF34
3938        Neurological Listings (806P)........................................................     0960-AF35
3939        Burden of Proof at Step 5 of Sequential Evaluation (808P)...........................     0960-AF37
3940        Wage Reports and Pension Information (809P).........................................     0960-AF38
3941        Extension of Disability Insurance Program Demonstration Project Authority (Ticket to     0960-AF41
            Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act) (789P)....................................
3942        Access to Information Held by Financial Institutions (815P).........................     0960-AF43
3943        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Cardiovascular System and      0960-AF48
            Related Criteria (826P).............................................................
3944        Representative Payment Under Title II and XVI of the Social Security Act (827P).....     0960-AF49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Social Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3945        Musculoskeletal System and Related Criteria (143F)..................................     0960-AB01
3946        Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits; Replacing Social Security         0960-AE18
            Number Cards (543F).................................................................
3947        Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Determining Disability and         0960-AE42
            Blindness; Revision to Medical-Vocational Guidelines (599F).........................
3948        OASDI and SSI; Expansion of the Use of Video Teleconference Technology in Hearings       0960-AE97
            Before Administrative Law Judges of the Social Security Administration (737F).......
3949        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Appendix 1 to Subpart P--      0960-AE99
            Listing of Impairments (740F).......................................................
3950        Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (Ticket to Work and Work Incentives          0960-AF11
            Improvement Act of 1999) (767F).....................................................
3951        Title XVI, Cross-Program Recovery (746F)............................................     0960-AF13
3952        Cost of Living Increases in Primary Insurance Amounts (759F)........................     0960-AF14
3953        Administrative Review Process; Prehearing and Posthearing Conferences (778F)........     0960-AF17
3954        Medical Equivalence for Adults and Children (787I)..................................     0960-AF19
3955        Administrative Procedures for Imposing Penalties for False or Misleading Statements      0960-AF20
            (784F)..............................................................................

[[Page 26408]]

 
3956        SSI Trusts and Transfers of Resources (791I)........................................     0960-AF22
3957        Credit Bureau Reporting and Administrative Offset for SSI Overpayments (795F).......     0960-AF31
3958        Implementing the Redesigned Disability Process (816F)...............................     0960-AF44
3959        Revisions to the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (823I)...............................     0960-AF47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Social Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3960        Election of Benefits Based on Age by Disabled Widow, Widower, and Surviving Divorced     0960-AD56
            Spouse Beneficiaries (343P).........................................................
3961        Revised Medical Criteria for Determination of Disability, Endocrine System (436P)...     0960-AD78
3962        Computation of SSI Benefits for the First Three Months of Payment (476P)............     0960-AD93
3963        Definition of ``Largest Benefit Amount'' for Simultaneous Entitlement to Child's         0960-AD95
            Benefits (481P).....................................................................
3964        Repeal of Facility of Payment Provision (508P)......................................     0960-AE02
3965        Administrative Review Process; Administrative Res Judicata and Related Rules (526P).     0960-AE11
3966        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).....................................................................
3967        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of       0960-AE25
            Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Nonprofit Organizations, and Commercial
            Organizations (547F)................................................................
3968        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide              0960-AE27
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)................................
3969        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State       0960-AE28
            and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)..........................
3970        Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection with the Award of Grants, Contracts, and          0960-AE29
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).......................................................
3971        Elimination of Rounding Distortion in the Calculation of the Contribution and            0960-AE40
            Benefit Base and Earnings Test Exempt Amounts (512F)................................
3972        Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security          0960-AE48
            Administration (601P)...............................................................
3973        Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an             0960-AE50
            Eligible Child (606P)...............................................................
3974        Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F)     0960-AE59
3975        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)............................................................
3976        Coverage of Employees of State and Local Governments; Office of Management and           0960-AE69
            Budget (OMB) Control Number (280F)..................................................
3977        Enforcement of Nondiscrimination in Social Security Programs or Activities (661P)...     0960-AE78
3978        Technical Changes to Title XVI (664F)...............................................     0960-AE79
3979        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (711P)...................     0960-AE88
3980        Assignment of Social Security Administration Numbers (SSN) for Nonwork Purposes          0960-AF05
            (751P)..............................................................................
3981        Change in Retirement Age (775F).....................................................     0960-AF16
3982        Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance; Supplemental Security Income;       0960-AF18
            Determining Disability and Blindness; Revisions to the Growth Impairment Listings
            (758P)..............................................................................
3983        Effects of Being Considered a Child (793P)..........................................     0960-AF24
3984        Genito-Urinary Medical Listing (802P)...............................................     0960-AF30
3985        Filing Claims Under the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Military Personnel and           0960-AF39
            Civilian Employees Claims Act (785P)................................................
3986        Exclusion of Representatives and Health Care Providers Convicted of Violations from      0960-AF46
            Participation in Social Security Disability Programs (820F).........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Social Security Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3987        Testimony By Employees and the Production of Records in Legal Proceedings (732F)....     0960-AE95

[[Page 26409]]

 
3988        OASDI, and SSI for the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Substantial Gainful Activity            0960-AF12
            Amounts; ``Services'' for Trial Work Period Purposes--Monthly Amounts; Student-
            Earned Income Exclusion (777F)......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



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3921. OASDI AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED; FEES FOR 
REPRESENTATION OF PARTIES UNDER TITLE II AND TITLE XVI OF THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ACT (296P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 101-508, sec 5106; PL 103-296, sec 321(f)3 to (f)5; 
PL 106-170, sec 406

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1703; 20 CFR 416.1525; 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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend the regulations to provide rules about 
authorization, direct payment, and administrative review of fees for 
representation based on fee agreements between claimants and their 
representatives; revise our rules about authorization, direct payment 
and administrative review of fees for representation based on fee 
petitions; and provide rules about assessment on attorneys who receive 
direct payment of authorized fees from withheld title II past-due 
benefits. The proposed rules reflect provisions of section 406 of the 
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, Public Law 
106-170; sections 321(f)(3) to (f)(5) of the Social Security 
Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994, Public Law 103-296; 
and section 5106 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, 
Public Law 101-508.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________




3922. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING HEMATOLOGIC DISORDERS AND 
MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC DISEASES (399P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

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 our 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                            04/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________




3923. MODIFICATION OF PRIVATE PRINTING AND PRESCRIBED APPLICATIONS AND 
OTHER FORMS (530P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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                            06/00/01

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

[[Page 26410]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3924. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT 
(506P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE17
_______________________________________________________________________




3925. 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; 42 USC 1383; 5 USC 
5514

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This initiative will enable the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) to collect from Federal salaries qualifying, 
delinquent title II and title XVI debts owed by former beneficiaries 
who are currently Federal employees. The debt collection will be 
accomplished by the partial reduction of the employee's disposable 
salary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

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

RIN: 0960-AE89
_______________________________________________________________________




3926. PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES (USING PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES TO 
HELP SSA COLLECT DELINQUENT TITLE II AND TITLE XVI 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; 42 USC 1383(b); 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 and title XVI debts 
owed by former beneficiaries to private collection agencies for further 
debt collection efforts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

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

RIN: 0960-AE90
_______________________________________________________________________




3927. 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; 42 USC 1383(b); 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 and title XVI owed by former beneficiaries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

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

RIN: 0960-AE91
_______________________________________________________________________




3928. ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE GARNISHMENT (TO REPAY A DEBT OWED TO THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (724P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902; 42 USC 1383; 31 USC 3720D

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This initiative will enable the Social Security 
Administration (SSA) to collect qualifying, delinquent titles II and 
XVI debts owed by former

[[Page 26411]]

beneficiaries who are now employed (as other than Federal employees). 
Administrative wage garnishment allows SSA to order an employer to 
deduct a percentage of the disposable pay earned by the worker/debtor, 
and to send that amount to SSA as payment toward satisfying the 
delinquent debt. Administrative wage garnishment does not require a 
court judgment to impose the withholding order.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

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

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

RIN: 0960-AE92
_______________________________________________________________________




3929. WORK ACTIVITY STANDARD AS A BASIS FOR REVIEW OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S 
DISABLED STATUS (TICKET TO WORK AND WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 
1999) (725P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 421

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1590

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, January 1, 2002, Section 111 of Public 
Law 106-170, effective January 1, 2002.

Abstract: One of SSA's most important initiatives is to assure that 
Social Security (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work have the opportunity 
to do so. Individuals with disabilities face multiple barriers in 
attempting to return to work. Section 111 of Public Law 106-170 
provides a new statutory work incentive by eliminating the scheduling 
of continuing disability medical reviews solely because of an SSDI 
beneficiary's work activity, once the beneficiary has been entitled to 
SSDI benefits for 24 months. (Such beneficiaries will continue to be 
subject to regularly scheduled continuing disability reviews, work 
investigations, and benefit termination due to earnings from work 
activity at the level of substantial gainful activity.)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Geoffrey Funk, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9010

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-AE93
_______________________________________________________________________




3930. EXPEDITED REINSTATEMENT OF DISABILITY BENEFITS (TICKET TO WORK AND 
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT) (790P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 423

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, January 1, 2001, Section 112 of Public 
Law 106-170, effective January 1, 2001.

Abstract: One of SSA's most important initiatives is to assure that 
Social Security (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work have the opportunity 
to do so. Individuals with disabilities face multiple barriers in 
attempting to return to work. Section 112 of Public Law 106-170 
provides a new statutory work incentive by providing for expedited 
reinstatement of SSDI and SSI benefits terminated due to work activity, 
when the former beneficiary requests reinstatement within 60 months 
because his or her disability prevents work activity. Section 112 also 
provides for payment of provisional benefits up to six months until SSA 
makes a determination on the requester's entitlement to reinstated 
benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Geoffrey Funk, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9010

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-AF21
_______________________________________________________________________




3931. SOCIAL SECURITY COVERAGE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR RESIDENTS OF THE 
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AMERICAN SAMOA, AND GUAM (792P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1004(8); 20 CFR 404.1004(9); 20 CFR 
404.1022(a); 20 CFR 404.1022(c)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed rules will amend our regulations to include 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the definition of 
United States under title II. These revisions will also include 
coverage of employment for workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands as well as workers in American Samoa or Guam.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 26412]]

Small Entities Affected: 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

Dianne Freelump, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9812

RIN: 0960-AF23
_______________________________________________________________________




3932. $30 PRIVATE INSURANCE (794P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1382(e)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.201; 20 CFR 416.211; 20 CFR 416.212; 20 CFR 
416.414; 20 CFR 416.1149; 20 CFR 416.1165; 20 CFR 416.1167; 20 CFR 
416.1202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed rules make technical and conforming updates to 
title XVI based on section 5522(c) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 
(Pub. L. 105-33). Section 5522(c) eliminated obsolete terminology in 
section 1611(e)(1) of the SSACT that specified particular kinds of 
medical facilities where the $30 reduced benefit rate could apply. 
Section 5522(c) also amended section 1611(e)(1)(G) of the SSACT to 
extend applicability of temporary institutionalization benefits to 
children who enter private medical treatment facilities and who 
otherwise would be subject to a reduced benefit because of private 
insurance coverage.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Karen E. Kerwath, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9835

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

RIN: 0960-AF25
_______________________________________________________________________




3933. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM LISTING (800P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) that we use to evaluate claims involving 
digestive impairments. We apply these criteria at step three of our 
sequential evaluation processes to adults and children who claim Social 
Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on 
disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the 
Act). The proposed revisions reflect advances in medical knowledge, 
treatment, and methods of evaluating digestive impairments. We also 
propose to remove listings that are redundant and serve only to refer 
to other listings.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cheryl Worbel, Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9108

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-AF28
_______________________________________________________________________




3934. SKIN MEDICAL LISTING (801P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) for the Skin Medical Listing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cheryl Worbel, Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9108

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-AF29
_______________________________________________________________________




3935. MULTIPLE BODY SYSTEMS LISTINGS (803P)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) for evaluating Multiple Body Systems.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 26413]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Victoria Dorf, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9245

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-AF32
_______________________________________________________________________




3936. IMMUNE SYSTEM LISTINGS (804P)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) for evaluating the Immune System.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Victoria Dorf, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9245

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-AF33
_______________________________________________________________________




3937. SPECIAL SENSES (805P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) for Special Senses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: 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-AF34
_______________________________________________________________________




3938. NEUROLOGICAL LISTINGS (806P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) for Neurological Listings.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  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

RIN: 0960-AF35
_______________________________________________________________________




3939. BURDEN OF PROOF AT STEP 5 OF SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION (808P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will take a look at step 5 of Sequential 
Evaluation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  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

RIN: 0960-AF37
_______________________________________________________________________




3940. WAGE REPORTS AND PENSION INFORMATION (809P)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 432; 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.114

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA) proposes to amend 
its rules on processing reports of wages submitted annually by 
employers. We propose to amend this rule to reflect the threshold now 
in use for accepting wage reports with unidentified or incorrectly 
identified wage items. The rule is intended to ensure that wages are 
reported to SSA with accurate information so that earnings can be 
properly credited to the employee's Social Security record.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

[[Page 26414]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

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-AF38
_______________________________________________________________________




3941. EXTENSION OF DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION PROJECT 
AUTHORITY (TICKET TO WORK AND WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT) (789P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 434

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1599

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: One of SSA's most important initiatives is to assure that 
Social Security (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work have the opportunity 
to do so. Section 301 of Public Law 106-170 extends to the Commissioner 
of Social Security the authority to develop and carry out experiments 
and demonstration projects designed to determine the relative 
advantages and disadvantages of various alternative methods of treating 
the work activity of individuals entitled to disability insurance 
benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Geoffrey Funk, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9010

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-AF41
_______________________________________________________________________




3942. ACCESS TO INFORMATION HELD BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (815P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1383(e); PL 106-169, sec 213

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.200; 20 CFR 416.206 to 416.208; 20 CFR 416.217

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to implement a new law that will enhance our 
access to bank account information of Supplemental Security Income 
(SSI) applicants or recipients and other individuals whose income and 
resources we treat as belonging to the applicant or recipient.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/01
Final Action                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kathy Branch, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-8766

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-AF43
_______________________________________________________________________




3943. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, 
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND RELATED CRITERIA (826P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Listings 4.00 and 104.00 of appendix 1 to the disability 
regulation at 20 CFR 404.1501 through 404.1599 describe those 
cardiovascular 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                            06/00/01
Final Action                    09/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Bonnie Davis, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-4172

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-AF48
_______________________________________________________________________




3944. REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT UNDER TITLE II AND XVI OF THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ACT (827P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 401(j); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 405 note; 42 
USC 421 note; 42 USC 1383(a)(2); 42 USC 1383(d)(1); 42 USC 404(f); 42 
USC 405(a); 42 USC 405(b); 42 USC 405(d)

[[Page 26415]]

to 405(h); 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 405(k); 42 USC 421; 42 USC 425

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. These regulations are required to further our program 
integrity efforts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

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

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-AF49
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3945. MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM AND RELATED CRITERIA (143F)

Priority: Other Significant

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 subpart P of part 
404 of our regulations 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                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Victoria Dorf, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9245

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-AB01
_______________________________________________________________________




3946. OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS; REPLACING 
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CARDS (543F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 
tested replacing the card based on information furnished by telephone, 
without requiring additional documentation. SSA is now evaluating the 
results of that test.

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                    12/00/01

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3947. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; DETERMINING 
DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; REVISION TO MEDICAL-VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES 
(599F)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 423; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will make clarifications to the Social Security 
Medical-Vocational guidelines used to evaluate disability in 
individuals under age 50, who have severe impairments that do not meet 
or equal the criteria of any listed impairment, but have a residual 
functional capacity for no more than the full range of sedentary work. 
The guidelines are contained in appendix 2 of subpart P of 20 CFR 404.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/23/97                    62 FR 49636
NPRM Comment Period End         11/24/97
Final Action                    04/00/01

[[Page 26416]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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

RIN: 0960-AE42
_______________________________________________________________________




3948. OASDI AND SSI; EXPANSION OF THE USE OF VIDEO TELECONFERENCE 
TECHNOLOGY IN HEARINGS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES OF THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (737F)

Priority: Other Significant

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending our regulations to permit us to conduct 
hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ) by video 
teleconference (VTC). We also will add new sections to the regulations 
that will state the conditions for an ALJ to find good cause to change 
the time and place of a hearing if we schedule a VTC hearing, and the 
individual tells us he/she does not want a VTC hearing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/05/01                     66 FR 1059
Comment Period End              03/06/01
Final Action                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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-AE97
_______________________________________________________________________




3949. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, APPENDIX 
1 TO SUBPART P--LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS (740F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404 subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations will make a certain number of discrete 
revisions to the Listing of Impairments, appendix 1 to subpart P, of 
part 404 of our regulations. We are making these changes 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. 
Also we will remove some technical references, which have become 
obsolete, and 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                            02/11/00                     65 FR 6929
NPRM Comment Period End         04/11/00
Final Action                    04/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

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-AE99
_______________________________________________________________________




3950. TICKET TO WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (TICKET TO WORK AND 
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999) (767F)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1320b-19; PL 106-170, sec 101

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.316; 20 CFR 404.337; 20 CFR 404.352; 20 CFR 
404.401; 20 CFR 404.902; 20 CFR 404.1586; 20 CFR 404.1590; 20 CFR 
404.1596; 20 CFR 404.1597; 20 CFR 404.2101; 20 CFR 416.101; 20 CFR 
416.213; 20 CFR 416.708; 20 CFR 416.990; 20 CFR 416.1321; 20 CFR 
416.1328; 20 CFR 416.1331; 20 CFR 416.1338; 20 CFR 416.1402; 20 CFR 
416.1701 to 416.1715; 20 CFR 416.2040; 20 CFR 416.2201

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 17, 2000, One year after the 
date of enactment of Public Law 106-170.
Sec. 1148(l) of the Social Security Act (42 USC 1320b-19(1), as added 
by sec. 101(a) of PL 106-170, requires SSA to prescribe regulations to 
carry out the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program.

Abstract: These regulations will implement the Ticket to Work and Self-
Sufficiency Program under section 1148 of the Act, as added by section 
101(a) of Public Law 106-170. They also will carry out provisions of 
sections 101(d) and (e) of Public Law 106-170 relating to the 
implementation of that program and section 101(b) providing conforming 
amendments to the Act. One of SSA's most important initiatives is to 
assure that Social Security (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income 
(SSI) beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work have the 
opportunity to do so. Individuals with disabilities face multiple 
barriers in attempting to return to work. The Ticket to Work and Self-
Sufficiency Program, under section 1148 of the Act, removes such 
barriers by providing beneficiaries with disabilities with the 
opportunity to obtain rehabilitation, employment and support services 
from an approved vocational rehabilitation provider of their choice.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/28/00                    65 FR 82843

[[Page 26417]]

NPRM Comment Period End         02/26/01
Final Action                    04/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: 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

Geoffrey Funk, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9010

RIN: 0960-AF11
_______________________________________________________________________




3951. TITLE XVI, CROSS-PROGRAM RECOVERY (746F)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1320b-17

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final regulations deal with the recovery of 
overpayments under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. They 
will 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 will 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                            10/03/00                    65 FR 58970
Comment Period End              12/04/00
Final Action                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0960-AF13
_______________________________________________________________________




3952. 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                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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-AF14
_______________________________________________________________________




3953. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; PREHEARING AND POSTHEARING 
CONFERENCES (778F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.961; 20 CFR 416.1461

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules will amend our regulations that authorize 
an administrative law judge (ALJ) to hold a prehearing or posthearing 
conference to specify that certain attorney advisors in our Office of 
Hearings and Appeals (OHA) may hold formal prehearing or posthearing 
conferences when requested by an ALJ. We will also amend these 
regulations to include procedures to govern the informal developmental 
conferences that we may hold with claimants or their representatives.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/00                    65 FR 38796
NPRM Comment Period End         08/21/00
Final Action                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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-AF17
_______________________________________________________________________




3954. MEDICAL EQUIVALENCE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN (787I)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1526; 20 CFR 404.1529; 20 CFR 416.926; 20 CFR 
416.929

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 26418]]

Abstract: These interim final rules will clarify that a determination 
of medical equivalence will consider the severity of the individual's 
impairment, based on all relevant evidence in the case record. These 
rules will clarify our medical equivalence policy in light of the 
decision in Hickman v. Apfel, 187 F.3d 683 (7th Cir. 1999).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jane Deweib, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9878

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-AF19
_______________________________________________________________________




3955. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR FALSE OR 
MISLEADING STATEMENTS (784F)

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); 42 USC 1382 to 1382d; 42 USC 1382h; 
42 USC 1320a-8a; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.475; 20 CFR 416.1339

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 14, 2000.

Abstract: These final rules implement section 207 of Public Law 106-
169, which provides that SSA may impose a penalty on any person who 
knowingly makes, or causes to be made, a false or misleading statement 
or representation of a material fact for use in determining any initial 
or continuing right to or the amount of monthly insurance benefits 
under title II or benefits or payments under title XVI.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/10/00                    65 FR 42283
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/08/00
Final Action                    04/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gareth N. Dence, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Division of Payment Policy, Office of Program 
Benefits Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9872

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-AF20
_______________________________________________________________________




3956. SSI TRUSTS AND TRANSFERS OF RESOURCES (791I)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1382a(a); 42 USC 1382b(c)(f); 42 USC 1382b(e); 
PL 106-169, sec 205; PL 106-169, sec 206

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These interim final rules amend our regulations to reflect 
sections 205 and 206 of Public Law 106-169, the Foster Care 
Independence Act of 1999. Section 205 generally provides for counting 
certain trusts as resources in the SSI program. Section 206 generally 
provides for a period of ineligibility for SSI benefits as a result of 
transferring resources for less than fair market value.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kenneth A. Brown, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9772

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-AF22
_______________________________________________________________________




3957. CREDIT BUREAU REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSET FOR SSI 
OVERPAYMENTS (795F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC ch 37; Sec 1631(b) of the Social Security Act

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.590; 20 CFR 416.1403; 20 CFR 422.301; 20 CFR 
422.305

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to modify our regulations dealing with the 
recovery of SSI overpayments to reflect statutory authority for SSA to 
selectively refer information about SSI overpayments to consumer 
reporting agencies and to recover SSI overpayments through 
administrative offset by the Department of Treasury against other 
Federal payments to which the overpaid individual may be entitled. 
These collection practices would be limited to overpayments made to a 
person after he or she attained age 18 and would be used after the 
individual ceases to be an SSI beneficiary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/23/00                    65 FR 63221
NPRM Comment Period End         12/22/00
Final Action                    06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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-AF31

[[Page 26419]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3958. IMPLEMENTING THE REDESIGNED DISABILITY PROCESS (816F)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 301

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404; 20 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We plan to implement elements of the redesigned disability 
claims process that have been tested and found to further redesign 
goals. Specifically, we will revise the disability determination 
process by: (1) eliminating the reconsideration step of the appeals 
process; (2) enhancing the roles of the disability examiner and 
medical/psychological consultant to streamline the process and make 
more effective use of the doctor's knowledge and expertise; and (3) 
increasing claimant contact and explanation of the requirements for 
disability. We will implement the redesigned process in phases; the 
existing process will remain in effect for States that have not yet 
adopted the redesigned process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/19/01                     66 FR 5494
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/01
Final Action                    10/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Additional Information: RIN 0960-AE73 was merged into this regulation 
on August 14, 2000.

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

Phillip Landis, Director, Disability Process Redesign Staff, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7414

RIN: 0960-AF44
_______________________________________________________________________




3959. REVISIONS TO THE MEDICAL-VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES (823I)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will make several clarifications to our medical-
vocational guidelines. First, for individuals whose previous 
semiskilled or skilled work does not allow him or her to transfer 
skills to other semiskilled or skilled work within his or her residual 
functional capacity (RFC), we will treat the past work experience as if 
it were unskilled. It will also clarify that where an individual is 
limited to medium work, is closely approaching retirement and is 
illiterate in English or unable to communicate in English, we will find 
him or her disabled if he or she has no past work experience, or 
unskilled, semiskilled, or skilled past work experience, with no 
transferable skills to other semiskilled or skilled work within his or 
her RFC.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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-AF47
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3960. ELECTION OF BENEFITS BASED ON AGE BY DISABLED WIDOW, WIDOWER, AND 
SURVIVING DIVORCED SPOUSE BENEFICIARIES (343P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.336; 20 CFR 404.337

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to amend our regulations to permit the election of 
benefits based on age by widows, widowers and surviving divorced 
spouses (hereinafter, collectively widows) who are at least age 60 and 
who are already entitled to widow's benefits based on disability. This 
proposal would allow the widow to choose which of the two types of 
widow's benefits is more advantageous.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________




3961. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY, 
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM (436P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

[[Page 26420]]

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

Small Entities Affected: 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3962. COMPUTATION OF SSI BENEFITS FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF PAYMENT 
(476P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 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 is based is 
the first month of eligibility or reeligibility. 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: Lawrence V. Dudar, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Process and Innovation Management, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-5995

RIN: 0960-AD93
_______________________________________________________________________




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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 422(b); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 424a; 42 
USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 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

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) of 
the Act. We have found current regulations implementing section 
202(k)(2)(A) to be ambiguous. We propose to amend these regulations to 
reflect the longstanding SSA interpretation, rather than the 
interpretation adopted by the District Court in the Agee decision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0960-AD95
_______________________________________________________________________




3964. REPEAL OF FACILITY OF PAYMENT PROVISION (508P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 403

[[Page 26421]]

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 that 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 nonworking auxiliary resides in a separate household from the 
working auxiliary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE02
_______________________________________________________________________




3965. 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 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
1383(c); 42 USC 1383(d)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.903a (New); 20 CFR 416.1467; 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

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

Small Entities Affected: 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

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-AE11
_______________________________________________________________________




3966. 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

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 
and section 402(b) and (d) of Public Law 106-170, which modify and 
expand the prisoner nonpayment provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE16
_______________________________________________________________________




3967. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, OTHER NONPROFIT 
ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS (547F)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 31 USC 7505; 41 USC 403(11)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 435.000

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule will create a new part in the Code of Federal 
Regulations. The new part will provide standards in the administration 
of grants and agreements with institutions of higher education, 
hospitals, other nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations.
The Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994, 
enacted August 15, 1994, established SSA as an independent agency 
separate from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
effective March 31, 1995. To implement its own set of grants 
regulations, SSA proposes to codify almost verbatim the text of the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular Number A-110 ``Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions 
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.'' 
These regulations will establish SSA grants regulations, separate from 
the HHS regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/27/00                    65 FR 24767
NPRM Comment Period End         06/26/00
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

[[Page 26422]]

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-AE25
_______________________________________________________________________




3968. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3969. 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: 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-AE28
_______________________________________________________________________




3970. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3971. ELIMINATION OF ROUNDING DISTORTION IN THE CALCULATION OF THE 
CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT BASE AND EARNINGS TEST EXEMPT AMOUNTS (512F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

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.
This final rule reflects changes required by Public Law 106-182. The 
legislation eliminated the earnings test for persons above the normal 
retirement age.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE40
_______________________________________________________________________




3972. 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,

[[Page 26423]]

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

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

RIN: 0960-AE48
_______________________________________________________________________




3973. 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
_______________________________________________________________________




3974. 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                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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-AE59
_______________________________________________________________________




3975. 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.

[[Page 26424]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3976. 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 404.1242; 20 CFR 404.1243; 20 CFR 
404.1247; 20 CFR 404.1249; 20 CFR 404.1251; 20 CFR 404.1265; 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; ...

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, that 
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

Small Entities Affected: 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-AE69
_______________________________________________________________________




3977. 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 431.215; 20 CFR 431.220; 20 CFR 
431.225; 20 CFR 431.230; 20 CFR 431.235; 20 CFR 431.240; 20 CFR 
431.105; 20 CFR 431.110; 20 CFR 431.115; 20 CFR 431.120; 20 CFR 
431.125; 20 CFR 431.130; 20 CFR 431.135; 20 CFR 431.140; 20 CFR 
431.145; 20 CFR 431.150; 20 CFR 431.160; 20 CFR 431.200; 20 CFR 
431.205; 20 CFR 431.210

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3978. TECHNICAL CHANGES TO TITLE XVI (664F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 38 USC 1805(d)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1236; 20 CFR 416, subpart K, app

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending the SSI regulations by making technical 
changes to our rules on income and resources. These technical changes 
update lists of exclusions from income and resources under the SSI 
program that are based on statutes other than the Social Security Act 
and make additional technical changes.

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

Eric Ice, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security Administration, 
Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-3233

RIN: 0960-AE79
_______________________________________________________________________




3979. 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.

[[Page 26425]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

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

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-AE88
_______________________________________________________________________




3980. ASSIGNMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION NUMBERS (SSN) FOR 
NONWORK 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 published an advanced 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. We are still evaluating the public comments 
received.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           10/12/99                    64 FR 55217
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/13/99
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3981. CHANGE IN RETIREMENT AGE (775F)

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 415; 42 USC 416; 42 USC 422(b); 42 
USC 423; 42 USC 424a; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.201; 20 CFR 404.277; 20 CFR 404.304; 20 CFR 
404.310; 20 CFR 404.311; 20 CFR 404.312; 20 CFR 404.313; 20 CFR 
404.317; 20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.336; 20 CFR 404.337; 20 CFR 
404.338; 20 CFR 404.352; 20 CFR 404.409; 20 CFR 404.410; 20 CFR 
404.411; 20 CFR 404.412; 20 CFR 404.413; 20 CFR 404.421; 20 CFR 
404.621; 20 CFR 404.623; 20 CFR 404.762

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules amend our regulations to reflect section 
201 of Public Law 98-21, the Social Security amendments of 1983. 
Section 201 increases the retirement age for unreduced old-age, wife or 
husband and widow or widower benefits from age 65 to 67.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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-AF16
_______________________________________________________________________




3982. FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE; SUPPLEMENTAL 
SECURITY INCOME; DETERMINING DISABILITY AND BLINDNESS; REVISIONS TO THE 
GROWTH IMPAIRMENT LISTINGS (758P)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1505; 20 CFR 404.1520; 20 CFR 404.1525; 20 CFR 
404.1526; 20 CFR 416.905; 20 CFR 416.906; 20 CFR 416.920; 20 CFR 
416.924; 20 CFR 416.925; 20 CFR 416.926; 20 CFR 416.926a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document ask experts on growth impairments in children, 
and other interested members of the public, for comments on whether and 
how we should revise the growth impairment listings in our ``Listing of 
Impairments,'' in appendix 1 to subpart P of 20 CFR part 404 (the 
listings). The growth impairment listings contain the medical criteria 
we use to evaluate disability claims for children with linear growth 
impairments at the third step of our sequential evaluation of 
disability for children.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                06/14/00                    65 FR 37321
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 26426]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Regina Connell, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability, 3-A-9 Operations 
Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1891

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-AF18
_______________________________________________________________________




3983. EFFECTS OF BEING CONSIDERED A CHILD (793P)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1382c(f)(1)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1851

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed rules will restore nationwide uniformity on 
deeming of income and resources from a stepparent to an SSI eligible 
child. This action is being taken as a result of the decision in Florez 
on behalf of Wallace v. Callahan 156F.3d 438 (2d. Cir. 1998). A 
stepparent's income and resources will not be deemed to a child when 
the natural parent does not live in the same household as the 
stepparent and the child.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  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

Karen E. Kerwath, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Program Benefits, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9835

RIN: 0960-AF24
_______________________________________________________________________




3984. GENITO-URINARY MEDICAL LISTING (802P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) that we use to evaluate genito-urinary 
impairments. We apply these criteria at step three of our sequential 
evaluation processes for adults and children who claim Social Security 
or Supplemental Security Income benefits based on disability under 
title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act. The revisions 
reflect advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of 
evaluating digestgenito-urinary impairments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: 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-AF30
_______________________________________________________________________




3985. FILING CLAIMS UNDER THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT AND THE MILITARY 
PERSONNEL AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES CLAIMS ACT (785P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 3721

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 429.101 to 429.110; 20 CFR 429.201 to 429.211

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to establish a new subpart B in part 429 that 
would prescribe the procedures SSA follows when claims are filed by 
employees against SSA for personal property damage or loss incident to 
their service with SSA. We also propose to make corrections and 
clarifications to our current procedures and practices on claims 
against the government for damage to or loss of property or personal 
injury or death that is caused by the negligent or wrongful act or 
omission of an SSA employee.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Jonathan R. Cantor, General Attorney, Social Security 
Administration, General Law Division, Office of the General Counsel, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965-3166

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-AF39
_______________________________________________________________________




3986. EXCLUSION OF REPRESENTATIVES AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS CONVICTED 
OF VIOLATIONS FROM PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROGRAMS 
(820F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-169

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 498.105; 20 CFR 498.108; 20 CFR 498.110; 20 CFR 
498.129; 20 CFR 498.201; 20 CFR 498.202; 20 CFR 498.215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule would bar representatives and health care 
providers from participating in the Social Security disability programs 
if they are determined to have committed fraud. The bar would be 5 
years, 10 years, and permanent exclusion for the first, second, and 
third offenses respectively.

[[Page 26427]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Judy Ringle, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-6906

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-AF46
_______________________________________________________________________


SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3987. TESTIMONY BY EMPLOYEES AND THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS IN LEGAL 
PROCEEDINGS (732F)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 403

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/12/01                     66 FR 2805
Final Action Effective Date 
Postponed                       02/12/01                     66 FR 9763
Final Action Effective          04/13/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brad Howard
Phone: 410 966-1817

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE95
_______________________________________________________________________




3988. OASDI, AND SSI FOR THE AGED, BLIND AND DISABLED; SUBSTANTIAL 
GAINFUL ACTIVITY AMOUNTS; ``SERVICES'' FOR TRIAL WORK PERIOD PURPOSES--
MONTHLY AMOUNTS; STUDENT-EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (777F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1574; 20 CFR 404.1592; 20 CFR 416.974; 20 CFR 
1112

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/29/00                    65 FR 82905
Final Action Effective          01/29/01

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Ray Marzoli
Phone: 410 965-9826

RIN: 0960-AF12
[FR Doc. 01-5931 Filed 05-11-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-S
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