[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 XLIII





Social Security Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 74098]]



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 April 24, 2006.

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 Gregory Zwitch, Regulations Officer, Social 
Security Administration, 100 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401; Telephone (410) 965-1887 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 decisionmakers. Supporting regulations are 
often required. In some instances, Congress directs SSA to issue 
implementing regulations. For other legislative provisions, SSA 
regulations provide program information to applicants for benefits, 
current beneficiaries, and their legal counsels.

     Our regulatory agenda includes items to amend our regulations 
to reflect the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and 
Modernization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-173). We are also planning 
regulatory changes to reflect provisions of the Social Security 
Protection Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-203).

     Included in our agenda are items that will amend our Ticket to 
Work regulations originally published in December 2001. The 
proposed rules, published in September 2005, would expand 
beneficiary eligibility, increase beneficiary choice and 
flexibility of services available from both vocational 
rehabilitation agencies and employment networks, and modify the 
payment system to employment networks. Final regulations are 
anticipated in 2006.

     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 2006 regulatory agenda for the Social Security 
Administration follows.

Dated: September 6, 2006.

 Gregory Zwitch,

SSA Regulations Officer

                               Social Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3631        Revised Medical Criteria for Endocrine Disorders (436P)...............................    0960-AD78
3632        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Neurological Impairments (806P)...............    0960-AF35
3633        Determining Disability for an Individual With Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (851P).....    0960-AF57
3634        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Respiratory System Disorders (859P)...........    0960-AF58
3635        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders (886P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 138)    0960-AF69
3636        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Hematological Disorders (974P)................    0960-AF88
3637        Elimination of Parent-to-Child Deeming From Stepparents (793P)........................    0960-AF96
3638        Exclusion of Military Pay for Combat Service From Deemed Income and Resources (978P)..    0960-AF97
3639        Technical Updates to Applicability of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Reduced      0960-AF99
            Benefit Rate for Individuals Residing in Medical Treatment Facilities (794P)..........
3640        Liability of Representative Payees for Overpayments to Deceased Recipients (796P).....    0960-AG02
3641        Recontacting Your Medical Source(s) (2241P)...........................................    0960-AG04
3642        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Hearing Loss (2862P)..........................    0960-AG20
3643        New Medical Criteria for Evaluating Language and Speech Disorders (2962P).............    0960-AG21

[[Page 74099]]

 
3644        Additional Insured Status Requirements for Certain Alien Workers (2882P) (Reg Plan Seq    0960-AG22
            No. 139)..............................................................................
3645        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Growth Impairments (3163P)....................    0960-AG28
3646        Work Performed by Certain Nonresident Aliens (3316P)..................................    0960-AG37
3647        Revised Medical Criteria for Musculoskeletal Disorders (3318P)........................    0960-AG38
3648        Methods for Conducting Personal Conference When Waiver of Recovery of Title II or         0960-AG40
            Title XVI Overpayment Cannot Be Approved (3320P)......................................
3649        Consultative Examination - Annual Onsite Review by DDSs (3338P) (Reg Plan Seq No. 140)    0960-AG41
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3650        Enforcement of Nondiscrimination in Social Security Programs or Activities (661F).....    0960-AE78
3651        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Impairments of the Digestive System (800F)        0960-AF28
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 141)................................................................
3652        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Immune System Disorders (804F) (Reg Plan Seq      0960-AF33
            No. 142)..............................................................................
3653        Stepchild Entitlement and Termination Requirements (934F).............................    0960-AF78
3654        Mandatory Exclusion of Health Care Providers and Representatives From Participating in    0960-AF85
            Programs Administered by SSA, Including Representative Payment (954F) (Reg Plan Seq
            No. 143)..............................................................................
3655        Amendments to the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (967F) (Reg Plan Seq No.    0960-AF89
            144)..................................................................................
3656        Administrative Review Process; Incorporation-by-Reference of Oral Findings of Fact and    0960-AF92
            Rationale in Wholly Favorable Written Decisions (964F)................................
3657        Optometrists as Acceptable Medical Sources To Establish a Medically Determinable          0960-AG05
            Impairment (2261F)....................................................................
3658        Age as a Factor in Evaluating Disability (3183F) (Reg Plan Seq No. 145)...............    0960-AG29
3659        Temp Ext of Atty Fee Payment System to Title XVI; 5-Year Demo Project Extending Fee       0960-AG35
            Withholding and Payment Procedures to Eligible Non-Attorney Reps; . . . (3246F).......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                Social Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3660        Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Social Security            0960-AE48
            Administration (601F).................................................................
3661        Dedicated Accounts and Installment Payments for Certain Past Due SSI Benefits (622F)..    0960-AE59
3662        Title VI (Civil Rights Act (1964)), Title IX (Education Amend. (1972)), Rehabilitation    0960-AE63
            Act (1973), and Age Discrimination Act (1975) in Programs/Activities Receiving
            Financial Assistance by SSA (617P)....................................................
3663        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information (711P).....................    0960-AE88
3664        Revisions to the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (823F).................................    0960-AF47
3665        Referral of Persons Eligible for Disability or Blindness Benefits to Other Agencies       0960-AF80
            for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (929F).........................................
3666        Privacy and Disclosure of Official Records and Information; Availability of               0960-AG14
            Information and Records to the Public (2562P).........................................
3667        Private Printing of Prescribed Applications, Other Forms, and Publications (530P).....    0960-AG36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Social Security Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3668        Federal Salary Offset (Withholding a Portion of a Federal Employee's Salary To Collect    0960-AE89
            a Delinquent Debt Owed to the Social Security Administration) (721F)..................
3669        Exemption of Work Activity as a Basis for a Continuing Disability Review (Ticket to       0960-AE93
            Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999) (725F)..............................
3670        Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Visual Disorders (805F).......................    0960-AF34

[[Page 74100]]

 
3671        Rules for Helping Blind and Disabled Individuals Achieve Self-Support (506F)..........    0960-AG00
3672        Civil Monetary Penalties, Assessments, and Recommended Exclusions (2362F).............    0960-AG08
3673        Representative Payment; Policies and Administrative Procedure for Imposing Penalties      0960-AG09
            for False or Misleading Statements or Withholding of Information (2422F)..............
3674        Issuance of Work Report Receipts, Payment of TWP Months After a Fraud Conviction,         0960-AG10
            Changes to the SEIE, & Expansion of the Reentitlement Period for Childhood DIB
            Benefits (2502F)......................................................................
3675        Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (2101F)......................    0960-AG11
3676        Nonpayment of Benefits to Fugitive Felons and Probation or Parole Violators (2222F)...    0960-AG12
3677        Changes to the Income and Resources Provisions for SSI Based on Sections 430, 435, and    0960-AG13
            436 of the Social Security Protection Act (SSPA) of 2004 (2482F)......................
3678        Continuing Disability Review Failure To Cooperate Process (2763F).....................    0960-AG19
3679        Limiting Replacement of Social Security Number Cards (965F)...........................    0960-AG25
3680        Administrative Review Process for Adjudicating Initial Disability Claims (3203F)......    0960-AG31
3681        Filing of Applications and Requirements for Widow's and Widower's Benefits (3223F)....    0960-AG32
3682        Sixty-Month Period of Employment Requirement for Application of Government Pension        0960-AG33
            Offset Exemption (3022P)..............................................................
3683        Extension of the Expiration Date for the Digestive Listings (3324F)...................    0960-AG39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                Proposed Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3631. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR ENDOCRINE DISORDERS (436P)

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: 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

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/11/05                    70 FR 46792
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/11/05
NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Judy Hicks, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9119

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-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________




3632. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING NEUROLOGICAL IMPAIRMENTS 
(806P)

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 are planning to update and revise the rules we use to 
evaluate neurological impairments 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 11.00 and 111.00 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                           04/13/05                    70 FR 19356
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/13/05
NPRM                            05/00/07

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

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

[[Page 74101]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3633. 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; 42 USC 405(j); 42 USC 422(e); 42 USC 423(d)(2)(C); 42 USC 425; 
42 USC 1382(e); 42 USC 1382c(a)(3)(J); 42 USC 1383(a)(2); 42 USC 1383c; 
42 USC 1383e

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations that address drug 
addiction and alcoholism (DAA) under titles 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                            03/00/07

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3634. 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 update and revise the rules we use to evaluate 
respiratory 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 rules we plan on revising are sections 3.00 and 
103.00 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                           04/13/05                    70 FR 19358
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/13/05
NPRM                            03/00/07

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-AF58
_______________________________________________________________________




3635. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS (886P)

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

RIN: 0960-AF69
_______________________________________________________________________




3636. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS 
(974P)

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: Sections 7.00 and 107.00 (hematological disorders) 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                            06/00/07

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

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

RIN: 0960-AF88
_______________________________________________________________________




3637. ELIMINATION OF PARENT-TO-CHILD DEEMING FROM STEPPARENTS (793P)

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

Legal Authority: Sec 1614(f)(2) of the Social Security Act

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1160; 20 CFR 416.1165; 20 CFR 416.1202; 20 CFR 
416.1851

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to change the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
parent-to-child deeming rules to no longer consider the income and 
resources of a stepparent when an eligible child resides in the 
household with a stepparent, but not his or her natural or adoptive 
parent. We will clarify that a stepparent no longer meets the 
definition of a ``parent'' when his or her spouse dies or leaves the 
household. Thus, an eligible child is

[[Page 74102]]

not subject to deeming from a stepparent unless the child lives with 
both his or her natural or adoptive parent and the stepparent. We also 
propose changing the age at which an individual is no longer considered 
an ineligible child for purposes of deeming from 21 to 22. We believe 
this change will simplify our rules for both the public and our public 
contact employees.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Eric Skidmore, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 597-1833

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

Related RIN: Related to 0960-AF24
RIN: 0960-AF96
_______________________________________________________________________




3638. EXCLUSION OF MILITARY PAY FOR COMBAT SERVICE FROM DEEMED INCOME 
AND RESOURCES (978P)

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

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1161; 20 CFR 416.1202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These proposed rules would 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 9 
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 U.S.C. 310; and
2. Family separation allowance received by the ineligible spouse or 
ineligible parent from one of the uniformed services pursuant to 37 
U.S.C. 427 as a result of deployment to or while serving in a combat 
zone.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Eric Skidmore, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 410 597-1833

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

RIN: 0960-AF97
_______________________________________________________________________




3639. TECHNICAL UPDATES TO APPLICABILITY OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY 
INCOME (SSI) REDUCED BENEFIT RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN MEDICAL 
TREATMENT FACILITIES (794P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382; 42 USC 
1382 note; 42 USC 1382a to 1382c; 42 USC 1382f; 42 USC 1382h(a); 42 USC 
1382h note; 42 USC 1382j; 42 USC 1383; 42 USC 1383b; 48 USC 1681 note

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.201; 20 CFR 416.211 to 416.212; 20 CFR 
416.414; 20 CFR 416.571; 20 CFR 416.708; 20 CFR 416.1149; 20 CFR 
416.1165; 20 CFR 416.1167; 20 CFR 416.1202

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to implement two 
provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 that affect the payment 
of benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). One 
of the provisions extended temporary institutionalization benefits to 
children who enter private medical treatment facilities and who 
otherwise would be subject to a reduced benefit because of private 
insurance coverage. The other provision replaced obsolete terminology 
in the Act that referred to particular kinds of medical facilities and 
substituted a broader yet more descriptive term.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Curt Dobbs, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7963

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

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0960-AF25
RIN: 0960-AF99

[[Page 74103]]

_______________________________________________________________________




3640. LIABILITY OF REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES FOR OVERPAYMENTS TO DECEASED 
RECIPIENTS (796P)

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

Legal Authority: PL 106-169, sec 201; 42 USC 404(a); 42 USC 1383(b)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.501; 20 CFR 416.537

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to reflect section 201 
of Public Law 106-169 that amended 42 U.S.C. sections 404(a) and 
1383(b) to make a representative payee personally liable for repayment 
of a title II/title XVI overpayment to the representative payee on 
behalf of an individual after the individual's death.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Thelma Allen, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7966

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-AG02
_______________________________________________________________________




3641. RECONTACTING YOUR MEDICAL SOURCE(S) (2241P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a) TO 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 
405(h); 42 USC 416(i); 42 USC 421; 42 USC 421(a); 42 USC 421(i); 42 USC 
422(c); 42 USC 423; 42 USC 423 note; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 
USC 1382; 42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 1382h; 42 USC 1382h note; 42 USC 1383(a) 
; 42 USC 1383b; 42 USC 1838(c) to 1383(d)(1); PL 98-460; PL 104-193

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1512; 20 CFR 416.912

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations to clarify when we will 
and will not recontact the individual's treating source(s) or other 
medical source(s) for additional evidence or clarification when 
evidence from such source(s) is insufficient or inconsistent, as 
discussed in sections 404.1527(c) and 416.927(c). We also propose to 
revise our regulations to explain that we will not recontact the 
individual's treating source(s) or other medical source(s) if there is 
sufficient evidence for us to decide whether the individual is 
disabled.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mike O'Connor, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1952

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG04
_______________________________________________________________________




3642. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING HEARING LOSS (2862P)

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 are planning to update and revise the rules we use to 
evaluate hearing loss in 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 section 
2.00 and 102.00 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                           04/13/05                    70 FR 19353
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/13/05
NPRM                            02/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG20
_______________________________________________________________________




3643. NEW MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING LANGUAGE AND SPEECH DISORDERS 
(2962P)

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 are considering whether to propose new rules for 
evaluating language and speech disorders by adding a new body system to 
the Listing of Impairments in appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of 
our regulations (the listings) for these disorders. The new rules would 
apply to adults and children who apply for, or receive, disability 
benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           04/13/05                    70 FR 19351
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/13/05
NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Janet Bendann, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability

[[Page 74104]]

Programs, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9118

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG21
_______________________________________________________________________




3644. ADDITIONAL INSURED STATUS REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN ALIEN WORKERS 
(2882P)

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

RIN: 0960-AG22
_______________________________________________________________________




3645. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING GROWTH IMPAIRMENTS (3163P)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are planning to update and revise the rules we use to 
evaluate growth impairments of individuals under age 18 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 
section 100.00 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                           09/08/05                    70 FR 53323
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/07/05
NPRM                            06/00/07

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

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG28
_______________________________________________________________________




3646. WORK PERFORMED BY CERTAIN NONRESIDENT ALIENS (3316P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1036

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our regulations on work performed by 
certain nonresident aliens. We want to clarify that for nonimmigrant 
aliens with certain types of visas, the critical factor in determining 
whether the work is covered for Social Security purposes is whether the 
work is authorized under Department of Homeland Security regulations, 
not the specific nature of the work. We also propose to add language to 
explain the difference between ``covered work'' and ``authorized 
work.'' Finally, we propose to substitute the word ``coverage'' for 
``employment'' because ``employment'' has a specific meaning under the 
Social Security Act and its use could be confusing in the context of 
the revisions we propose to make to this regulation section.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John Love, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9034

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

RIN: 0960-AG37
_______________________________________________________________________




3647. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (3318P)

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: Sections 1.00 and 101.00 of appendix 1 to subpart P of part 
404 of our regulations (404.1501 through 404.1599) describe those 
musculoskeletal 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 musculoskeletal 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                            01/00/07

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

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-AG38
_______________________________________________________________________




3648. [bull] METHODS FOR CONDUCTING PERSONAL CONFERENCE WHEN WAIVER OF 
RECOVERY OF TITLE II OR TITLE XVI OVERPAYMENT CANNOT BE APPROVED (3320P)

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 404; 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC

[[Page 74105]]

1383(a) to 1383(d); 42 USC 1383(g); 42 USC 3720A

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.506; 20 CFR 416.557

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our title II and title XVI regulations 
on personal conferences when waiver of recovery of an overpayment 
cannot be approved to allow for the conferences to be conducted by 
face-to-face, telephone, or video conference.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Strauss, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7944

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

RIN: 0960-AG40
_______________________________________________________________________




3649. [bull] CONSULTATIVE EXAMINATION - ANNUAL ONSITE REVIEW BY DDSS 
(3338P)

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

RIN: 0960-AG41
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                   Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3650. ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS OR 
ACTIVITIES (661F)

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                            09/13/06                    71 FR 53994
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/06
Final Rule                      09/00/07

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3651. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING IMPAIRMENTS OF THE 
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (800F)

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

RIN: 0960-AF28
_______________________________________________________________________




3652. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS 
(804F)

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

RIN: 0960-AF33
_______________________________________________________________________




3653. STEPCHILD ENTITLEMENT AND TERMINATION REQUIREMENTS (934F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 403(a) to 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 to 404.364

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We will amend our 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 will 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 final 
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                    10/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 74106]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Peter White, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 594-2041

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

RIN: 0960-AF78
_______________________________________________________________________




3654. MANDATORY EXCLUSION OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND REPRESENTATIVES 
FROM PARTICIPATING IN PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY SSA, INCLUDING 
REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT (954F)

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

RIN: 0960-AF85
_______________________________________________________________________




3655. AMENDMENTS TO THE TICKET TO WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM 
(967F)

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

RIN: 0960-AF89
_______________________________________________________________________




3656. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS; INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF ORAL 
FINDINGS OF FACT AND RATIONALE IN WHOLLY FAVORABLE WRITTEN DECISIONS 
(964F)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.953; 20 CFR 416.1453

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These rules will make final, interim final rules that allow 
an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to enter a wholly favorable, oral 
decision into the record of a hearing, and may subsequently issue a 
written decision that gives the findings and reasons for the decision 
by incorporating by reference the findings and reasons stated orally at 
the hearing, provided that the ALJ does not determine subsequent to the 
hearing that the oral findings and reasons should be changed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/20/04                    69 FR 61594
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/20/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/20/04
Final Action                    03/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0960-AF92
_______________________________________________________________________




3657. OPTOMETRISTS AS ACCEPTABLE MEDICAL SOURCES TO ESTABLISH A 
MEDICALLY DETERMINABLE IMPAIRMENT (2261F)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a) to 405(b); 42 USC 405(d) to 
405(h); 42 USC 416(i); 42 USC 421(a); 42 USC 421(i); 42 USC 421 note; 
42 USC 423; 42 USC 423 note; 42 USC 425; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1382; 
42 USC 1382c; 42 USC 1382h; 42 USC 1382h note; 42 USC 1383(a); 42 USC 
1383b; 42 USC 1383(c) to 1383(d)(1); PL 104-193; PL 98-460

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1513; 20 CFR 416.913

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are revising our rules that affect the Social Security 
Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
programs by expanding the role of optometrists as acceptable medical 
sources. The rules will provide that we may establish a medically 
determinable visual impairment with medical evidence of record from 
optometrists instead of having to purchase consultative examinations 
from ophthalmologists.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/01/06                    71 FR 10456
NPRM Comment Period End         05/01/06
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Freimuth, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Disability Programs, 6401 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-2817

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG05
_______________________________________________________________________




3658. AGE AS A FACTOR IN EVALUATING DISABILITY (3183F)

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

RIN: 0960-AG29
_______________________________________________________________________




3659. TEMP EXT OF ATTY FEE PAYMENT SYSTEM TO TITLE XVI; 5-YEAR DEMO 
PROJECT EXTENDING FEE WITHHOLDING AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES TO ELIGIBLE 
NON-ATTORNEY REPS; . . . (3246F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 405(a); 42 USC 406(b); 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 
1383(d); PL 101-508, sec 5106; PL 103-296, sec 321(f); PL 106-170, sec 
406; PL 108-203, sec 301; PL 108-203, sec 302; PL 108-203, sec 303

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1703; 20 CFR 404.1717 (new); 20 CFR 404.1720; 
20 CFR 404.1730; 20 CFR 416.1503; 20 CFR 416.1517 (new); 20 CFR 
416.1520; 20 CFR 416.1528; 20 CFR 416.1530 (new)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending our regulations to conform the regulations to 
the provisions of sections 301, 302 and 303 of the Social Security 
Protection Act of 2004 (SSPA, Public Law 108-203); section 406 of the 
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Act of 1999 (TWWIIA, Public Law 106-
170); section 321(f) of the Social Security Independence and Program 
Improvements Act of 1994 (SSIPIA, Public Law 103-296); and section 5106 
of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation

[[Page 74107]]

Act of 1990 (OBRA 1990, Public Law 101-508). Section 5106 of OBRA 1990 
and section 301(f) of the SSIPIA affected the way we define past-due 
benefits for the purpose of calculating the fees we pay directly for 
representation of claimants before the Social Security Administration 
(SSA). Section 406 of the TWWIIA established an assessment for the 
services required to determine and certify payments to attorneys from 
the benefits due claimants under title II of the Social Security Act 
(the Act). Section 301 of the SSPA amended the Act to cap the 
assessment and to adjust the cap annually based on the cost-of-living 
computation in section 215(i)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act. Section 302 of the 
SSPA amended the Act to temporarily extend the attorney fee 
withholding, payment and assessment procedures to claims under title 
XVI of the Act. Section 303 of the SSPA authorizes a 5-year, nationwide 
demonstration project, under both title II and title XVI of the Act, 
that extends fee withholding, direct payment and assessment procedures 
to non-attorney representatives who the Commissioner of Social Security 
determines have met prerequisites for participating in the project. We 
are amending our regulations to reflect these statutory changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rosemary Carey, Lead Social Insurance Specialist, 
Social Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 
6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-7936

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

RIN: 0960-AG35
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                  Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3660. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE 
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (601F)

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), will 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. This final rule specifies 
procedural and substantive requirements that are necessary to address 
ethical issues unique to SSA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/11/05                     70 FR 7192
NPRM Comment Period End         03/14/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    05/04/05
Comment Period End              06/03/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Asim Akbari, Attorney, Social Security Administration, 
Office of the General Counsel, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-6581

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

RIN: 0960-AE48
_______________________________________________________________________




3661. DEDICATED ACCOUNTS AND INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN PAST DUE 
SSI BENEFITS (622F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 3720A; 42 USC 902(a)(5); 42 USC 1320b-17; 42 
USC 1381; 42 USC 1381a; 42 USC 1382(c); 42 USC 1382(e); 42 USC 1383(a) 
to 1383(d); 42 USC 1383(g)

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

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 22, 1996, Interim Final 
Rules were published on December 20, 1996 (PRWORA only).
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 (IAR) 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.
These regulations also reflect amendments to the SSPA made by section 
302 of the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, effective May 2005, 
which provides for the payment of attorney fees by SSA from past due 
benefits that are payable to an individual. Section 7502 of the Deficit 
Reduction Act of 2005, enacted February 8, 2006, changed the formula 
for the payment of SSI installments. The new formula states that when 
an SSI individual is eligible for past due benefits in an amount which 
(after reimbursement for IAR and

[[Page 74108]]

attorney/nonattorney fees) equals or exceeds 3 times the individual 
Federal Benefit Rate, plus any federally administered State supplement, 
installment payments must be paid.

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                    12/00/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Bryan J. Mueller, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-9844

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

RIN: 0960-AE59
_______________________________________________________________________




3662. 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                             To Be                       Determined

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3663. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION (711P)

Priority: Other Significant

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our privacy and disclosure rules to:
1. More fully describe the role and function of the Privacy Officer;
2. Describe safeguards against inappropriate disclosure of personal 
information when individuals request information about themselves by 
electronic means (e.g., through the Internet);
3. Conform to special procedures on an individual's access to medical 
records and access to a minor's medical records by the minor's parent 
or legal guardian acting on the minor's behalf.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Chris W. Johnson, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of the General Counsel, Office of 
Public Disclosure, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-8563

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

RIN: 0960-AE88
_______________________________________________________________________




3664. REVISIONS TO THE MEDICAL-VOCATIONAL GUIDELINES (823F)

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

[[Page 74109]]

NPRM Comment Period End         09/05/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

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

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AF47
_______________________________________________________________________




3665. REFERRAL OF PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY OR BLINDNESS BENEFITS 
TO OTHER AGENCIES FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (929F)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1320b-19 note

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1630; 20 CFR 404.2101 to 404.2109; 20 CFR 
404.2111 to 404.2127; 20 CFR 416.101; 20 CFR 416.110; 20 CFR 416.1030; 
20 CFR 416.1701; 20 CFR 416.1710; 20 CFR 416.2201 to 416.2209; 20 CFR 
416.2211 to 416.2227

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These final rules remove regulatory provisions relating to 
the requirement to refer for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services 
those individuals who become entitled to or eligible for disability or 
blindness benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act 
(the Act). These changes are being made to reflect the repeal of 
section 222(a) and amendment of section 1615(a) of the Act. Prior to 
their repeal and amendment, these sections of the Act required the 
Commissioner of Social Security to refer disabled or blind 
beneficiaries to a State VR agency for necessary rehabilitation 
services. The final rules also remove regulatory provisions for 
referral of disabled or blind beneficiaries to alternate participants 
for VR services that have become obsolete.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dan O'Brien, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, 6401 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-1632

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

RIN: 0960-AF80
_______________________________________________________________________




3666. PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION; 
AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS TO THE PUBLIC (2562P)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 401 app A(c)(4); 20 CFR 402.45(e)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We propose to revise our privacy and disclosure rules to:
1. Add a new section to set out detailed procedures to further preserve 
the anonymity and protect the physical well-being of employees in 
abusive relationships or who fear for their physical well-being because 
of threats from others;
2. Conform SSA's Freedom of Information Act regulations in this respect 
more closely to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations; and
3. Develop procedures for the protection in the electronic environment 
of personally identifiable information for at-risk employees.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/06/06                    71 FR 32494
NPRM Comment Period End         08/07/06
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Edie McCracken, Social Insurance Specialist, Social 
Security Administration, Office of the General Counsel, Office of 
Public Disclosure, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-6117

Rosemarie Greenwald, Social Insurance Specialist, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG14
_______________________________________________________________________




3667. PRIVATE PRINTING OF PRESCRIBED APPLICATIONS, OTHER FORMS, AND 
PUBLICATIONS (530P)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1320b-10(a)(2)(A)

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.527

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The current regulation at 20 CFR 422.527 requires persons to 
obtain approval from the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to 
reproducing, duplicating, or privately printing any application or 
other form prescribed by the Administration. Such approval is required 
whether or not the person intends to charge a fee. Section 
1140(a)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (the Act) (42 U.S.C. 1320b-
10(a)(2)(A)) prohibits persons from charging a fee to reproduce, 
reprint, or distribute any SSA application, form, or publication unless 
authorized by the Commissioner of Social Security in accordance with 
such regulations as she may prescribe. This proposed rule would amend 
the current regulation to require SSA pre-approval to reproduce SSA's 
forms, applications, and publications only if the person intends to 
charge a fee and prescribe the procedures for obtaining such approval.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

[[Page 74110]]

Agency Contact: Renee Williams, Social Security Administration, Forms 
Management Team, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone: 410 965-4163

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

RIN: 0960-AG36
_______________________________________________________________________


Social Security Administration (SSA)                  Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3668. FEDERAL SALARY OFFSET (WITHHOLDING A PORTION OF A FEDERAL 
EMPLOYEE'S SALARY TO COLLECT A DELINQUENT DEBT OWED TO THE SOCIAL 
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) (721F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/05/06                    71 FR 38066
Final Action Effective          08/04/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Edward Johns
Phone: 410 965-0392

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE89
_______________________________________________________________________




3669. EXEMPTION OF WORK ACTIVITY AS A BASIS FOR A CONTINUING DISABILITY 
REVIEW (TICKET TO WORK AND WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999) 
(725F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.903; 20 CFR 404.1574; 20 CFR 404.1575; 20 CFR 
404.1590; 20 CFR 404.1592a; 20 CFR 404.1594; 20 CFR 416.974; 20 CFR 
416.990; 20 CFR 416.994; 20 CFR 416.1403

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/17/06                    71 FR 66840
Final Action Effective          12/18/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kristine Erwin-Tribbitt
Phone: 410 965-3353

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AE93
_______________________________________________________________________




3670. REVISED MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING VISUAL DISORDERS (805F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1500, app 1

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/20/06                    71 FR 67037
Final Action Effective          02/20/07

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michelle Hungerman
Phone: 410 965-2289

Rosemarie Greenwald
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AF34
_______________________________________________________________________




3671. RULES FOR HELPING BLIND AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE SELF-
SUPPORT (506F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1180 to 416.1181; 20 CFR 416.1226; 20 CFR 
416.1275

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/16/06                    71 FR 28262
Final Action Effective          06/15/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mary Hoover
Phone: 410 965-5651

Fran O. Thomas
Phone: 410 966-9822

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0960-AE17
RIN: 0960-AG00
_______________________________________________________________________




3672. CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES, ASSESSMENTS, AND RECOMMENDED EXCLUSIONS 
(2362F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 498.100 to 498.104; 20 CFR 498.106; 20 CFR 
498.109; 20 CFR 498.114; 20 CFR 498.128

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/17/06                    71 FR 28574
Final Action Effective          06/16/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathy Buller
Phone: 410 965-2827

Fran O. Thomas
Phone: 410 966-9822

RIN: 0960-AG08
_______________________________________________________________________




3673. REPRESENTATIVE PAYMENT; POLICIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR 
IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS OR WITHHOLDING OF 
INFORMATION (2422F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.459; 20 CFR 404.2022; 20 CFR 404.2035; 20 CFR 
404.2040a; 20 CFR 404.2041; 20 CFR 404.2065; 20 CFR 408.665; 20 CFR 
416.622; 20 CFR 416.635; 20 CFR 416.640a; 20 CFR 416.641; 20 CFR 
416.665; 20 CFR 416.1340

[[Page 74111]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/18/06                    71 FR 61403
Final Action Effective          11/17/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Betsy Byrd
Phone: 410 965-7981

Lois A. Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AG09
_______________________________________________________________________




3674. ISSUANCE OF WORK REPORT RECEIPTS, PAYMENT OF TWP MONTHS AFTER A 
FRAUD CONVICTION, CHANGES TO THE SEIE, & EXPANSION OF THE REENTITLEMENT 
PERIOD FOR CHILDHOOD DIB BENEFITS (2502F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.351; 20 CFR 404.401a; 20 CFR 404.471; 20 CFR 
404.903; 20 CFR 404.1588; 20 CFR 404.1592; 20 CFR 416.708(c); 20 CFR 
416.1112(c)(3); 20 CFR 416.1403; 20 CFR 416.1861

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/17/06                    71 FR 66860
Final Action Effective          12/18/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cindy Duzan
Phone: 410 965-4203

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AG10
_______________________________________________________________________




3675. MEDICARE PART B INCOME-RELATED MONTHLY ADJUSTMENT AMOUNT (2101F)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 418.1001 (New); 20 CFR 418.1005 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1010 (New); 20 CFR 418.1101 (New); 20 CFR 418.1105 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1110 (New); 20 CFR 418.1115 (New); 20 CFR 418.1120 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1125 (New); 20 CFR 418.1130 (New); 20 CFR 418.1135 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1140 (New); 20 CFR 418.1145 (New); 20 CFR 418.1150 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1201 (New); 20 CFR 418.1205 (New); 20 CFR 418.1210 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1215 (New); 20 CFR 418.1220 (New); 20 CFR 418.1225 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1230 (New); 20 CFR 418.1235 (New); 20 CFR 418.1240 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1245 (New); 20 CFR 418.1250 (New); 20 CFR 418.1255 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1260 (New); 20 CFR 418.1265 (New); 20 CFR 418.1270 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1301 (New); 20 CFR 418.1305 (New); 20 CFR 418.1310 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1315 (New); 20 CFR 418.1320 (New); 20 CFR 418.1325 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1330 (New); 20 CFR 418.1335 (New); 20 CFR 418.1340 (New); 20 CFR 
418.1345 (New); 20 CFR 418.1350 (New); 20 CFR 418.1355 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/27/06                    71 FR 62923
Final Action Effective          12/26/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Craig Streett
Phone: 410 965-9793

Lois A. Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AG11
_______________________________________________________________________




3676. NONPAYMENT OF BENEFITS TO FUGITIVE FELONS AND PROBATION OR PAROLE 
VIOLATORS (2222F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.471(new); 20 CFR 404.401; 20 CFR 416.202; 20 
CFR 416.1339

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/10/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gareth N. Dence
Phone: 410 965-9872

Richard M. Bresnick
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AG12
_______________________________________________________________________




3677. CHANGES TO THE INCOME AND RESOURCES PROVISIONS FOR SSI BASED ON 
SECTIONS 430, 435, AND 436 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION ACT (SSPA) 
OF 2004 (2482F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 416.1111 to 416.1112; 20 CFR 416.1123 to 416.1124; 
20 CFR 416.1161; 20 CFR 416.1210; 20 CFR 416.1250 (New)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/09/06                    71 FR 45375
Final Action Effective          09/08/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Barbara E. Snyder
Phone: 410 965-5655

Lois A. Berg
Phone: 410 965-1713

RIN: 0960-AG13
_______________________________________________________________________




3678. CONTINUING DISABILITY REVIEW FAILURE TO COOPERATE PROCESS (2763F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.1587; 20 CFR 404.1596; 20 CFR 416.992

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/17/06                    71 FR 60819
Final Action Effective          12/18/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Don Harvey
Phone: 410 597-1026

Rosemarie Greenwald
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG19
_______________________________________________________________________




3679. LIMITING REPLACEMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CARDS (965F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 422.103 to 422.110

[[Page 74112]]

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/31/06                    71 FR 43054
Final Action Effective          12/16/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kim Baldwin-Sparks
Phone: 410 966-3224

Suzanne DiMarino
Phone: 410 965-1769

RIN: 0960-AG25
_______________________________________________________________________




3680. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS FOR ADJUDICATING INITIAL DISABILITY 
CLAIMS (3203F)

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.903; 20 CFR 404.1502; 20 CFR 404.1503; 20 CFR 
404.1512; . . .

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/31/06                    71 FR 16424
Correction                      04/10/06                    71 FR 17990
Final Action Effective          08/01/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mary Chatel
Phone: 202 358-6094

Richard M. Bresnick
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AG31
_______________________________________________________________________




3681. FILING OF APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR WIDOW'S AND WIDOWER'S 
BENEFITS (3223F)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.630

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/27/06                    71 FR 24812
Final Action Effective          04/27/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lola Doyle
Phone: 410 965-5899

Mary Jane Neubauer
Phone: 410 966-7303

Peter White
Phone: 410 594-2041

Rosemarie Greenwald
Phone: 410 966-7813

RIN: 0960-AG32
_______________________________________________________________________




3682. SIXTY-MONTH PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICATION OF 
GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET EXEMPTION (3022P)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.408a

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/10/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Gareth N. Dence
Phone: 410 965-9872

Richard M. Bresnick
Phone: 410 965-1758

RIN: 0960-AG33
_______________________________________________________________________




3683. [bull] EXTENSION OF THE EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE DIGESTIVE LISTINGS 
(3324F)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 402; 42 USC 405(a) to 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 use the Listing of Impairment (the listings) in appendix 1 
to subpart P of this part, at the third step of the sequential 
evaluation process when we evaluate a claim for benefits based on 
disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the 
Act). This final rule extends until July 2, 2007, the date on which the 
listings for the digestive system will no longer be effective.
Other than extending the date during which the digestive listings will 
be effective, we have made no revisions to the listings; they remain 
the same as they now appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. This 
extension will ensure that we continue to have medical evaluation 
criteria in the listings to adjudicate disability claims in this body 
system at the third step of the sequential evaluation process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/05/06                    71 FR 26411
Final Action Effective          05/05/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0960-AG39
[FR Doc. 06-7690 Filed 12-08-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-S