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


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Part XLV





Social Security Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 73820]]



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 (E.O.) 12866 (as amended by E.O. 13258) 
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 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 May 27, 2003.

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 Martin J. Sussman, Regulations Officer, Social 
Security Administration, 100 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401; Telephone (410) 965-1767 or TTY 
(410) 966-5609.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The Social Security Administration (SSA) 
administers the retirement, survivors, and disability insurance 
programs under title II of the Social Security Act (the Act), the 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program under title XVI of the Act, 
and Special Benefits to Certain World War II Veterans under title VIII 
of the Act. 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 
changes to improve SSA service to the public; and (3) improvements 
or clarifications to enhance 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 decision-makers. 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 include more provisions of ``The Ticket to Work and 
Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999,'' (Pub. L. 106-170), which 
was signed on December 17, 1999. Among the provisions still 
requiring regulations are provisions that will suspend continuing 
disability reviews based on work activity and expedited 
reinstatement of disability benefits terminated due to work 
activity. In addition, we expect to propose revisions to the 
existing rules that implement the Ticket to Work program.

     We continue to work diligently to improve our program benefit 
regulations and to develop partnerships with large segments of the 
community of interest groups concerned about Social Security 
programs. The remainder of our Unified Agenda reflects such 
improvements and clarifications.

     For this edition of SSA's regulatory agenda, the most 
important significant regulatory actions are included in The 
Regulatory Plan, which appears in part II of this issue of the 
Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are listed in the 
table of contents below and are denoted by a bracketed bold 
reference, which directs the reader to the appropriate sequence 
number in part II.

     The fall 2003 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Dated: September 12, 2003.

 Martin J. Sussman,

SSA Regulations Officer.

                               Social Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3859        Revised Medical Criteria for Endocrine Disorders (436P).............................    0960--AD78
3860        Supplemental Standards for Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security         0960--AE48
            Administration (601P)...............................................................
3861        Title VI (Civil Rights Act (1964)), Title IX (Education Amend. (1972)),                 0960--AE63
            Rehabilitation Act (1973), and Age Discrimination Act (1975) in Programs/Activities
            Receiving Financial Assistance by SSA (617P)........................................
3862        Enforcement of Nondiscrimination in Social Security Programs or Activities (661P)...    0960--AE78
3863        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (711P) (Reg Plan Seq No.     0960--AE88
            138)................................................................................
3864        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) (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 139)...................................................................
3865        Exemption of Work Activity as a Basis for a Continuing Disability Review (Ticket to     0960--AE93
            Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) (725P)............................
3866        Medical Equivalence for Adults and Children (787P)..................................    0960--AF19
3867        Expedited Reinstatement of Disability Benefits (Ticket to Work and Work Incentives      0960--AF21
            Improvement Act) (790P).............................................................
3868        SSI Trusts and Transfers of Resources (791P)........................................    0960--AF22
3869        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Genitourinary Disorders (802P)..............    0960--AF30
3870        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Special Senses and Speech Disorders (805P)..    0960--AF34

[[Page 73821]]

 
3871        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Neurological Disorders (806P)...............    0960--AF35
3872        Disability Insurance Program Demonstration Project Authority (Ticket to Work and        0960--AF41
            Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) (789P).....................................
3873        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Cardiovascular Disorders (826P).............    0960--AF48
3874        Determining Disability for an Individual With Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (851P)...    0960--AF57
3875        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Respiratory System Disorders (859P).........    0960--AF58
3876        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Growth Disorders (444P).....................    0960--AF67
3877        Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans; Reporting Requirements,             0960--AF72
            Suspension and Termination Events, Overpayments, and Administrative Review Process
            (922P)..............................................................................
3878        Representative Payment Under Titles II, VIII, and XVI of the Social Security Act        0960--AF83
            (949F) (Reg Plan Seq No. 140).......................................................
3879        Elimination of Clothing From the Definitions of Income and In--Kind Support and         0960--AF84
            Maintenance, Exclusions of One Automobile, and Household Goods and Personal Effects
            Under SSI From Resources (950P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 141)..............................
3880        Mandatory Exclusion of Health Care Providers, Representatives, and Representative       0960--AF85
            Payees From Participation in SSA Programs (954P)....................................
3881        Evidence Requirement for Assignment of Social Security Numbers (SSNs); Assignment of    0960--AF87
            SSNs to Foreign Students (960P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 142)..............................
3882        Amendments to the Ticket to Work and Self--Sufficiency Program (967P) (Reg Plan Seq     0960--AF89
            No. 143)............................................................................
3883        Elimination of Deemed Military Wages (968P).........................................    0960--AF90
3884        Elimination of Parent--to--Child Deeming for Individuals Who No Longer Meet the         0960--AF96
            Definition of Spouse of the Natural or Adoptive Parent (793P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 144)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                Social Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3885        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Malignant Neoplastic Diseases (399F)........    0960--AD67
3886        Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F)    0960--AE59
3887        Technical Changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Regulations (664F)..........    0960--AE79
3888        Administrative Wage Garnishment (To Repay a Debt Owed to the Social Security            0960--AE92
            Administration) (724F) (Reg Plan Seq No. 145).......................................
3889        OASDI and SSI; Administrative Review Process; Video Teleconferencing Appearances        0960--AE97
            Before Administrative Law Judges of the Social Security Administration (737F) (Reg
            Plan Seq No. 146)...................................................................
3890        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Impairments of the Digestive System (800F)      0960--AF28
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 147)..............................................................
3891        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Skin Disorders (801F).......................    0960--AF29
3892        Revised Medical Criteria of Evaluating Impairments Affecting Multiple Body Systems      0960--AF32
            (803F)..............................................................................
3893        Filing Claims Under the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Military Personnel and          0960--AF39
            Civilian Employees Claims Act (785F)................................................
3894        Revisions to the Medical--Vocational Guidelines (823P)..............................    0960--AF47
3895        Filing of Applications and Related Forms (797F).....................................    0960--AF52
3896        Payment of Benefits to Aliens Residing Outside the United States (909F).............    0960--AF70
3897        Referral of Persons Eligible for Disability or Blindness Benefits to Other Agencies     0960--AF80
            for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (929F).......................................
3898        Continuation of Benefit Payment to Certain Individuals Who Are Participating in a       0960--AF86
            Program of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Employment Services, or Other Support
            Services (925F) (Reg Plan Seq No. 148)..............................................
3899        Administrative Review Process; Incorporation by Reference of Oral Findings of Fact      0960--AF92
            and Rationale in Wholly Favorable Written Decisions (964I) (Reg Plan Seq No. 149)...
3900        Supplemental Security Income; Exclusion of Military Pay for Combat Service from         0960--AF97
            Deemed Income and Resources (978I)..................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 73822]]


                               Social Security Administration--Long--Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3901        Deeming of Income From an Ineligible Spouse to an Eligible Individual and an            0960--AE50
            Eligible Child (606P)...............................................................
3902        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Immune System Disorders (804P)..............    0960--AF33
3903        Wage Reports and Pension Information (809P).........................................    0960--AF38
3904        New Disability Claims Process--Roles of State Agency (816F).........................    0960--AF44
3905        Amendments to Annual Earnings Test Regulations (866F)...............................    0960--AF62
3906        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders (886P).....................    0960--AF69
3907        Stepchild Entitlement and Termination Requirements (934P)...........................    0960--AF78
3908        Interrelationship of Old--Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program with the     0960--AF82
            Railroad Retirement Program (943I)..................................................
3909        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Hematological Disorders (974P)..............    0960--AF88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Social Security Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3910        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of      0960--AE25
            Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Nonprofit Organizations, and Commercial
            Organizations (547F)................................................................
3911        Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide             0960--AE27
            Requirements for Drug--Free Workplace (Grants) (554F)...............................
3912        Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State      0960--AE28
            and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments (555F)..........................
3913        Restrictions on Lobbying in Connection with the Award of Grants, Contracts, and         0960--AE29
            Cooperative Agreements (556F).......................................................
3914        Evidence Requirements for Assignment of Social Security Administration Numbers          0960--AF05
            (SSNs); Assignment of SSNs for Nonwork Purposes (751F)..............................
3915        Clarification of Rules Involving RFC Assessments; Clarification of Use of Vocational    0960--AF37
            Experts and Other Sources of the Sequential Evaluation Process; Incorporation of
            ``Special Profile'' Into Regs (808F)................................................
3916        Access to Information Held by Financial Institutions (815F).........................    0960--AF43
3917        Clarification of the Disability Exclusion (915P)....................................    0960--AF71
3918        Claimant Identification Pilot Projects (937F).......................................    0960--AF79
3919        Elimination of Sanctions for Refusal of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Without      0960--AF81
            Good Cause (938F)...................................................................
3920        Availability of Information and Records to the Public (969F)........................    0960--AF91
3921        Extension of Expiration Date for Several Body Systems Listings (976F)...............    0960--AF93
3922        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (989F)........    0960--AF95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________




3859. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR ENDOCRINE DISORDERS (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 
endocrine impairments that are considered severe enough to prevent a 
person from doing any gainful activity, or in the case of a child 
claiming SSA payments under title XVI, that cause marked and severe 
functional limitations. We are proposing to revise the criteria in 
these sections to reflect advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and 
methods of evaluating endocrine impairments. The Supplemental Security 
Income Program incorporates and uses the same medical criteria as the 
Old--Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AD78

[[Page 73823]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3860. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (601P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC app, Ethics in Government Act of 1978; 5 USC 
7301; 5 USC 7353

CFR Citation: 5 CFR ch LXXXI (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Social Security Administration (SSA), with the 
concurrence of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), proposes to issue 
regulations for officers and employees of SSA that supplement the OGE 
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, 
which became effective February 3, 1993. The proposed rule specifies 
procedural and substantive requirements that are necessary to address 
ethical issues unique to SSA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/04

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

Richard M. Bresnick, Paralegal Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--1758

RIN: 0960-AE48
_______________________________________________________________________




3861. TITLE VI (CIVIL RIGHTS ACT (1964)), TITLE IX (EDUCATION AMEND. 
(1972)), REHABILITATION ACT (1973), AND AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT (1975) IN 
PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY SSA (617P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 20 USC 1681; 29 USC 794; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
2000d; 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 Social Security Independence and Program 
Improvements Act (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, 86, 
and 91. These SSA regulations reflect changes necessary to adapt the 
HHS regulations to SSA procedures. Upon SSA's rules becoming final 
regulations, the HHS regulations will cease to have application to SSA 
in accordance with section 106(b) of SSIPIA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Eileen Inglesby--Houghton, Attorney, Social Security 
Administration, Office of the General Counsel, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--4816

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

RIN: 0960-AE63
_______________________________________________________________________




3862. ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS OR 
ACTIVITIES (661P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 29 USC 794; 42 USC 902

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 432

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                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AE78
_______________________________________________________________________




3863. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION (711P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 138 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE88
_______________________________________________________________________




3864. FEDERAL SALARY OFFSET (WITHHOLDING A PORTION OF A FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEE'S SALARY TO COLLECT A DELINQUENT DEBT OWED TO THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (721P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 139 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE89
_______________________________________________________________________




3865. EXEMPTION OF WORK ACTIVITY AS A BASIS FOR A CONTINUING DISABILITY 
REVIEW (TICKET TO WORK AND WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999) 
(725P)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 421(m)

[[Page 73824]]

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.903; 20 CFR 404.1574; 20 CFR 404.1575; 20 CFR 
404.1590; 20 CFR 404.1594; 20 CFR 416.990; 20 CFR 416.994; 20 CFR 
416.1403

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing to amend our regulations to explain how we 
will implement section 221(m) of the Social Security Act (the Act). 
Section 221(m) affects our rules for when we will conduct a continuing 
disability review if a beneficiary works and receives benefits under 
title II of the Act based on disability. (We interpret this section to 
include beneficiaries who receive both title II disability benefits and 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments based on disability.) It 
also affects the way we evaluate work activity when deciding if a 
beneficiary has engaged in substantial gainful activity, and affects 
the standards we use when we determine whether disabiltiy continues or 
ends.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kristine Erwin--Tribbitt, Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--3353

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

RIN: 0960-AE93
_______________________________________________________________________




3866. MEDICAL EQUIVALENCE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN (787P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1525; 20 CFR 404.1526; 20 CFR 404.1527; 20 CFR 
404.1529; 20 CFR 416.925; 20 CFR 416.926; 20 CFR 416.926a; 20 CFR 
416.927; 20 CFR 416.929

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This notice of proposed rulemaking will clarify that we will 
consider the medical severity of the individual's impairment, based on 
all relevant evidence in the case record when we make a finding 
regarding medical equivalence. 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

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

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 Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--9878

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF19
_______________________________________________________________________




3867. EXPEDITED REINSTATEMENT OF DISABILITY BENEFITS (TICKET TO WORK AND 
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT) (790P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 423(i); 42 USC 1383(p)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1592b to 404.1592f; 20 CFR 416.999 to 416.999d

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: 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 of 
termination because his or her disability prevents work activity. 
Section 112 also provides for payment of provisional benefits for up to 
six months until SSA makes a determination on the requester's 
entitlement to reinstated benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Nelson, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966--5114

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

RIN: 0960-AF21
_______________________________________________________________________




3868. SSI TRUSTS AND TRANSFERS OF RESOURCES (791P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to 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

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Albert Fatur, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--9855

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security

[[Page 73825]]

Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF22
_______________________________________________________________________




3869. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING GENITOURINARY DISORDERS 
(802P)

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: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) that we use to evaluate genitourinary 
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 genitourinary impairments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paul J. Scott, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Bouleveard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 966--1192

RIN: 0960-AF30
_______________________________________________________________________




3870. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING SPECIAL SENSES AND SPEECH 
DISORDERS (805P)

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: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments that we use to evaluate claims involving special senses and 
speech disorders. We apply these criteria when you claim benefits based 
on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act. 
The proposed revisions reflect advances in medical knowledge, 
treatment, and methods of evaluating special senses and speech 
disorders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF34
_______________________________________________________________________




3871. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS 
(806P)

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: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the listings) that we use to evaluate claims involving 
neurological disorders at the third step of our sequential evaluation 
processes for adults and children 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 neurological 
disorders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0960-AF35
_______________________________________________________________________




3872. DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AUTHORITY 
(TICKET TO WORK AND WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999) (789P)

Priority: Other Significant

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 ensure that 
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries with 
disabilities who want to work have the opportunity to do so. Section 
301 of Public Law 106--170 provides 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                            04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF41

[[Page 73826]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3873. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS 
(826P)

Priority: Other Significant

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: Listings 4.00 and 104.00 of appendix 1 to subpart P of our 
regulation (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 cause marked and severe functional 
limitations. We propose to revise the criteria that we use to evaluate 
cardiovascular impairments under the listings to reflect our program 
experience and advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of 
evaluating these disorders. 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                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0960-AF48
_______________________________________________________________________




3874. DETERMINING DISABILITY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DRUG ADDICTION OR 
ALCOHOLISM (851P)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 104--121, sec 105; PL 105--33, sec 5525; PL 106--
170, sec 401

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.315; 20 CFR 404.316; 20 CFR 404.321; 20 CFR 
404.332; 20 CFR 404.335; 20 CFR 404.337; 20 CFR 404.350; 20 CFR 
404.352; 20 CFR 404.402; 20 CFR 404.470; 20 CFR 404.480; 20 CFR 
404.902; 20 CFR 404.1505; 20 CFR 404.1535 TO 404.1541; 20 CFR 404.1500, 
app 1; 20 CFR 416.101; 20 CFR 416.202; 20 CFR 416.214; 20 CFR 416.262; 
20 CFR 416.265; 20 CFR 416.535; 20 CFR 416.542; 20 CFR 416.544; 20 CFR 
416.558; 20 CFR 416.601; 20 CFR 416.610; 20 CFR 416.925; 20 CFR 416.935 
to 416.941; 20 CFR 416.1123; 20 CFR 416.1326; 20 CFR 416.1331; 20 CFR 
416.1402; 20 CFR 416.1701; 20 CFR 416.1720; 20 CFR 416.1725

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations that address drug 
addiction and alcoholism (DAA) under title II and XVI of the Social 
Security Act. The proposed rules reflect provisions of section 105 of 
the Contract with America Advancement Act of 1996, Public Law 104--121; 
section 5525 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105--33; 
and section 401 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement 
Act of 1999, Public Law 106--170.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Larry P. Spain, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--9139

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

RIN: 0960-AF57
_______________________________________________________________________




3875. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING RESPIRATORY SYSTEM 
DISORDERS (859P)

Priority: Other Significant

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: We propose to revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments that we use to evaluate claims involving respiratory system 
disorders. The proposed revisions reflect advances in medical 
knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating respiratory disorders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF58
_______________________________________________________________________




3876. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING GROWTH DISORDERS (444P)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1302; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1; 20 CFR 416 subpart I

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 100.00 of part B of appendix 1 to subpart P of part 
404 of the Disability Regulations describes growth impairments 
considered severe enough to cause marked and severe functional 
limitations in a child under age 18. We are proposing revisions to the 
growth impairment listings. The revisions contained in these 
regulations reflect advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and 
methods of evaluating growth impairments. The Supplemental Security 
Income program incorporates and uses the same medical criteria as the 
Old--Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program.

[[Page 73827]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF67
_______________________________________________________________________




3877. SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN WORLD WAR II VETERANS; REPORTING 
REQUIREMENTS, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION EVENTS, OVERPAYMENTS, AND 
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS (922P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 3720A; 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 1001 to 1013; 
42 USC 1104; 42 USC 1106; 42 USC 1320a--8a

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.401; 20 CFR 408.101; 20 CFR 408.701; 20 CFR 
408.704; 20 CFR 408.708; 20 CFR 408.710; 20 CFR 408.712; 20 CFR 
408.714; 20 CFR 408.801 to 408.809; 20 CFR 408.810; 20 CFR 408.812; 20 
CFR 408.814; 20 CFR 408.816; 20 CFR 408.818; 20 CFR 408.820; 20 CFR 
408.900 to 408.905; 20 CFR 408.910 to 408.915; 20 CFR 408.918; 20 CFR 
408.920; 20 CFR 408.922; 20 CFR 408.923; 20 CFR 408.930 to 408.933; 20 
CFR 408.940 to 408.946; 20 CFR 408.950; 20 CFR 408.1000 to 408.1007; 20 
CFR 408.1009; 20 CFR 408.1011; 20 CFR 408.1013 to 408.1016; 20 CFR 
408.1020 to 408.1022; 20 CFR 408.1040; 20 CFR 408.1045; 20 CFR 
408.1050; 20 CFR 408.1060; 20 CFR 408.1070; 20 CFR 408.1101; 20 CFR 
408.1201; 20 CFR 408.1205; 20 CFR 408.1210; 20 CFR 408.1215; 20 CFR 
408.1220; 20 CFR 408.1225; 20 CFR 408.1226; 20 CFR 408.1230; 20 CFR 
408.1235; 20 CFR 416.570

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to add six additional subchapters to part 408 
(proposed) of our regulations. The title VIII program provides monthly 
benefits to certain World War II veterans who were previously eligible 
for supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Act 
and reside outside the United States. These additional subparts would 
codify the title VIII requirements on reporting responsibilities, 
suspension and termination events, overpayment and underpayment 
policies, and the administrative review process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/05/03                    68 FR 62670
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/04

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 Regulations, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF72
_______________________________________________________________________




3878. REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT UNDER TITLES II, VIII, AND XVI OF THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ACT (949F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 140 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF83
_______________________________________________________________________




3879. ELIMINATION OF CLOTHING FROM THE DEFINITIONS OF INCOME AND IN--
KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE, EXCLUSIONS OF ONE AUTOMOBILE, AND 
HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS UNDER SSI FROM RESOURCES (950P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 141 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF84
_______________________________________________________________________




3880. MANDATORY EXCLUSION OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND 
REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES FROM PARTICIPATION IN SSA PROGRAMS (954P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106--169, sec 208; 42 USC 1320b--6

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1503b; 20 CFR 416.903b

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would exclude representatives and health 
care providers who are convicted of violating certain criminal statutes 
involving fraud and other matters in the title II or title XVI programs 
administered by SSA, or who are assessed a civil monetary penalty for 
making false or misleading statements related to such programs, from 
participation in those programs. The minimum exclusion period is five 
years, but exclusions can be permanent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF85
_______________________________________________________________________




3881. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENT FOR ASSIGNMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS 
(SSNS); ASSIGNMENT OF SSNS TO FOREIGN STUDENTS (960P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 142 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF87
_______________________________________________________________________




3882. AMENDMENTS TO THE TICKET TO WORK AND SELF--SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM 
(967P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 143 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF89

[[Page 73828]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3883. ELIMINATION OF DEEMED MILITARY WAGES (968P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107--117

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to reflect a provision 
in Public Law 107--117 that eliminates deemed military service wage 
credits for members of the uniformed services for all years after 
calendar year 2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gareth N. Dence, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--9872

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF90
_______________________________________________________________________




3884. [bull] ELIMINATION OF PARENT--TO--CHILD DEEMING FOR INDIVIDUALS 
WHO NO LONGER MEET THE DEFINITION OF SPOUSE OF THE NATURAL OR ADOPTIVE 
PARENT (793P)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 144 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF96
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________




3885. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC 
DISEASES (399F)

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 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 revising 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                            11/27/01                    66 FR 59305
NPRM Comment Period End         01/28/02
NPRM Comment Period End Extended04/18/02                    67 FR 19138
Final Action                    06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0960-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________




3886. 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; 20 CFR 
416.1210; 20 CFR 416.1247

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996, Final.
Interim Final Rules were published on December 20, 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 that 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                    06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

RIN: 0960-AE59

[[Page 73829]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3887. TECHNICAL CHANGES TO SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) 
REGULATIONS (664F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

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                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Eric Ice, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 966--3233

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AE79
_______________________________________________________________________




3888. ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE GARNISHMENT (TO REPAY A DEBT OWED TO THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (724F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 145 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE92
_______________________________________________________________________




3889. OASDI AND SSI; ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; VIDEO 
TELECONFERENCING APPEARANCES BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES OF THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (737F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 146 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AE97
_______________________________________________________________________




3890. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING IMPAIRMENTS OF THE 
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (800F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 147 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF28
_______________________________________________________________________




3891. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING SKIN DISORDERS (801F)

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: This final rule will revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) we use for evaluating skin disorders in 
adults and to introduce corresponding medical criteria for evaluating 
skin disorders in children. We will revise the skin listings to ensure 
that the medical evaluation criteria are up--to--date and consistent 
and that the latest advances in medical knowledge and treatment are 
included.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/10/01                    66 FR 63634
NPRM Comment Period End         02/08/02
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Torkas, Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--1744

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

RIN: 0960-AF29
_______________________________________________________________________




3892. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA OF EVALUATING IMPAIRMENTS AFFECTING 
MULTIPLE BODY SYSTEMS (803F)

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: These final rules revise the criteria in the Listing of 
Impairments that we use to evaluate claims involving impairments 
affecting multiple body systems. We apply these criteria when you claim 
benefits based on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social 
Security Act. The proposed revisions reflect current medical knowledge, 
treatment, and methods of evaluating impairments affecting multiple 
body systems.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/23/02                    67 FR 78196
NPRM Comment Period End         02/21/03
Final Action                    02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Arden, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--9098

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

RIN: 0960-AF32
_______________________________________________________________________




3893. FILING CLAIMS UNDER THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT AND THE MILITARY 
PERSONNEL AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES CLAIMS ACT (785F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 28 USC 2672; 31 USC 3721; 42 USC 905(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 429.101 to 429.110; 20 CFR 429.201 to 429.211; 28 
CFR 14

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 73830]]

Abstract: These final rules will establish a new subpart B in part 429 
that will 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 will also 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                            12/20/02                    67 FR 77942
NPRM Comment Period End         02/18/03
Final Action                    02/00/04

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 Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF39
_______________________________________________________________________




3894. REVISIONS TO THE MEDICAL--VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES (823P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 
902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404, subpart P, app 2; 20 CFR 404.1564; 20 CFR 
416.964

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 which medical--vocational rules 
apply to individuals who are illiterate or unable to communicate in 
English.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/07/03                    68 FR 40213
NPRM Comment Period End         09/05/03
Final Action                    03/00/04

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 Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966--6356

RIN: 0960-AF47
_______________________________________________________________________




3895. FILING OF APPLICATIONS AND RELATED FORMS (797F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402(i); 42 USC 402(j); 42 USC 402(o); 42 USC 
402(p); 42 USC 402(r); 42 USC 405; 42 USC 416(i)(2); 42 USC 423(b); 42 
USC 428(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.610; 20 CFR 404.611; 20 CFR 422.505

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule includes language that explains the Internet 
applications completed on SSA's website and submitted to SSA are 
prescribed applications for filing for social security benefits. It 
incorporates an explanation that once SSA has an approved electronic 
signature method in place, the signature method will be included as 
part of the Internet application process and will be required for the 
applications.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/17/01                    66 FR 43136
NPRM Comment Period End         10/16/01
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Saundra Robinson, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--4327

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

RIN: 0960-AF52
_______________________________________________________________________




3896. PAYMENT OF BENEFITS TO ALIENS RESIDING OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES 
(909F)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.460

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are revising our rules to remove Democratic Kampuchea (now 
Cambodia) and Vietnam from the list of countries to which social 
security benefits individuals residing in those countries who are not 
U.S. citizens or nationals, may not be sent to under Department of the 
Treasury (Treasury) restrictions. The removal of the Treasury 
restrictions on benefit payments to individuals in these countries 
permits payments to accrue for affected individuals who are entitled to 
title II benefits for months in which they reside in either Cambodia or 
Vietnam provided they are not subject to other nonpayment provisions 
for those months. The revisions are necessary to reflect that the 
Treasury has published regulations that have removed restrictions, 
under 31 USC 123, on sending Federal payments to payees living in 
Cambodia or Vietnam.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/03

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

[[Page 73831]]

Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF70
_______________________________________________________________________




3897. REFERRAL OF PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY OR BLINDNESS BENEFITS 
TO OTHER AGENCIES FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (929F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106--170

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1630; 20 CFR 404.2101 to 404.2109; 20 CFR 
404.2111; 20 CFR 404.2112; 20 CFR 404.2114 to 404.2127; 20 CFR 416.101; 
20 CFR 416.1030; 20 CFR 416.1701; 20 CFR 416.1710; 20 CFR 416.2201; 20 
CFR 416.2202; 20 CFR 416.2204; 20 CFR 416.2209; 20 CFR 416.2211 to 
416.2227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are revising our regulations pertaining to the requirement 
to refer for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services those individuals 
who filed for disability benefits, thereby conforming them to 
provisions in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 
1999. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 
repealed the VR referral requirement effective with January 1, 2001, in 
States in which the Ticket to Work and Self--Sufficiency program has 
been implemented. In States in which we have implemented the Ticket to 
Work program, we are no longer referring beneficiaries eligible for 
disability benefits to State vocational rehabilitation agencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Melvin Winer, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--9175

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

RIN: 0960-AF80
_______________________________________________________________________




3898. CONTINUATION OF BENEFIT PAYMENT TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE 
PARTICIPATING IN A PROGRAM OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES, 
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, OR OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES (925F)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 148 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF86
_______________________________________________________________________




3899. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF ORAL 
FINDINGS OF FACT AND RATIONALE IN WHOLLY FAVORABLE WRITTEN DECISIONS 
(964I)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 149 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.

RIN: 0960-AF92
_______________________________________________________________________




3900. [bull] SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME; EXCLUSION OF MILITARY PAY FOR 
COMBAT SERVICE FROM DEEMED INCOME AND RESOURCES (978I)

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

Legal Authority: Sec 1612(b) of the Social Security Act; Sec 1614(f) of 
the Social Security Act

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1161; 20 CFR 416.1202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These interim final rules provide for excluding additional 
military pay for combat service from countable income and resources 
when we determine the eligibility of children and spouses of military 
personnel for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The exclusions ensure 
that the SSI benefits of children and spouses of military personnel are 
not adversely affected by the deployment of their family members to a 
combat zone.
Under these rules, in determining an individual's eligibility for SSI, 
we would not count the following types of income of an ineligible 
parent or spouse:
Any additional increment in pay, other than any increase in basic pay, 
received while serving as a member of the uniformed services, if--
1. The spouse or parent received the pay as a result of deployment to 
or while serving in a combat zone; and
2. The spouse or parent was not receiving the additional pay 
immediately prior to deployment to or service in a combat zone.
Under these rules, we also would exclude from deemed resources for nine 
months following the month of receipt, the unspent portion of any 
retroactive payment of:
1. Special pay (hostile fire and imminent danger pay) received by the 
ineligible spouse or ineligible parent from one of the uniformed 
services pursuant to 37 USC 310; and
2. Family separation allowance received by the ineligible spouse or 
ineligible parent from one of the uniformed services pursuant to 37 USC 
427 as a result of deployment to or while serving in a combat zone.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF97

[[Page 73832]]

_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions






_______________________________________________________________________




3901. 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 1382b; 42 USC 1382c(f); 42 USC 1382j; 42 USC 1383

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1160; 20 CFR 416.1165; 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: Martin J. Sussman, Social Security Administration, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--1767

RIN: 0960-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________




3902. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS 
(804P)

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: We are planning to update and revise the rules that we use to 
evaluate immune system disorders of adults and children who apply for, 
or receive, disability benefits under title II and Supplemental 
Security Income (SSI) payments based on disability under title XVI of 
the Social Security Act (the Act). The rules we plan on revising are 
sections 14.00 and 114.00 in the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 
to subpart P of part 404 of our regulations (the listings). These 
listings include such disorders as HIV infection, other Immunoglobulin 
deficiency syndromes or deficiencies of cell--mediated immunity, System 
Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma, Polymyositis, Inflammatory Arthritis, 
and other connective tissue disorders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/09/03                    68 FR 24896
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/08/03
NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paul J. Scott, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Bouleveard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 966--1192

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

RIN: 0960-AF33
_______________________________________________________________________




3903. WAGE REPORTS AND PENSION INFORMATION (809P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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 (paper Forms W--2, ``Wage and 
Tax Statement,'' and W--3 ``Transmittal of Income and Tax Statements,'' 
or equivalent W--2 and W--3 magnetic media or electronic reports) 
submitted annually by employers. We are proposing to eliminate the 
acceptance level for wage reports with unidentified or incorrectly 
identified wage items. We are proposing to include electronic filing as 
a means of wage reporting. Also, we propose replacing references to 
obsolete technical instruction bulletins with Magnetic Media Reporting 
and Electronic Filing instructions. We have updated form names and 
updated the address for obtaining a publication. These rules are 
intended to ensure that wages are reported to SSA with accurate 
information so that earnings can be properly credited to employees' 
Social Security records.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF38
_______________________________________________________________________




3904. NEW DISABILITY CLAIMS PROCESS--ROLES OF STATE AGENCY (816F)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1512; 20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 404.1526; 20 CFR 
404.1527; 20 CFR 404.1529; 20 CFR 404.1546; 20 CFR 404.1615; 20 CFR 
404.1616; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 416.913; 20 CFR 416.926; 20 CFR 
416.927; 20 CFR 416.929; 20 CFR 416.946; 20 CFR 416.1015; 20 CFR 
416.1016

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We plan to revise our regulations that pertain to the 
processing of initial claims for disability benefits under title II and 
title XVI of the Social Security Act at the initial and reconsideration 
steps of the administrative review process. Under these final rules, 
certain State agency disability examiners, familiarly called ``single 
decisionmakers,'' will be responsible for the disability determinations 
in many initial claims for disability benefits. However, they will be 
able to ask for advice from State

[[Page 73833]]

agency medical or psychological consultants when they decide they need 
it. We also plan to review other rules to reflect these changes, 
including our rules about how we decide whether a person's 
impairment(s) medically equals a listing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/19/01                     66 FR 5494
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/01
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Susan Grier, Social Security Administration, Office of 
Disability Determinations, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 966--5005

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF44
_______________________________________________________________________




3905. AMENDMENTS TO ANNUAL EARNINGS TEST REGULATIONS (866F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 403; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 405(a); 
42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 USC 
902(a)(5); PL 106--182

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.415; 20 CFR 404.416

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Senior Citizen's Freedom to Work Act of 2000, enacted on 
April 7, 2000, eliminates the annual earnings test for beneficiaries, 
starting from the month in which they reach full retirement age.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/25/03                    68 FR 50985
NPRM Comment Period End         10/24/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

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 Regulations, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--1769

RIN: 0960-AF62
_______________________________________________________________________




3906. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS (886P)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1; 20 CFR 404.1520; 20 CFR 
404.1520a; 20 CFR 404.1528; 20 CFR 416.920a; 20 CFR 416.928

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are planning to update and revise the rules that we use to 
evaluate mental disorders of adults and children who apply for, or 
receive, disability benefits under title II and Supplemental Security 
Income (SSI) payments based on disability under title XVI of the Social 
Security Act (the Act). The rules we plan on revising are in sections 
404.1520a and 416.920a of our regulations, and sections 12.00 and 
112.00 in the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 to subpart P of part 
404 of our regulations (the listings).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/17/03                    68 FR 12639
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/16/03
NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Cathy Lively, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 966--1180

RIN: 0960-AF69
_______________________________________________________________________




3907. STEPCHILD ENTITLEMENT AND TERMINATION REQUIREMENTS (934P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a); 42 USC 403(b); 42 USC 
405(a); 42 USC 416; 42 USC 423; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 428(a) to 428(e); 42 
USC 902(a)(5)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.339; 20 CFR 404.352; 20 CFR 404.363; 42 CFR 
404.364

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: SSA proposes to amend its regulations to incorporate the 
changes to the entitlement and termination requirements for stepchild's 
benefits introduced by the Contract with America Advancement Act of 
1996. The statutory changes allow a stepchild to be considered 
dependent upon an insured stepparent for purposes of entitlement to 
benefits as a stepchild, only if he or she is receiving at least one--
half support from the insured person (stepparent). The changes also 
require benefit termination when the stepchild's natural parent and the 
insured stepparent divorce. We propose to extend the termination 
requirement to include: (1) a divorce that ends the marriage between a 
stepchild's adoptive parent and the insured stepparent; and (2) a 
prospective annulment that ends the marriage between a stepchild's 
natural or adoptive parent and the stepparent. We also propose to 
include in the regulations our longstanding policy that a stepchild's 
benefits are terminated when the marriage between the stepchild's 
parent and the stepparent is annulled from the beginning (ab initio). 
These proposed rules also correct a cross--reference affecting 
entitlement to mother's or father's benefits, and reintroduce an 
inadvertently deleted definition concerning dependency determinations 
for grandchildren and stepgrandchildren born during the one--year 
support period relevant to a child's entitlement on the basis of those 
relationships to insured persons. These rules will reflect enacted 
legislation and provide accurate and complete guidelines for 
determining entitlement to benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/12/03                    68 FR 47877
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

[[Page 73834]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sherry Pollack, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--7915

RIN: 0960-AF78
_______________________________________________________________________




3908. INTERRELATIONSHIP OF OLD--AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE 
PROGRAM WITH THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT PROGRAM (943I)

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: PL 107--90, sec 103; 42 USC 405(i); 45 USC 231(a) to 
231(e); 45 USC 231(l); 45 USC 231(q); 45 USC 231(r)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1401; 20 CFR 404.1402; 20 CFR 404.1404; 20 CFR 
404.1405; 20 CFR 404.1413

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These interim final rules implement section 103 of the 
Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001, which 
established an alternative railroad annuity vesting requirement for 
certain categories of individuals. Under the alternative provision, 
affected railroad workers with 5 or more years of service (but less 
than 10) become vested under the Railroad Retirement Act provided all 
of those years of service accrued after December 31, 1995. The 
provision was effective on January 1, 2002.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marylin Buster, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--5555

Robert J. Augustine, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235--6401
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AF82
_______________________________________________________________________




3909. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS 
(974P)

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) of 
appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of our regulations (404.1501 
through 404.1599) describe hematological disorders that are considered 
severe enough to prevent a person from doing any gainful activity, or 
for a child claiming SSI payments under title XVI, which causes marked 
and severe functional limitation. We are proposing to revise 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                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF88
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                  Completed Actions






_______________________________________________________________________




3910. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, OTHER NONPROFIT 
ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS (547F)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 435.000

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/27/03                    68 FR 28710
Final Action Effective          05/27/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AE25
_______________________________________________________________________




3911. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG--FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) (554F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 436.000; 20 CFR 439.000

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/26/03                    68 FR 66533

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AE27

[[Page 73835]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3912. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE 
AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS 
(555F)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 437.000

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/27/03                    68 FR 28727
Final Action Effective          05/27/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AE28
_______________________________________________________________________




3913. RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING IN CONNECTION WITH THE AWARD OF GRANTS, 
CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS (556F)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 438.000

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/27/03                    68 FR 28744
Final Action Effective          05/27/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Augustine
Phone: 410 965--0020

RIN: 0960-AE29
_______________________________________________________________________




3914. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSIGNMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY 
ADMINISTRATION NUMBERS (SSNS); ASSIGNMENT OF SSNS FOR NONWORK PURPOSES 
(751F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.104; 20 CFR 422.107

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      09/25/03                    68 FR 55304
Final Rule Effective            10/27/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Arthur LaVeck
Phone: 410 966--5665

Karen Cool
Phone: 410 966--7094

Fran O. Thomas
Phone: 410 966--9822

RIN: 0960-AF05
_______________________________________________________________________




3915. CLARIFICATION OF RULES INVOLVING RFC ASSESSMENTS; CLARIFICATION OF 
USE OF VOCATIONAL EXPERTS AND OTHER SOURCES OF THE SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION 
PROCESS; INCORPORATION OF ``SPECIAL PROFILE'' INTO REGS (808F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1501; 20 CFR 404.1505; 20 CFR 404.1512; 20 CFR 
404.1520; 20 CFR 404.1545; 20 CFR 404.1546; 20 CFR 404.1560; 20 CFR 
404.1561; 20 CFR 404.1563; 20 CFR 404.1569a; 20 CFR 404.1594; 20 CFR 
416.901; 20 CFR 416.905; 20 CFR 416.912; 20 CFR 416.920; 20 CFR 
416.945; 20 CFR 416.946; 20 CFR 416.960 to 416.963; 20 CFR 416.969a; 20 
CFR 416.994

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/26/03                    68 FR 51153
Final Action Effective          09/25/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965--1769

RIN: 0960-AF37
_______________________________________________________________________




3916. ACCESS TO INFORMATION HELD BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (815F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.200; 20 CFR 416.207; 20 CFR 416.421; 20 CFR 
416.640; 20 CFR 416.1231; 20 CFR 416.1242; 20 CFR 416.1245; 20 CFR 
416.1247; 20 CFR 416.1320; 20 CFR 416.1321; 20 CFR 416.1335; 20 CFR 
416.1337; 20 CFR 416.1618

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/11/03                    68 FR 53506
Final Action Effective          10/14/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Eric Ice
Phone: 410 966--3233

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965--1769

RIN: 0960-AF43
_______________________________________________________________________




3917. CLARIFICATION OF THE DISABILITY EXCLUSION (915P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.130(f); 20 CFR 404.211(b)(2); 20 CFR 
404.211(e)(1); 20 CFR 404.320(a)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/05/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ines Riley
Phone: 410 965--4138

Fran O. Thomas
Phone: 410 966--9822

RIN: 0960-AF71
_______________________________________________________________________




3918. CLAIMANT IDENTIFICATION PILOT PROJECTS (937F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.617 (New); 20 CFR 416.217 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/01/03                    68 FR 23192
Final Action Effective          05/31/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965--1769

RIN: 0960-AF79
_______________________________________________________________________




3919. ELIMINATION OF SANCTIONS FOR REFUSAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 
SERVICES WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE (938F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.401; 20 CFR 404.402; 20 CFR 404.412; 20 CFR 
404.421 to 404.423; 20 CFR 404.425; 20 CFR 404.435 to 404.437; 20 CFR 
404.458; 20 CFR 404.902; 20 CFR 404.1596; 20 CFR 404.2101 to 2103; 20

[[Page 73836]]

CFR 404.2109; 20 CFR 404.2113; 20 CFR 404.2116; 20 CFR 404.2117; 20 CFR 
416.213; 20 CFR 416.708; 20 CFR 416.1701; 20 CFR 416.1715; 20 CFR 
416.2040; 20 CFR 416.2201 to 416.2203; 20 CFR 416.2209; 20 CFR 
416.2213; 20 CFR 416.2216; 20 CFR 416.2217

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/07/03                    68 FR 40119
Final Action Effective          07/07/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Melvin Winer
Phone: 410 965--9175

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965--1769

RIN: 0960-AF81
_______________________________________________________________________




3920. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS TO THE PUBLIC (969F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 402.125; 20 CFR 402.135; 20 CFR 402.180; 20 CFR 
402.190; 20 CFR 402.195

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/22/03                    68 FR 60294
Final Action Effective          10/22/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ethel Burrows
Phone: 410 965--3948

Fran O. Thomas
Phone: 410 966--9822

RIN: 0960-AF91
_______________________________________________________________________




3921. [bull] EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATE FOR SEVERAL BODY SYSTEMS 
LISTINGS (976F)

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

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We adjudicate claims at the third step of our sequential 
evaluation process for evaluating disability using the Listing of 
Impairments (the Listings) under the Social Security and Supplemental 
Security Income (SSI) programs. This final rule extends until July 1, 
2005, the date on which several body system listings will no longer be 
effective.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/20/03                    68 FR 36911
Final Action Effective          06/20/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Nancy Torkas, Policy Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--1744

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

RIN: 0960-AF93
_______________________________________________________________________




3922. [bull] REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL 
SCLEROSIS (989F)

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

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1; 20 CFR 416.934

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are revising the criteria in the Listing of Impairments 
(the listings) that we use to evaluate amyotrophic lateral sclereosis 
(ALS). We apply these criteria when you claim benefits based on 
disability under title II or title XVI of the Social Security Act (the 
Act). The revision provides that we will find you disabled if you have 
medical evidence showing that you have ALS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/28/03                    68 FR 51689
Final Action Effective          08/28/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Martin J. Sussman, Social Security Administration, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 965--1767

RIN: 0960-AF95
[FR Doc. 03-24043 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-S
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