35844 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

person to accept payment or

reimbursement from an offeror for

expenses incurred in connection with

meetings held by the offeror for the

purpose of training or educating

associated persons of a member. Such

meetings can be held at or near an office

of the offeror or an office of the member

or a regional location with respect to

regional meetings)—a third-party offeror

with a regional business may not

conduct a meeting outside that region

unless the member has a more

widespread business. The provision

would permit offerors to hold training

meetings in resort locales if that offeror

or the member has an office in that

resort locale.

The NASD states that it ‘‘believes that

the limitations proposed for the nature

of educational meetings in the proposed

rule will discourage sponsors from

holding training and education meetings

in exotic places. Because the burden is

now on members to show that a training

and education meeting is bona fide, the

NASD anticipates that members will

generally avoid excessively expensive

and lavish training and education

settings.’’ Are the recordkeeping

requirements proposed by the NASD

sufficient to support determinations of

whether such meetings will be bona

fide?

3. The NASD states in its filing that

a member holding a training or

education meeting for its associated

persons would not be required to

comply with the conditions imposed

with respect to training and education

meetings held by offerors or unaffiliated

members ‘‘if the member does not

receive a payment or reimbursement

from an offeror for the expenses of the

meeting. In any event, the member

would not be prohibited from

permitting offerors to make a

presentation at the meeting.’’ The

proposed rule change establishes three

separate levels of regulation of training

and education meetings depending

upon whether a member or an offeror

holds a training and education meeting

and depending upon whether a member

who holds a training and education

meeting accepts reimbursement from an

offeror.

a. If an offeror holds a training and

education meeting, that meeting must

comply with the training and education

exception.

b. If a member holds training and

education meeting, and accepts

reimbursement from an offeror for

certain expenses, the meeting must

comply with either the training and

education exception or the in-house

sales incentive exception (permitting

contributions by offerors).

c. If a member holds a training and

education meeting for its own

associated persons and accepts no

reimbursement from offerors, the

proposed rule change does not regulate

that meeting because the meeting is not

in connection with the sale or

distribution of investment company/

variable contract securities.

Commenters are asked to address

whether a training and education

meeting should constitute non-cash

compensation subject to the proposed

rule change if an offeror participates in

organizing the meeting even though an

identical meeting would not be subject

to the proposed rule change if organized

by the member for its own associated

persons.

4. The Tully Committee identified the

practice of payment of higher

commissions to registered

representatives for proprietary products

than for non-proprietary products as an

arrangement that can create conflicts of

interest. The proposed rule change

would not prohibit or regulate this

practice. The NASD has stated that ‘‘it

has generally not been the practice for

the NASD to regulate the internal

compensation arrangements between a

member and its associated persons.’’

The proposed rule change would,

however, prohibit contests granting cash

awards if the contest gives greater

weight to certain securities than others.

Commenters are invited to address

whether the proposed rule change

should be extended to cover ordinary

compensation practices in addition to

incentive compensation practices.

Persons making written submissions

should file six copies thereof with the

Secretary, Securities and Exchange

Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of the

submission, all subsequent

amendments, all written statements

with respect to the proposed rule

change that are filed with the

Commission, and all written

communications relating to the

proposed rule change between the

Commission and any person, other than

those that may be withheld from the

public in accordance with the

provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be

available for inspection and copying in

the Commission’s Public Reference

Room. Copies of such filing will also be

available for inspection and copying at

the principal office of the NASD. All

submissions should refer to the file

number in the caption above and should

be submitted by July 29, 1996.

For the Commission, by the Division of

Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated

authority, 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).

Jonathan G. Katz,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. 96–17250 Filed 7–5–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010–01–P

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Statement of Organization, Functions

and Delegations of Authority

Notice is being given that two new

chapters are being issued, Chapter TC,

Office of the Chief Actuary and Chapter

TE, Office of the Deputy Commissioner,

Communications and that Chapter TA,

Office of the Deputy Commissioner,

Programs, Policy, Evaluation and

Communications (TA) is being reissued.

Within the Deputy Commissioner,

Programs, Policy, Evaluation and

Communications notice is given that the

Office of the Actuary (TAC); the Office

of Communications (TAL); the

Resources Management Staff (TAA–1);

the Office Automation Support Staff

(TAA–2); the Office of Program

Coordination and Planning (TAB); the

Office of Policy Analysis and Evaluation

(TAQ); the Office of Policy (TAK); and

the Office of Disclosure Policy (TAG)

are abolished. Notice is also given of the

establishment of the Office of Policy and

Planning (TAR) and the Office of

Program Support (TAS) and the retitling

of the Office of Research and Statistics

(TAN) as the Office of Research,

Evaluation and Statistics.

Finally, notice is given that in the

Office of Disability (TAE) the Office of

Medical Evaluation (TAEA) is being

abolished. The functions are being

redistributed among the Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability,

the Division of Medical and Vocational

Policy (TAEC) and the Federal

Disability Determination Services

(TAEB).

The new and reissued Chapters read

as follows:

ADD new chapter

Chapter TC—Office of the Chief Actuary

TC.00 Mission

TC.10 Organization

TC.20 Functions

Section TC.00 The Office of the

Chief Actuary—(Mission): The Office of

the Chief Actuary (OCACT) plans and

directs a program of actuarial estimates

and analyses pertaining to the SSAadministered retirement, survivors and

disability insurance programs and

supplemental security income program

and to projected changes in these

programs. Evaluates operations of the
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35845

Federal Old-Age and Survivors

Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal

Disability Insurance Trust Fund;

estimates future operations of the trust

funds; conducts studies of program

financing; performs actuarial and

demographic research on social

insurance and related program issues;

and estimates future workloads.

Provides technical and consultative

services to the Commissioner, the Board

of Trustees of those two Trust Funds,

and, as requested, congressional

committees. Appears before

congressional committees to provide

expert testimony on the actuarial

aspects of Social Security issues.

Section TC.10 The Office of the

Chief Actuary—(Organization): The

Office of the Chief Actuary under the

leadership of the Chief Actuary,

includes:

A. The Chief Actuary (TC).

B. The Deputy Chief Actuary (ShortRange) (TC).

C. The Deputy Chief Actuary (LongRange) (TC).

D. The Immediate Office of the Chief

Actuary (TCA).

E. The Office of Short-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TCB).

F. The Office of Long-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TCC).

Section TC.20 The Office of the

Chief Actuary—(Functions):

A. The Chief Actuary (TC) is directly

responsible to the Commissioner for

carrying out OCACT’s mission and for

providing supervision to the major

components of OCACT.

B. The Deputy Chief Actuary (ShortRange) (TC) assists the Chief Actuary in

carrying out his/her OCACT-wide

responsibilities and performs other

duties as prescribed.

C. The Deputy Chief Actuary (LongRange) (TC) assists the Chief Actuary in

carrying out his/her OCACT-wide

responsibilities and performs other

duties as prescribed.

D. The Immediate Office of the Chief

Actuary (TCA) provides the Chief

Actuary and his/her Deputies with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities; provides liaison and

coordination; and conducts special

actuarial studies and analyses.

E. The Office of Short-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TCB) is responsible for

planning, directing and coordinating the

development of short-range cost

estimates for all Social Security

programs both under current provisions

and proposed changes in law or

regulation. The programs for which

estimates are prepared include the

retirement, survivors and disability

insurance program, and the

supplemental security income program.

Develops special cost analyses involving

technical actuarial issues; projects

operations of the Trust Funds; provides

a variety of data services including data

collection, statistical support; and

prepares estimates for general fund and

interprogram reimbursement.

F. The Office of Long-Range Actuarial

Estimates (TCC) is responsible for

planning, directing and coordinating the

development of long-range cost

estimates for the retirement, survivors

and disability program both under

current provisions and proposed

changes in law or regulation. Provides

all revenue estimates in both the nearterm and the long-term for the

retirement, survivors and disability

insurance program and in the near-term

for the hospital insurance program.

Designs the economic, demographic and

programmatic assumptions and the

methods needed to develop these

estimates; analyzes and publishes

actuarial research based on projections

and actual program experience; and

provides authoritative advice to agency

policy makers and congressional staffs

relating to the long-range actuarial

impact of current law and proposed

program changes.

ADD new chapter.

Chapter TE—Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Communications

TE.00 Mission

TE.10 Organization

TE.20 Functions

Section TE.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner,

Communications—(Mission): The Office

of the Deputy Commissioner,

Communications (ODCCOMM) directs a

program to develop and preserve

working relationships with a wide

variety of national organizations, special

interest and advocacy groups, the

media, other Federal agencies and State

and local governments, for purposes of

securing understanding, cooperation

and acceptance of SSA programs,

policies and procedures and for

providing avenues of public

participation in the decision making

processes of SSA. Plans, directs,

coordinates, effects and evaluates SSA’s

nationwide public communications

program and activities. Develops public

information programs and materials to

ensure public knowledge and

understanding of protections, rights and

responsibilities under the programs

administered by SSA. Plans, directs,

implements and evaluates SSA’s

internal communications programs.

Directs SSA’s Satellite Communications

Network activities. Coordinates the nonEnglish communications activities

within SSA. Provides a central receipt,

control, acknowledgment, response, and

referral program for all public inquiries.

Serves as the focal point for conducting

Focus Groups and coordinates public

relations activities for SSA.

Section TE.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner,

Communications—(Organization): The

Office of the Deputy Commissioner,

Communications, under the leadership

of the Deputy Commissioner,

Communications, includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Communications (TE).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Communications (TE).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Communications

(TEA).

D. The Office of Communications

Technology (TEB).

1. The Visual Graphics and

Community Affairs Staff (TEB1).

2. The Audiovisual Media Operations

Staff (TEB2).

E. The Office of Editorial Policy and

Communications (TEC).

1. The Editorial Policy and

Communications Staff (TEC1).

2. The Special Communications Staff

(TEC2).

F. The Office of National Affairs

(TEE).

G. The Office of Regional Affairs and

Special Projects (TEG).

H. The Office of Public Inquiries

(TEH).

1. The Policy, Procedures and

Systems Group (TEH1).

2. The Correspondence Analysis and

Response Group (TEH2).

Section TE.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner,

Communications—(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Communications (TE) is directly

responsible to the Commissioner for

carrying out ODCCOMM’s mission and

providing managerial direction to the

major components of ODCCOMM.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Communications (TE)

assists the Deputy Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Communications

(TEA) provides the Deputy

Commissioner and Assistant Deputy

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of their responsibilities.

D. The Office of Communications

Technology (TEB) directs and

implements technical information

communications for the Agency.

Develops the Agency’s goals and

objectives for using the media to
35846 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

promote SSA programs and policies. Is

responsible for the design and

production of audiovisual and graphics

materials. Utilizes state-of-the-art

technological theories, principles and

methodologies in determining and

creating the most effective means of

communicating the Agency’s

information.

1. The Visual Graphics and

Community Affairs Staff (TEB1).

a. Plans, designs and produces

Agency display, presentation, media

and photographic materials for internal

and external public information

programs.

b. Produces materials in various

media formats for the observance of

special ceremonial events.

c. Plans and implements a program of

community liaison in the Baltimore/

Washington metropolitan area.

2. The Audiovisual Media Operations

Staff (TEB2).

a. Plans, develops and directs

electronic systems required for the

Agency’s television and audiovisual

productions and management

communications.

b. Coordinates all technical activities

related to the Agency’s television and

audiovisual production system.

c. Plans, writes, directs and edits

motion picture and television

productions covering all aspects of

Social Security for public information,

SSA training and management

information purposes.

d. Plans, designs and coordinates

satellite communication programs for

SSA and other agencies nationwide.

E. The Office of Editorial Policy and

Communications (TEC) directs SSA’s

information activities to ensure public

knowledge and understanding of

programs administered by SSA.

Develops and evaluates goals,

objectives, policies, standards and

guidelines for SSA public information

needs, and carries out programs to

inform the public of the purposes and

provisions of SSA-administered

programs, program changes and

people’s rights and responsibilities

under these programs. Prepares and

determines distribution of a wide

variety of public information materials

on all phases of SSA-administered

programs, evaluates the quality of

informational materials to ensure a

high-quality product and helps in

public affairs training in SSA.

1. The Editorial Policy and

Communications Staff (TEC1).

a. Develops and evaluates goals and

objectives, policies, standards and

guidelines for SSA public information

needs. Prepares public information

workplans and SSA’s National

Communications objectives.

b. Provides direction and quality

control of information materials for the

administration of SSA public affairs and

public information programs.

c. Writes, edits and produces a variety

of public information materials.

Provides advice and consultation to

other components on editorial policy

and methods of initiating and

developing informational programs.

d. Conducts editorial reviews and

approves content, format and style of

Social Security information materials

for use in all media.

e. Plans and conducts a public

information management program.

Determines public information

strategies for a wide variety of public

information materials on all phases of

SSA-administered programs.

f. Designs and conducts broad

evaluation programs, incorporating and

coordinating various evaluation

methods, techniques and efforts.

2. The Special Communications Staff

(TEC2).

a. Directs the internal

communications program in SSA.

Publishes a variety of informational

materials, including a monthly national

employee magazine and Central Office

Bulletin. Prepares and edits

administrative reports and

presentations.

b. Provides assistance to and

appraises internal communications

activities in SSA field organizations.

Identifies weaknesses in

communications SSA-wide and

recommends improvements.

F. The Office of National Affairs (TEE)

implements and directs programs

designed to develop and preserve

working relationships with a wide

variety of national organizations, special

interest and advocacy groups, other

Federal agencies and State and local

governments. Presents, explains,

advocates and defends the views and

objectives of SSA. Provides the avenue

for bringing the views and opinions of

influential organizations into the

Agency. Is responsible for reviewing

and considering the validity of SSArelated issues and concerns raised by a

variety of external sources and

recommending changes or referring the

matter to other SSA components for

further study. Facilitates operational

dealings between these organizations

and other SSA components.

G. The Office of Regional Affairs and

Special Projects (TEG) provides onsite

leadership and direction to the regional

SSA public communications program.

Analyzes and evaluates regional public

communications activities and issues

national public communications

policies. Plans and coordinates the

development of regional policies,

directives and procedures concerning

the relationships of SSA programs to

public and private welfare and

community service programs. Oversees

the regional public information

program. Prepares and disseminates

public information materials.

Coordinates the development and

implementation of regional information

and referral programs. Advises the

Regional Public Affairs Officers in

carrying out SSA public information

policy, plans and activities. Provides

guidance and assists in interpreting,

analyzing and evaluating public

communications/public information

needs of the regions. Performs research

to assess the public’s and SSA

employees’ reactions to, and

perceptions of, policies, products and

services through content analysis and

other evaluation studies/activities.

H. The Office of Public Inquiries

(TEH) provides a central receipt,

control, acknowledgment, response and

referral program for high priority and

other inquiries addressed to SSA

Headquarters. Develops correspondence

policy and procedure and guide

language on recurring topics and issues

for use throughout the Agency.

1. The Policy, Procedures and

Systems Group (TEH1) develops policy

and procedures concerning the style,

control, workflow and signature of

correspondence and disseminates the

information to headquarters

components. Performs a pre-release

quality review of final replies prepared

in the Office of Public Inquiries (OPI) to

ensure that they are well-written,

accurate and responsive. Designs and

administers OPI’s electronic

correspondence management system

and provides support to system users.

Directs surveys and analyses to increase

the effectiveness of the correspondence

workflow process throughout SSA.

2. The Correspondence Analysis and

Response Group (TEH2) collects, stores

and maintains information needed to

respond to congressional, White House

and public inquiries. Prepares responses

in conformance with SSA standards,

policies and procedures. Performs

correspondence receipt, screening,

imaging, routing and letter-writing

functions. Identifies sensitive inquiries

and trends and reports them to

appropriate officials. Receives and

responds to telephone inquiries.

REISSUE chapter.

Chapter TA—Office of the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy

TA.00 Mission
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35847

TA.10 Organization

TA.20 Functions

Section TA.00 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy—(Mission): The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy (ODCPP) directs the formulation

of overall program policy for SSA.

Directs the formulation and issuance of

program objectives. Directs and manages

the planning, development, issuance

and evaluation of program and

operational policies, standards and

instructions for the retirement and

survivors insurance, disability

insurance and supplemental security

income programs. Serves as a focal

point for international program policy

issues and activities. Oversees Agency

hearings and appeals activities. Serves

as a focal point for all program-related

litigation. Oversees the collection, use

and dissemination of both personal and

non-personal information to ensure

consistency with Agency objectives, law

and the expectations of the American

public. Provides information on the

effects on individuals and the economy

of programs operated by SSA and the

interactions among these programs,

other tax and income-transfer programs

and economic and demographic forces.

Through an Executive Team, provides

executive leadership for unified

planning and resource management

within ODCPP. Provides leadership to

ODCPP’s financial, personnel and

administrative management programs.

Section TA.10 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy—(Organization): The Office of

the Deputy Commissioner, Programs

and Policy under the leadership of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy includes:

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Programs and Policy (TA).

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy

(TA).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy (TAA).

D. The Office of Policy and Planning

(TAR).

E. The Office of Disability (TAE).

F. The Office of Hearings and Appeals

(TAH).

G. The Office of International Policy

(TAJ).

H. The Office of Research, Evaluation

and Statistics (TAN).

I. The Office of Program Benefits

Policy (TAP).

J. The Office of Program Support

(TAS).

Section TA.20 The Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy—(Functions):

A. The Deputy Commissioner,

Programs and Policy (TA) is directly

responsible to the Commissioner for

carrying out the ODCPP mission and for

providing general supervision to the

major components of ODCPP.

B. The Assistant Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy

(TA) assists the Deputy Commissioner

in carrying out his/her responsibilities

and performs other duties as the Deputy

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy (TAA) provides the Deputy

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

D. The Office of Policy and Planning

(TAR) provides Agency leadership in

the policy-making process and manages

all planning activities for the Deputy

Commissioner. Serves as Agency liaison

with the wider social welfare policymaking community in the public and

private sectors, including the Office of

Management and Budget, other

governmental agencies and private

sector committees and groups. In

conjunction with the Office of

Legislation and Congressional Affairs

develops the Agency’s legislative

program and addresses items of

congressional concern. Directs a

comprehensive ODCPP program to

address policy-related issues. Ensures

the integration of the Agency’s policy

development and analysis activities and

its program evaluation and research

plans. Conducts broad analyses of major

social and economic trends and their

impact on social security program

policy. Conducts targeted evaluations of

the effectiveness and appropriateness of

specific current and/or proposed social

welfare policy features of programmatic

or operational concern. Applies the

results of Agency analyses to position

the Agency’s leaders to participate fully

and knowledgeably in various social

welfare policy forums (e.g., internal

Administration policy debates,

congressional hearings and debates,

Advisory Board deliberations). Develops

and implements the Agency’s

programmatic litigation strategy and

directs the management of all related

litigation activities within SSA. Assures

programmatic support to legislative

planning activities. Provides staff

support to the ODCPP Executive Team.

E. The Office of Disability (TAE)

develops, coordinates and evaluates the

disability program and issues related

operational policies, standards and

procedures. Develops and issues

policies and guidelines for use by State

and Federal or private contractor

providers which implement the

disability provisions of the Social

Security Act, as amended. Ensures that

interrelated program policy and

procedural areas are coordinated.

F. The Office of Hearings and Appeals

(TAH) holds hearings and issues

decisions as part of the SSA appeals

process. Directs a nationwide field

organization which conducts impartial

hearings and makes decisions on

appealed determinations involving

retirement, survivors, disability, health

insurance, black lung and supplemental

security income benefits. Performs

central office reviews of decisions.

G. The Office of International Policy

(TAJ) serves as SSA’s focal point for

international program policy matters

and for its participation in the

international Social Security

community. Serves as liaison to

international agencies and associations

which deal with Social Security matters.

Negotiates international Social Security

(totalization) agreements with foreign

governments and develops policies and

procedures to implement the

agreements. Develops and implements

policies and procedures relating to the

operation of the Social Security program

outside the United States. Provides

training programs and technical

consultation on Social Security and

related fields to Social Security officials

and other experts outside the United

States. Serves as liaison with other

Federal agencies, such as the

Department of State and the Department

of the Treasury, on Social Security

matters outside the United States.

H. The Office of Research, Evaluation

and Statistics (TAN) is responsible for

providing information on the effects on

individuals and the economy of

programs operated by SSA and the

interactions among these programs,

other tax and income-transfer programs

and economic, social and demographic

forces. Plans and directs a continuing

program of economic and social

research to evaluate the effectiveness of

national policies in meeting desired

program outcomes. Plans and directs

studies and surveys to evaluate the

effectiveness of policy development,

implementation and program outcomes

of the disability, retirement and

survivors and supplemental security

income programs.

I. The Office of Program Benefits

Policy (TAP) develops, coordinates and

evaluates the retirement and survivors

insurance and supplemental security

income programs and issues related

operational policies, standards and

instructions. Develops and issues

policies and guidelines for use by State

and Federal organizations which

implement supplemental security

income provisions. Develops
35848 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

agreements with the States that govern

State supplementation programs,

Medicaid eligibility, data exchange

programs, food stamps and fiscal

reporting processes.

J. The Office of Program Support

(TAS) provides leadership in overseeing

the Agency’s system of programmatic

instructions, notices to the public and

technical documents. Develops and

maintains standards governing the

translation of policy decisions into

operational policies, procedures and

notices. Responsible for the Agency’s

Regulatory Program, including

development of SSA’s Regulatory Plan

and the Agency’s portion of the Unified

Agenda of Federal Regulations.

Oversees the Agency’s implementation

of policies which utilize technologies in

providing service to the public and

provides program management of such

technological applications. Assures

programmatic support to legislative

implementation activities. Develops and

interprets SSA policy governing

requests for disclosure of information

from Agency records under the

provisions of the Privacy Act and the

Freedom of Information Act. Sponsors

and supports ODCPP Interdisciplinary

Teams established to address crosscutting policy issues and initiatives.

Designs, implements and maintains

automated information and

communications systems ODCPP-wide.

Subchapter TAR—Office of Policy and

Planning

TAR.00 Mission

TAR.10 Organization

TAR.20 Functions

Section TAR.00 The Office of Policy

and Planning—(Mission): The Office of

Policy and Planning provides Agency

leadership in the policy-making process

and manages all planning activities for

the Deputy Commissioner. Serves as

Agency liaison with the wider social

welfare policy-making community in

the public and private sectors, including

the Office of Management and Budget,

other governmental agencies and private

sector committees and groups. In

conjunction with the Office of

Legislation and Congressional Affairs

develops the Agency’s legislative

program and addresses items of

congressional concern. Directs a

comprehensive ODCPP program to

address policy-related issues. Ensures

the integration of the Agency’s policy

development and analysis activities and

its program evaluation and research

plans. Conducts broad analyses of major

social and economic trends and their

impact on social security program

policy. Conducts targeted evaluations of

the effectiveness and appropriateness of

specific current and/or proposed social

welfare policy features of programmatic

or operational concern. Applies the

results of Agency analyses to position

the Agency’s leaders to participate fully

and knowledgeably in various social

welfare policy forums (e.g., internal

Administration policy debates,

congressional hearings and debates,

Advisory Board deliberations). Develops

and implements the Agency’s

programmatic litigation strategy and

directs the management of all related

litigation activities within SSA. Assures

programmatic support to legislative

planning activities. Provides staff

support to the ODCPP Executive Team.

Section TAR.10 The Office of Policy and

Planning—Organization): The Office of

Policy and Planning, under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Policy and Planning,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Policy and Planning (TAR).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Policy and Planning

(TAR).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Policy and

Planning (TAR).

Section TAR .20 The Office of Policy

and Planning—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Policy and Planning (TAR) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy for

carrying out OPP’s mission and

providing managerial direction to OPP.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Policy and Planning

assists the Associate Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Policy and

Planning (TAR) provides the Associate

Commissioner with staff assistance on

the full range of his/her responsibilities.

1. Serves as Agency liaison with the

wider social welfare policy-making

community in the public and private

sectors, including the Office of

Management and Budget, other

governmental agencies and private

sector committees and groups.

2. In conjunction with the Office of

Legislation and Congressional Affairs

develops the Agency’s legislative

program and addresses items of

congressional concern.

3. Directs a comprehensive ODCPP

program to address policy-related

issues, ensuring the integration of the

Agency’s policy development and

analysis activities and its program

evaluation and research plans.

4. Conducts broad analyses of major

social and economic trends and their

impact on social security program

policy.

5. Conducts targeted evaluations of

the effectiveness and appropriateness of

specific current and/or proposed social

welfare policy features of programmatic

or operational concern. Applies the

results of Agency analyses to position

the Agency’s leaders to participate fully

and knowledgeably in various social

welfare policy forums.

6. Develops and implements the

Agency’s programmatic litigation

strategy and directs the management of

all related litigation activities within

SSA.

7. Assures programmatic support to

legislative planning activities.

8. Provides staff support to the

ODCPP Executive Team.

Subchapter TAE—Office of Disability

TAE.00 Mission

TAE.10 Organization

TAE.20 Functions

Section TAE.00 The Office of

Disability—(Mission): The Office of

Disability (OD) plans, develops,

evaluates and issues the operational and

administrative appeals process policies,

standards and instructions for the SSA

administered disability programs.

Develops and promulgates policies and

guidelines for use by State, Federal or

private contractor providers which

implement the disability provisions of

the Social Security Act as amended.

Provides operational policy advice,

technical support and management

direction to central office, regional

office and field components in the

administration of the disability

programs. Evaluates the effects of

proposed legislation and legislation

pending before Congress to determine

the impact on the disability programs.

Ensures that interrelated policy areas

are coordinated. Processes State agency

workloads on a temporary or

transitional basis.

Section TAE.10 The Office of

Disability—(Organization): The Office of

Disability under the leadership of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability,

includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Disability (TAE).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Disability (TAE).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability

(TAE).

D. The Federal Disability

Determination Services (TAEB).

E. The Division of Medical and

Vocational Policy (TAEC).
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35849

F. The Division of Field Disability

Operations (TAEE).

G. The Division of Disability Process

Policy (TAEG).

H. The Division of Disability Program

Information and Studies (TAEH).

I. The Division of Employment and

Rehabilitation Programs (TAEJ).

Section TAE.20 The Office of

Disability—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Disability (TAE) is directly responsible

to the Deputy Commissioner, Programs

and Policy for carrying out OD’s mission

and provides general supervision to the

major components of OD.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Disability (TAE)

assists the Associate Commissioner in

carrying out his/her responsibilities and

performs other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Disability

(TAE) provides the Associate

Commissioner and the Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) with advisory services

and staff assistance on the full range of

their responsibilities and coordinates

the administrative and program

activities of OD components.

D. The Federal Disability

Determination Services (TAEB):

1. Develops and adjudicates disability

determinations either temporarily as

help for one or more Disability

Determination Services (DDS) or as a

transition until a permanent alternative

case processing operation is fully

operational in the event that SSA must

assume the disability determination

function for a State because of

noncompliance with regulations and

guidelines, or voluntary withdrawal.

2. Pilot tests new work processes,

procedures and systems prior to

nationwide implementation; validates

and conducts useability tests on new

and/or revised systems processes;

evaluates new or revised disability

adjudication policies for national

consistency and practical application;

and conducts special studies and policy

reviews required for management

purposes.

3. Reviews and makes disability

decisions on applications for disability

under Title II and Title XVI of the Social

Security Act on initial applications, on

reconsideration requests and continuing

disability.

4. Screens disability applicants for,

and makes referrals to, vocational

rehabilitation (VR) agencies; develops

and evaluates medical/vocational

evidence; and arranges for procurement

and payment of such evidence, as

required.

5. Reviews State hearing officer and

Federal hearing officer decisions;

prepares decisions on foreign claims

and revises hearing officers’

determinations in accordance with the

regulations at 404.918 and 416.1418;

participates in hearing process studies;

and prepares statistical and narrative

reports and recommendations for

training and policy and procedural

changes based on case review and

analysis or study findings.

6. In conjunction with the Division of

Medical and Vocational Policy, provides

medical consultation required in the

formulation of medical evaluation

policies and guides. Conducts medical

reviews of evidence for purposes of

adjudication of medical aspects of

claims, as part of an evaluation of the

application of policies and procedures

and/or as part of a study to develop new

medical policies, guides and training.

E. The Division of Medical and

Vocational Policy (TAEC).

1. Develops broad medical concepts

and policies for the administration of

the Title II and Title XVI programs, and

provides consultation for research

evaluating impairment severity and

disability.

2. Provides leadership and

professional direction to Regional

Medical Officers and consultants, and to

State Disability Determination Services

(DDS) medical personnel engaged in

Title II and Title XVI related activities.

3. Provides medical consultation

required in the formulation of medical

evaluation policies and guides and

develops orientation and training

programs for medical personnel in

regional offices and State DDS’s.

4. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains medical policy for

deciding disability claims for all body

systems to be used at all adjudicative

levels.

5. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains policy for deciding

disability claims, including such areas

as residual functional capacity, medical

improvement review standard and other

continuing disability issues, onset,

duration, weighing of evidence and

other issues affecting disability claims at

all adjudicative levels.

6. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains policy for all vocational

issues, such as age, education, work

experience the vocational rules and

work evaluations which are used to

decide disability claims at all

adjudicative levels.

7. Develops, evaluates, implements

and maintains all policy used to decide

disability in childhood disability

claims, including the childhood Listings

of Impairments, individualized

functional assessment and functional

equivalency for all adjudicative levels.

8. Coordinates recommendations

concerning which court decisions

should be appealed; coordinates

development of responses to

interrogatories and court orders; and

ensures that policies and procedures are

changed to reflect specific court orders

and legal precedents.

F. The Division of Field Disability

Operations (TAEE).

1. Provides national guidance for the

administrative aspects of the disability

determination function whether

administered through State DDS,

contracted out to the private sector, or

accomplished by designated SSA

organizational components.

2. Develops pertinent policies,

regulations and procedures by

establishing standards and guides for

performance; monitoring performance;

initiating corrective action where

needed; coordinating workloads and

administering the funds for the DDSs,

etc. Conducts such studies and reviews

as are necessary to the disability

determination function.

3. Works through SSA regional

offices, interested national organizations

and other SSA central office

components to accomplish objectives or,

in special situations, works directly

with the component performing the

disability determination function.

4. Plans, coordinates and manages the

Office of Disability systems related

activities, including DDS and Federal

Disability Determination Services

automation, information resource

management, expert systems,

development of user specifications, and

installation and testing of hardware,

networks and communications links for

DDSs.

5. Analyzes, plans, distributes and

monitors all DDS funding on a State-byState basis. This includes establishing

and monitoring workload and

productivity targets for each DDS.

G. The Division of Disability Process

Policy (TAEL).

1. Develops procedures and

instructions for the disability provisions

of other programs including certain

Title XVI and XVIII provisions unique

to the disability programs. Maintains the

integrity of the consultative examination

process by developing regulations and

conducting oversight activities.

2. Develops and issues the policies,

procedures and instructions relating to

the development of nonmedical

evidence and the processing of initial

disability claims and fraud situations.

Develops policy guidelines and

technical procedures for the Continuing

Disability Review process and oversees
35850 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

this process. Prepares Office of

Disability positions for response to court

suits against SSA on disability cases.

3. Develops the procedures and

instructions which define the

administrative appeals process,

including policies and procedures for

the disability hearings process.

Develops notice policy and issues

language and forms for use in disability

claims and notices including foreign

language and Braille notices.

4. Carries out professional relations

efforts in support of SSA’s efforts to gain

support from professional medical

associations. Maintains liaison and

assists with professional relations efforts

to gain the support of nonvocational

rehabilitation advocacy groups, Federal,

State and local agencies and the public

and provides guidance and assistance

on disability professional relations

issues to the SSA regional and Disability

Determination Services’ field networks.

H. Division of Disability Program

Information and Studies (TACH).

1. Conducts studies on the disabled

population and recipients relative to

specific operational/administrative

program issues.

2. Designs evaluation systems for and

evaluates demonstration projects.

3. Develops and maintains data bases

for statistical activities and program

information. Provides recurring and

specialized reports, and coordinates

information requirements.

I. The Division of Employment and

Rehabilitation Programs (TAEJ).

1. Implements the provisions of the

Social Security Act which call for the

referral of beneficiaries and recipients to

the State or alternate vocational

rehabilitation (VR) providers, evaluates

VR provider services, reimburses VR

providers for successful rehabilitations,

ensures that client participation in a

program is appropriate and meets the

requirements of the Act and develops

proposals and plans for new VR

initiatives.

2. Implements and evaluates test

models for delivering rehabilitation, job

placement and post-employment

services and for making appropriate

referrals to public and private agencies.

Administers contracts to support

projects.

3. Develops initiatives to promote

public understanding and use of work

incentives through enhanced outreach

activities and by building networks with

community-based agencies and service

providers.

4. Prepares and revises regulations,

operating policies and training

materials. Develops proposals and plans

for new work incentives.

5. Develops procedures and

instructions for implementation of the

drug addiction and alcoholism referral

and monitoring provisions. Administers

agreements implementing the

provisions.

6. Maintains liaison and assists

professional relations efforts to gain the

support of private advocacy groups,

Federal, State and local agencies and the

public and provides guidance and

assistance on disability professional

relations issues to the SSA regional and

Disability Determination Services’ field

networks.

Subchapter TAH Office of Hearings

and Appeals

TAH.00 Mission

TAH.10 Organization

TAH.20 Functions

Section TAH.00 The Office of

Hearings and Appeals—(Mission): The

Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA)

administers the nationwide hearings

and appeals program for SSA. Provides

the basic mechanisms through which

individuals and organizations

dissatisfied with determinations

affecting their rights to and amounts of

benefits or their participation in

programs under the Social Security Act

may administratively appeal these

determinations in accordance with the

requirements of the Administrative

Procedure and Social Security Acts.

OHA includes a nationwide field

organization staffed with Administrative

Law Judges (ALJs) who conduct

impartial hearings and make decisions

on appeals filed by claimants, their

representatives, providers-of-service

institutions and others under the Social

Security Act. The Appeals Council of

OHA impartially reviews ALJ decisions,

either on the Appeals Council’s own

motion or at the request of the claimant,

and renders the Commissioner’s final

decision when review is taken. Reviews

new court cases to determine whether

the case should be defended on the

record or the Commissioner should seek

voluntary remand, and reviews final

court decisions in light of the

programmatic and administrative

implications involved and makes

recommendations as to whether appeal

should be sought. Provides advice and

recommendations on Social Security

Administration program policy and

related matters, including proposed

Social Security Rulings.

Section TAH.10 The Office of

Hearings and Appeals—(Organization):

The Office of Hearings and Appeals,

under the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Hearings and

Appeals, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Hearings and Appeals (TAH).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Hearings and Appeals

(TAH).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Hearings

and Appeals (TAH) which includes:

1. The Executive Secretariat (TAH–1).

2. The Special Counsel Staff (TAH–2).

D. The Office of the Chief

Administrative Law Judge (TAHA).

1. The Division of Field Operations

and Liaison (TAHAl).

2. The Division of Field Practices and

Procedures (TAHA2).

3. The Vocational Expert and Medical

Advisor Staff (TAHA3).

4. The Division of Medicare Part B

(TAHA4).

E. The Offices of the Regional Chief

Administrative Law Judges (TAH–F1—

TAH–FX).

F. The Office of Appellate Operations

(TAHB), which includes the Executive

Director who also serves as Deputy

Chair of the Appeals Council, the

Appeals Council and its Administrative

Appeals Judges, Appeals Officers, a

Deputy Director to the Executive

Director, and a Director of Operations.

1. The Operations Management,

Analysis and Coordination Staff

(TAHB1).

2. The Division of Program Support

(TAHB2).

3. The Medical Support Staff

(TAHB3).

4.–22. The Disability Program

Branches l–19 (TAHB4–9 and TAHBA–

Q).

23.–24. The Court Case Preparation

and Review Branches 1–2 (TAHBR–S).

25. The Division of Retirement and

Survivors Insurance, Supplemental

Security Income and Health Insurance

(TAHBT).

G. The Office of Policy, Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC).

1. The Division of Litigation Analysis

and Implementation (TAHC1).

2. The Division of Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC2).

3. The Division of Policy (TAHC3).

H. The Office of Management (TAHE).

1. The Equal Employment

Opportunity Staff (TAHE1).

2. The Division of Congressional and

Public Inquiries (TAHE2).

3. The Division of Budget and

Financial Management (TAHE3).

4. The Division of Materiel Resources

(TAHE4).

5. The Division of Systems Resources

(TAHE5).

6. The Division of Management

Analysis and Employee Development

(TAHE6).

Section TAH.20. The Office of

Hearings and Appeals—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner of

Hearings and Appeals (TAH) is directly
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35851

responsible to the Deputy Commissioner

for Programs and Policy for carrying out

OHA’s mission of holding hearings and

rendering decisions on appeals filed

under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the

Social Security Act, as amended, and

Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health

and Safety Act of l969, as amended. The

Associate Commissioner is responsible

for planning, directing, managing,

coordinating and maintaining the

integrity of the nationwide SSA

hearings and appeals system. As Chair

of the Appeals Council, the Associate

Commissioner is responsible for the

decisions issued at the final

administrative level of the Social

Security Administration.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Hearings and Appeals

(TAH) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

OHA-wide responsibilities and performs

other duties as the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Hearings

and Appeals (TAH) provides the

Associate Commissioner and the

Deputy Associate Commissioner with

staff assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities.

1. The Executive Secretariat (TAH–l)

is the liaison and coordination point

between the Office of the Associate

Commissioner and major SSA and OHA

components. It serves as the primary

point of contact with the Office of the

Commissioner, ODCPP, other Deputy

and Associate Commissioners and other

top SSA staff for sensitive and urgent

matters and to ensure OHA support to

those officials.

2. The Special Counsel Staff (TAH–2)

serves as professional legal advisor to

the Associate Commissioner, OHA, and

to other members of the OHA Executive

Staff on all matters pertaining to the

legislative process, labor relations law,

ethics and administrative law, with

special emphasis on the Administrative

Procedure Act.

D. The Office of the Chief

Administrative Law Judge (TAHA)

serves as the principal consultant and

advisor to the Associate Commissioner

on all matters concerning the

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing

function. Under the executive

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner, the Chief Administrative

Law Judge manages and administers a

hearings organization consisting of a

nationwide network of hearing offices

and supporting regional offices

nationwide. The Chief Administrative

Law Judge has primary responsibility

for maintaining effective channels of

communication between the Associate

Commissioner and the Regional Chief

Administrative Law Judges (RCALJs)

and the ALJ corps. Formulates and

develops broad policies and objectives

and establishes program goals for OHA’s

ALJ corps. Maintains a continuous

review of all aspects of OHA field

operations and implements

improvements where needed. Is

responsible for developing and

maintaining the procedures for effective

operation of the hearings process.

Provides management oversight for all

administrative and managerial functions

involved in the day-to-day operations of

field activities; coordinates regional and

hearing office activities; prepares,

reviews and drafts decisions and

dismissals in Medicare Part B cases; and

conducts liaison with other government

and private agencies on issues falling

within the Office’s area of

responsibility.

1. The Division of Field Operations

and Liaison

(TAHA1) serves as liaison for the field

with all headquarters components, and

provides advice, guidance and counsel

to field units in all areas of identified

needs. Assists the Chief Administrative

Law Judge in setting field office

objectives. Analyzes field resource

needs, including staffing, equipment,

training and travel and recommends

resource allocations to meet those

needs. Represents the field on ongoing

or ad hoc workgroups, task forces, etc.

2. The Division of Field Practices and

Procedures (TAHA2) formulates,

develops, communicates and oversees

field practices and procedures

governing the conduct of the hearing

process and other program operations

issues in response to the Associate

Commissioner, the Chief Administrative

Law Judge, or other OHA management

officials, as well as a result of court

orders and/or changes in the law and

regulations.

3. The Vocational Expert and Medical

Expert Staff (TAHA3) formulates,

develops and oversees the national

program for recruitment and use of

Vocational Experts and Medical Experts

at hearings before Administrative Law

Judges. On an ongoing basis, monitors

Regional and Hearing Office operations

regarding the program and when

appropriate provides guidance and

makes necessary changes.

4. The Division of Medicare Part B

(TAHA4) processes Medicare Part B

cases on receipt from Health Care

Financing Administration (HCFA)

contractors. Researches the law,

regulations and relevant policy to

resolve case-related issues as necessary.

Drafts all decisions where an on-therecord decision is requested and drafts

decisions where hearings are held by an

Administrative Law Judge who is

attached directly to the division.

Provides technical and staff assistance

to the Chief Administrative Law Judge

and all Administrative Law Judges

concerning the adjudication of Medicare

Part B cases.

E. Each Office of the Regional Chief

Administrative Law Judge (TAH–F1—

TAH–FX) acts on behalf of the Associate

Commissioner and the Chief

Administrative Law Judge at the

respective regional levels on all matters

involving the hearings process and is

directly responsible for the effective

execution of the hearings process within

the region. Provides direction,

leadership, management and guidance

to the regional office staff and to the

hearing offices in the region, including

Administrative Law Judges and their

staffs. Is responsible for the regional

implementation of national policies,

goals, objectives, and procedures

pertaining to the hearings process, and

formulates policies, goals, and

objectives for the ALJs and support staff

in the region. Develops and

recommends OHA action with respect

to allegations of unfair hearings within

the region. Is responsible for evaluating

the effectiveness of regional and hearing

office management. Reviews hearing

practices and procedures to detect

trends, training needs, and operational

problems. Investigates allegations of

improper employee conduct, and makes

recommendations as to necessary

corrective action. Has responsibility for

the acquisition and distribution of

human and materiel resources within

the region. Coordinates operational and

administrative activities with SSA

regional offices, other SSA regional

components, State Agencies, and others,

as necessary. Establishes a program to

maintain ongoing communication with

congressional offices on issues of

mutual interest and ensures timely and

accurate responses to congressional

inquiries. Ensures that court remands

are processed efficiently within the

region, and coordinates with the Office

of the Chief Counsel in the region to

foster OHA compliance with court

requirements. Serves as an expert

advisor on substantive issues within the

region, and upon request by ALJs,

provides advice and guidance in matters

relating to adjudicating cases under the

provisions of the Social Security Act, as

amended. Reviews and analyzes fee

petitions from attorneys and

representatives of claimants for the

provision of services at the hearing

level, and authorizes payment of fees in

those cases where the fees are beyond
35852 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

the authority of a hearing office

Administrative Law Judge.

F. The Office of Appellate Operations

(TAHB) consists of the Appeals Council

and its support staff. In accordance with

a direct delegation of authority from the

Commissioner of Social Security, the

Appeals Council is the final level of

administrative review under the

Administrative Procedure Act for claims

filed under Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of

the Social Security Act, as amended,

and Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine

Health and Safety Act of 1969, as

amended. The Executive Director of the

Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) is

the Deputy Chair of the Appeals Council

and is responsible for the day-to-day

operations of a program of

administrative review of ALJ decisions

issued under the provisions of the

Social Security Act. Upon claimant

request or on the Appeals Council’s own

motion, OAO reviews ALJ decisions and

dismissals involving claims for benefits

filed under Titles II and XVI of the

Social Security Act, as amended, health

insurance cases under Title XVIII of the

Act, including claims for individual

enrollment to participate under Parts A

and/or B of Title XVIII and claims by

hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and

independent laboratories seeking

certification or continued certification

under the Act, and claims under Title IV

of the Federal Coal Mine Health and

Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to

determine if jurisdiction exists, and, if

so, takes appropriate action. The

Appeals Council identifies cases which

represent broad policy matters or have

national impact, conducts oral hearings

and acts to resolve the issues in such

cases, establishing binding adjudicatory

standards and decisional principles that

govern OHA’s adjudicatory process.

Tracks and analyzes court case trends

and disseminates information to guide

adjudicators with respect to case law, to

implement an effective appeals strategy,

and to identify areas and make

recommendations as to policies which

need to be developed and/or clarified,

new regulations which need to be

developed, or clarifying legislation

which should be sought.

1. The Operations Management,

Analysis and Coordination Staff

(TAHB1) provides a comprehensive

program of management analysis and

evaluative services to assist the Appeals

Council in adjudicating cases, to assist

the Executive Director of OAO, and to

assist the support staff of the Appeals

Council in performing their program

review function.

2. The Division of Program Support

(TAHB2) under the direction of the

Director of Operations of OAO, provides

support services to the Appeals Council,

including reconstruction of lost claim

files and receiving and analyzing fee

petitions. Provides reprographic

services and controls transcription of

hearing cassettes in preparation of the

official answer to civil actions filed

against the Commissioner of SSA.

3. The Medical Support Staff (TAHB3)

consists of staff physicians, consulting

physicians, and support staff and

provides expert professional judgment

to the Appeals Council on individual

disability and health insurance claims.

Provides informational, advisory and

consultant services to the Appeals

Council and its support staff on matters

of interpretation and application of

national policy on SSA and OHA

disability criteria and regulations. It

reviews disability evaluation training

manuals for consistency and national

uniformity, represents OHA in contacts

with appropriate professional

affiliations, and coordinates with the

Office of Disability and International

Operations all matters of joint interest in

the area of medical disability

evaluation.

4.–22. The Disability Program

Branches 1–19 (TAHB4–9 and TAHBAQ) serve as support staff providing

advice to the Appeals Council in its

review of ALJ decisions and dismissals

involving claims for benefits. Following

an analysis of the record and any

additional evidence and/or argument

submitted, and applying a thorough

knowledge of the Act, Regulations,

Rulings and applicable case law, the

staff in the program review branches

examine hearing decisions and other

final actions of the Administrative Law

Judges, and requests for Appeals

Council review, and make

recommendations to the Appeals

Council as to what action should be

taken on cases pending before the

Council. Analyze and recommend

action on cases remanded by the courts

and those referred by the Office of

General Counsel for consideration of

whether remand should be requested at

the Commissioner’s motion.

Recommend to OGC defense on the

record of certain litigated cases if further

administrative action is not warranted.

23.–24. The Court Case Preparation

and Review Branches 1–2 (TAHBR-S)

serve as a support staff to OAO. Prepare

remand orders and affidavits and related

correspondence on cases in which a

complaint has been filed in Federal

court. Within published guidelines,

recommend to OGC defense on the

record for certain litigated cases if

further administrative action is not

warranted. Analyze and recommend

action on cases remanded by the courts.

Prepare all court transcripts and control

and maintain all certified records of

claims at the civil actions level.

25. The Division of Retirement and

Survivors Insurance, Supplemental

Security Income and Health Insurance

(TAHBT) serves as a support staff and

provides advice to the Appeals Council

in its review of decisions and dismissals

involving claims to establish

entitlement to Health Insurance benefits

under Title XVIII of the Social Security

Act, including claims for individual

enrollment to participate under Parts A

and/or B of Title XVIII and claims by

hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and

independent laboratories seeking

certification under the Social Security

Act, decisions and dismissals involving

claims to establish entitlement and the

amount of benefits in old-age, survivors

and disability under Title II of the

Social Security Act; and claims to

establish eligibility for and benefits

payable in Title XVI cases. Following an

analysis of the record and any

additional evidence and/or argument

submitted, and applying a thorough

knowledge of the Act, Regulations,

Rulings and applicable case law,

examines hearing decisions and other

final actions of the ALJ, and requests for

Appeals Council review, and makes

recommendations to the Administrative

Appeals Judges as to what action should

be taken on cases pending before the

Council whether before or after a civil

action is filed.

G. The Office of Policy, Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC) plans, analyzes and

develops OHA-wide policy for the

hearings, appeals and civil actions

processes. Responsible for SSA policy

with respect to claimant representation

and fees charged for their services.

Manages the overall OHA hearings and

appeals process policy communications

system. Is responsible for OHA activity

with respect to Social Security

regulations, including developing an

OHA position with respect to program

regulations proposed by SSA

components. Monitors OHA’s

implementation of program regulations

governing the hearings and appeals

process. Plans and conducts a

comprehensive OHA-wide evaluation

program designed to support OHA

policy and regulatory initiatives and

measure the overall effectiveness of the

nationwide hearings and appeals

process. Provides advice and guidance

throughout OHA on matters involving

program policies, planning and

evaluation. Coordinates policy,

planning and evaluation matters within

OHA, with OGC, other SSA

components, with HCFA and with other

Federal agencies and private
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35853

organizations. Develops and coordinates

program training in conjunction with

appropriate OHA, SSA, HCFA and OGC

components. Develops and implements

an appeals strategy, in conjunction with

other OHA components, that identifies

the issues and types of cases which

OHA believes should be appealed.

Captures court trend information for

dissemination to other components to

assist in formulating the Agency’s

litigation strategy and improving the

adjudication process.

1. The Division of Litigation Analysis

and Implementation (TAHC1) develops

and implements, in conjunction with

other OHA components, an appeals

strategy that identifies the issues and

types of cases which OHA believes

should be appealed. Captures court

trend information for dissemination to

other components to assist in

formulating the Agency’s litigation

strategy and improving the adjudication

process. Develops and maintains a

compendium of circuit court case law

with systems-based access. Tracks

pending class actions, forecasts

potential workload impact, and makes

recommendations to workload

components regarding workload impact.

Uses court trend information to identify

and make appropriate recommendations

with respect to areas in which policies

need to be developed and/or clarified,

new regulations need to be developed,

or clarifying legislation should be

sought. Prepares and updates significant

court case requirements used in

reviewing court cases. Uses court trend

information to identify areas where

additional training is needed or other

measures are needed to improve

defensibility. Advises OHA officials of

significant cases and trends and of

litigation issues which may require

revision of operating instructions, and

assists with the preparation of the

instructions. Coordinates OHA’s views

on proposed Social Security

Acquiescence Rulings. In response to

OHA-identified cases and to requests for

appeals recommendations from ODCPP,

obtains the views of affected OHA

components and formulates an OHA

position on appeal. Maintains liaison

with OGC and ODCPP to coordinate the

settlement of class actions and class

action implementation. In coordination

with other OHA components, develops

instructions for OHA implementation of

class action orders, monitors

implementation and serves as a focal

point for questions from OHA

adjudicators. Responds to requests from

OGC and ODCPP regarding information

about OHA operations requested in the

course of litigation. Coordinates OHA’s

response to discovery requests.

Administers and coordinates the

Freedom of Information Act and Privacy

Act provisions for OHA.

2. The Division of Planning and

Evaluation (TAHC2) develops,

coordinates and conducts a

comprehensive OHA-wide program of

studies and analyses of the application

of and compliance with SSA and OHA

policies and procedures in all phases of

OHA’s hearings and appeals processes

and SSA’s claimant representation

process and the quality of results

achieved. Provides advice and

assistance to other OHA components in

designing and implementing

appropriate systems and procedures for

collecting, recording, analyzing and

evaluating data to assess the quality of

work emanating from the hearings and

appeals processes. Conducts studies of

policy implementation within OHA.

Identifies problem areas and

deficiencies in policies. Develops

techniques and systems for conducting

evaluations of the substantive and

technical aspects of claims throughout

OHA.

3. The Division of Policy (TAHC3)

plans, develops and coordinates the

preparation of regulations, policies and

guidelines for the hearings, appeals,

civil actions and claimant

representation processes under Titles II,

XVI and XVIII of the Social Security

Act, as amended, and under Title IV of

the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety

Act of 1969, as amended. Ensures that

operating procedures and instructions

developed to implement the hearings

and appeals process conform with SSA

benefit program policy and OHA

hearings and appeals process policy.

Provides advisory services,

consultation, and staff assistance to

other components of OHA. Maintains

ongoing liaison with SSA, HCFA, OGC

and others with respect to program,

legislative and policy matters. Reviews

current and developing trends in

administrative law and litigation;

analyzes and prepares policy

recommendations; and develops longrange and short-range plans for hearing

and appeals policy matters and OHA’s

implementation of benefit program

policy matters. Develops and

coordinates program training in

conjunction with other OHA, SSA, and

OGC program components.

H. The Office of Management (TAHE)

provides administrative support to the

Associate Commissioner for all

management and systems related

activities for OHA. Coordinates with the

Chief Administrative Law Judge with

respect to management, financial,

materiel resources and systems support

functions which affect field operations.

Has direct line authority for all

management and administrative support

functions for Headquarters’ components

of OHA and in coordination with the

Chief ALJ, for all field components of

OHA including its regional offices (ROs)

and hearing offices nationwide.

Coordinates and integrates the

management programs and

administrative planning initiatives of

OHA into the long-range goals and

objectives of SSA. Monitors OHA’s

progress toward meeting established

Agency goals and makes

recommendations for needed

adjustments to enable OHA to meet

these goals. Plans, directs and

implements an Equal Employment

Opportunity (EEO) program within

OHA. Plans, directs, administers and

evaluates the congressional and public

inquiries activities for OHA. Plans,

directs and administers a

comprehensive nationwide management

analysis program to identify areas

requiring improvement to enhance the

quality and effectiveness of management

practices and to assess trends in

management.

1. The Equal Employment

Opportunity Staff (TAHE1) is

responsible for OHA’s EEO program.

Plans, develops, implements and

monitors OHA’s affirmative action

program, and administers the EEO

complaint process for OHA

headquarters. Provides guidance for,

and monitoring of, OHA regional EEO

programs.

2. The Division of Congressional and

Public Inquiries (TAHE2) formulates

policies, procedures and guidelines for

use in responding to high priority

correspondence from the public and

congressional offices. Serves as the

correspondence liaison staff with the

Commissioner’s Office, the Office of

Communications and other SSA

components.

3. The Division of Budget and

Financial Management (TAHE3) plans,

develops and coordinates OHA’s budget

and financial management programs,

advising the Director of OM and/or the

Associate Commissioner of the financial

impact of all decisions which may affect

the program and administrative

operations of the Agency. Formulates,

justifies and presents OHA’s annual and

multi-year budget submissions. Reviews

and analyzes budget requests submitted

by OHA components and formulates

OHA’s financial operating plans and

budget projections. Works with SSA

budget officials to obtain the resources

necessary to meet OHA goals and

objectives. Develops all necessary

applications for generating budget data
35854 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

and financial management reports.

Executes and administers a financial

management system, integrating

resource management controls. Ensures

that employment ceilings and

obligations and expenditures of funds

are in conformance with authorized

allotments and allowances. Administers

the travel and payroll function for all

OHA headquarters components and

ALJs nationwide.

4. The Division of Materiel Resources

(TAHE4) plans, directs and provides

administrative support services in the

areas of space planning and

management; forms and records

management; property management;

equipment control and maintenance;

graphic arts; safety and self-protection,

including emergency planning; security;

procurement and supply; laboring

services; mail and messenger services;

motor vehicle operations; and

communications systems management.

Organizes, controls and coordinates

procurement and property management

activities, including development of

specifications and requisitions for

procurement of property, inspections of

property owned or leased by the United

States Government and property

accountability. Administers an

occupational health and safety program

in compliance with established health

and safety concepts, regulations,

standards and procedures.

Administers security programs and

inspections, and coordinates with local

law enforcement officials to ensure

protection of OHA property and

personnel.

5. The Division of Systems Resources

(TAHE5) is the focal point for all OHA

systems-related activities. Provides

office automation and data processing

support to all OHA components.

Develops OHA’s long-range systems

goals and objectives. Provides computer

programming and systems support for

the planning, design, development and

implementation of all OHA automated

data processing systems. Serves as

liaison with the Office of Systems on all

matters pertaining to systems, and

ensures that OHA systems efforts are

undertaken, that projects underway are

carried out successfully and that OHA

participates fully in the SSA systems

strategy.

6. The Division of Management

Analysis and Employee Development

(TAHE6) advises the Director of OM and

the Associate Commissioner in all

management areas involving

management practices, management

analysis, operational analysis and the

resolution of management/employee

concerns and problems. Plans, designs

and administers evaluation programs

and tracking systems to assess the

efficiency and effectiveness of OHA

operations in the field and headquarters.

Serves as the focal point of contact for

coordinating the General Accounting

Office, the Office of the Inspector

General, SSA and other studies of OHA

operations. Coordinates, develops and

publishes administrative delegations of

authority for OHA. Administers OHA’s

Employee Development Program.

Develops and administers an OHA-wide

program to identify training needs;

develops mechanisms to meet identified

training needs; and assesses the

effectiveness of the OHA training

program in meeting the training needs

of managers, supervisors and

employees.

Subchapter TAJ—Office of International

Policy

TAJ.00 Mission

TAJ.10 Organization

TAJ.20 Functions

Section TAJ.00 The Office of

International Policy—(Mission): The

Office of International Policy serves as

SSA’s focal point for international

program policy matters and for its

participation in the international Social

Security community. Serves as liaison

to international agencies and

associations which deal with Social

Security matters. Negotiates

international Social Security

(totalization) agreements with foreign

governments, and develops policies and

procedures to implement the

agreements. Develops and implements

policies and procedures relating to the

operation of the Social Security program

outside the United States. Provides

programs of training and technical

consultations on Social Security and

related fields to Social Security officials

and other experts outside the United

States. Serves as liaison with other

Federal agencies, such as the

Department of State and the Department

of the Treasury, on Social Security

program matters outside the United

States.

Section TAJ.10 The Office of

International Policy—(Organization):

The Office of International Policy, under

the leadership of the Associate

Commissioner of the Office of

International Policy includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

International Policy (TAJ).

B. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

International Policy (TAJ).

C. The Division of International

Program Policy and Agreements (TAJA).

D. The International Activities Staff

(TAJB).

Section TAJ.00 The Office of

International Policy—Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

International Policy (TAJ) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy for

carrying out the OIP mission and

provides supervision to the major

components of OIP.

B. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for

International Policy (TAJ) provides the

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of his/her

responsibilities, helps coordinate the

activities of OIP components, and acts

as the SSA or United States Government

representative to international

organizations and world bodies

involved with international social

security matters.

C. The Division of International

Program Policy and Agreements (TAJA).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates

program policies and procedures

relating to foreign claims

administration, foreign evidence and

beneficiaries and modifies policies and

procedures to meet program

requirements in foreign countries.

2. Negotiates international Social

Security (totalization) agreements with

foreign governments and takes the

actions necessary to secure their

approval, develops policies and

procedures to implement agreements

and administers the coverage provisions

of the agreements.

3. Issues certificates of coverage to

United States-based workers who are on

temporary assignments in countries

with which the United States has

international totalization agreements to

exempt them (and their employers) from

foreign social security taxes.

4. Interacts with various SSA

components, other Federal agencies and

governments of other countries on all

foreign program matters, including

evaluation of foreign social insurance

systems for alien nonpayment purposes,

benefit payment delivery and

restrictions, acceptability of foreign

evidence, program integrity and mutual

assistance arrangements with other

countries.

5. Conducts legislative and regulatory

reviews, studies and analyses of all

matters relating to international policy

and international Social Security

agreements and takes necessary

legislative or regulatory action on

foreign program and agreement

problems requiring such remedy.

D. The International Activities Staff

(TAJB).

1. Develops and coordinates

individualized programs of consultation

and observation for foreign Social
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35855

Security officials and experts in related

fields on the United States Social

Security system.

2. Coordinates SSA’s technical

assistance to foreign countries in

designing and/or modernizing existing

social security systems.

3. Serves as SSA’s focal point in

disseminating information about the

United States Social Security program to

foreign organizations.

4. Plans and coordinates SSA’s

international travel plan, including

providing logistical support and

administering all activities relating to

control of official passports for SSA staff

traveling abroad.

5. Plans, implements and manages

SSA-hosted international conferences,

meetings and seminars.

Subchapter TAN—Office of Research,

Evaluation and Statistics

TAN.00 Mission

TAN.10 Organization

TAN.20 Functions

Section TAN.00 The Office of

Research, Evaluation and Statistics—

(Mission): The Office of Research,

Evaluation and Statistics is responsible

for providing information on the effects

on individuals and the economy of

programs operated by SSA and the

interactions among these programs,

other tax and income-transfer programs

and economic, social and demographic

forces. Plans and directs a continuing

program of economic and social

research to evaluate the effectiveness of

national policies in meeting desired

program outcomes. Plans and directs

studies and surveys to evaluate the

effectiveness of policy development,

implementation and program outcomes

of the disability, retirement and

survivors and supplemental security

income programs.

Section TAN.10 The Office of

Research, Evaluation and Statistics—

(Organization): The Office of Research,

Evaluation and Statistics under the

leadership of the Associate

Commissioner for Research, Evaluation

and Statistics, includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Research, Evaluation and Statistics

(TAN).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Research, Evaluation

and Statistics (TAN).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Research,

Evaluation and Statistics (TAN).

D. The Publications Staff (TANA).

E. The Division of Program Analysis

(TANB).

F. The Division of Economic Research

(TANC).

G. The Division of Earnings Statistics

and Analysis (TANE).

H. The Division of Retirement,

Survivors, Disability Insurance Research

Statistics (TANG).

I. The Division of SSI Analysis/

Management Statistical Support

(TANH).

J. The Disability Research Staff

(TANJ).

Section TAN.20 The Office of

Research, Evaluation and Statistics

(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Research, Evaluation and Statistics

(TAN) is directly responsible to the

Deputy Commissioner, Programs and

Policy for carrying out ORES’ mission,

and providing general supervision to the

major components of ORES.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Research, Evaluation

and Statistics (TAN) assists the

Associate Commissioner in carrying out

his/her responsibilities and performs

other duties the Associate

Commissioner may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Research,

Evaluation and Statistics (TAN)

provides the Associate Commissioner

and Deputy Associate Commissioner

with staff assistance on the full range of

their responsibilities and helps

coordinate the activities of ORES

components.

D. The Publications Staff (TANA).

1. Advises ORES on the development,

organization and presentation of

research and statistical studies.

2. Publishes and distributes these

studies to national and international

audiences.

3. Assesses informational needs of

SSA staff, staff in other Government

agencies, the social science research

community and the public for data and

findings from the ORES research

program.

E. The Division of Program Analysis

(TANB).

1. Plans, designs and conducts

surveys of program target groups and

performs policy-relevant research.

2. Analyzes the impact of proposed

policy options, legislative proposals and

special high-priority issues and prepares

briefing materials for SSA

administrators.

3. Plans, conducts and publishes the

results of cross-national research on

social security programs worldwide.

F. The Division of Economic Research

(TANC).

1. Plans, directs and executes issueoriented research to provide information

about relationships between the Social

Security program, the economy and

other aspects of society.

2. Interprets changing demographic

and economic trends as they relate to

the broad field of economic security and

to overall economic and social policy.

3. Studies such major areas as: Social

Security financing, economic impacts of

Social Security, income maintenance,

effect of Social Security on lifetime

income redistribution, alternative

measures of income adequacy, and labor

market and retirement behavior.

G. The Division of Earnings Statistics

and Analysis (TANE).

1. Plans, coordinates and directs the

preparation of statistical and analytical

data pertaining to earnings, employment

and employer classification. Analyzes

these data with emphasis on

demographic, economic, social and

program characteristics. These data are

used to support program and legislative

planning and serve as important sources

for program evaluation, research and

administrative information within SSA,

and for research by other Federal and

State and local government agencies,

universities, and private research

organizations.

2. Provides ORES and other SSA

researchers with support in the

development of social science survey

data linked with SSA administrative

record data.

H. The Division of Retirement,

Survivors and Disability Insurance

Research Statistics (TANG).

1. Plans, coordinates and directs the

preparation of statistical and analytical

data pertaining to RSDI claims and

benefits provisions of Title II of the

Social Security Act. Analyzes these data

with emphasis on demographic,

economic, social and program

characteristics. These data are used to

support program and legislative

planning and serve as important sources

for program evaluation, research and

administrative information within SSA,

and for research by other Federal and

State and local government agencies,

universities and private research

organizations.

I. The Division of SSI Analysis/

Management Statistical Support

(TANH).

1. Plans, coordinates and directs the

preparation of statistical and analytical

data pertaining to the Supplemental

Security Income provisions of Title XVI

of the Social Security Act. Analyzes

these data with emphasis on

demographic, economic, social and

program characteristics. These data are

used to support program and legislative

planning and serve as important sources

for program evaluation, research and

administrative information within SSA

and for research by other Federal and

State and local government agencies,
35856 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices

universities and private research

organizations.

2. Provides management statistical

services to SSA operating and policy

components, including such activities

as the development of general purpose

and customized field office samples,

development of work sampling systems

and quality assurance systems, and the

design and analysis of operational pilot

studies. Provides support for the

development and use of mathematical

models and statistical methods.

J. The Disability Research Staff

(TANJ).

1. Plans, directs and implements a

wide range of studies and analyses,

utilizing data from surveys and

administrative records, on the national

disabled population, disability

applicants and disability beneficiaries.

2. Develops research in response to DI

program issues.

3. Maintains and develops research

surveys and administrative data files

used in the analysis of disability data.

Subchapter TAP—Office of Program

Benefits Policy

TAP.00 Mission

TAP.10 Organization

TAP.20 Functions

Section TAP.00 The Office of

Program Benefits Policy—(Mission): The

Office of Program Benefits Policy

provides SSA-wide leadership and

direction to the development,

coordination and promulgation of RSI

and SSI policies and procedures.

Develops, coordinates and evaluates the

program and issues the operational

policies, standards and instructions for

the RSI and SSI programs. Develops and

issues policies and guidelines for use by

State and Federal organizations which

implement the SSI provisions. Develops

agreements with the States and other

agencies that govern State

supplementation programs, Medicaid

eligibility, data exchange programs, food

stamps and fiscal reporting processes.

Section TAP.10 The Office of

Program Benefits Policy—

(Organization): The Office of Program

Benefits Policy, under the leadership of

the Associate Commissioner for Program

Benefits Policy includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program Benefits Policy (TAP).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Program Benefits

Policy (TAP).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

Benefits Policy (TAP).

D. The Division of Benefit Continuity

(TAPA).

E. The Division of Coverage (TAPB).

F. The Division of Entitlement

(TAPC).

G. The Division of Payment Policy

(TAPE).

H. The Division of Program

Requirements Policy (TAPG).

I. The Division of Program

Management, Research and

Demonstration (TAPH).

Section TAP.20 The Office of

Program Benefits Policy—(Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program Benefits Policy (TAP) is

directly responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy for

carrying out OPBP’s mission and

provides general supervision to the

major components of OPBP.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner(s) for Program Benefits

Policy (TAP) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

Benefits Policy (TAP) provides the

Associate Commissioner and Deputy

Associate Commissioner(s) with staff

assistance on the full range of their

responsibilities and helps coordinate

the activities of OPBP components.

D. The Division of Benefit Continuity

(TAPA).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the retirement and survivors insurance

program and common to one or more of

the other SSA programs in the area of

benefit continuity.

2. Develops, issues and evaluates

guidelines, directives, instructions and

operating procedures for such areas as

work notices, annual and monthly

earnings tests, suspensions and

terminations, governmental pension

offset and enforcement and beneficiary

compliance, overpayments,

underpayments, recovery and waiver,

garnishment, payment delivery, onsite

review, accounting, representative

payee selection, advance notice,

capability/incapability and use and

misuse.

E. The Division of Coverage (TAPB).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the retirement and survivors insurance

program and common to one or more of

the other SSA programs in the area of

coverage.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such coverage and

employment subject areas as wages,

coverage and exceptions, anti-poverty

programs, earnings records and earnings

records discrepancies, coverage aspects

of international agreements, selfemployment status and income,

religious exemptions, State and local

coverage and statutes of limitations.

F. The Division of Entitlement

(TAPC).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the retirement and survivors insurance

program and common to one or more of

the other SSA programs in the area of

entitlement.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such entitlement subject

areas as applications, insured status,

veterans’ benefits, railroad employment,

family relationships, dependency and

support, evidence, school attendance,

indexing of earnings, primary insurance

amount computation, reduction of

benefits for age, family maximums,

saving clauses, recomputations and

recalculations of benefits, period of

disability computations, awards,

disallowances and abatements of claims,

earnings records, claims application

forms, administrative finality,

adjudicative standards, evidence,

documentation, conspicuous

characteristics and social security

numbers.

G. The Division of Payment Policy

(TAPE).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the supplemental security income

program in the area of payment policy.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such payment policy

subject areas as redeterminations, SSI

notices, SSI appeals and overpayments/

underpayments matching and

interfaces, mandatory and optional State

supplemental payments, pass through of

rate increases, monitoring of fiscal

information systems with the States,

maintenance of State agreements, food

stamps, Medicaid, State assistance

reimbursements, energy assistance,

State data exchange systems and

postadjudicative issues.

H. The Division of Program

Requirements Policy (TAPG).

1. Plans, develops and evaluates the

operational policies, standards and

instructions and provides guidance to

field components on issues related to

the supplemental security income
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 131 / Monday, July 8, 1996 / Notices 35857

program in the area of program

requirements policy.

2. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for such program

requirements subject areas as

individual/couple/child eligibility

status, in-kind income, support and

maintenance, in-kind living

arrangements, institutionalization,

special classifications of income and

medical social services, generic income

issues, deeming of income and

resources, computation of income,

certain grandfather clauses, special

sponsored alien deeming, color of law

alien status, presence in the United

States, generic resources issues, trust

policy, filing for other benefit

requirements and property essential for

self-support.

I. The Division of Program

Management, Research and

Demonstration (TAPH).

1. Designs, manages and conducts

studies to measure and evaluate the

impact and effectiveness of the

supplemental security income and the

retirement and survivors insurance

program policies, procedures and

programs on the population.

2. Establishes, maintains and operates

statistical program data base extract

systems to provide program information

for internal and external use; develops

functional specifications and programs;

validates output; and assists requestors

in verifying final product.

3. Manages demonstration cooperative

agreements and initiatives to target

special populations and program issues.

Evaluates the effectiveness of

demonstrations and initiatives and

develops new and revised policies and

procedures to implement program

improvements.

4. Coordinates and directs

assignments and projects related to

program redesign and systems

modernization efforts, including

development of program specifications

for expert systems. Formulates, plans

and implements computer programs and

other automation activities in support of

program policy, research and

administrative needs.

5. Develops and issues guidelines,

directives, instructions and operating

procedures for SSI applications policy,

including protective filing and advance

filing and SSI work incentive

provisions, including plans for

achieving self support and Section 1619

provisions.

Subchapter TAS—Office of Program

Support

TAS.00 Mission

TAS.10 Organization

TAS.20 Functions

Section TAS.00 The Office of

Program Support (Mission): The Office

of Program Support provides leadership

in overseeing the Agency’s system of

programmatic instructions, notices to

the public and technical documents.

Develops and maintains standards

governing the translation of strategic

policy decisions into operational

policies, procedures and notices.

Responsible for the Agency’s Regulatory

Program, including development of

SSA’s Regulatory Plan and the Agency’s

portion of the Unified Agenda of

Federal Regulations. Oversees the

Agency’s implementation of policies

which utilize technologies in providing

service to the public. Assures

programmatic support to legislative

implementation activities. Develops and

interprets SSA policy governing

requests for disclosure of information

from Agency records under provisions

of the Privacy Act and the Freedom of

Information Act. Sponsors and supports

ODCPP Interdisciplinary Teams

established to address cross-cutting

policy issues and initiatives. Designs,

implements and maintains automated

information and communications

systems ODCPP-wide. Section TAS.10

The Office of Program Support

(Organization): The Office of Program

Support, under the leadership of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

Support includes:

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program Support (TAS).

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Program Support

(TAS).

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner for Program

Support (TAS).

Section TAS.20 The Office of

Program Support (Functions):

A. The Associate Commissioner for

Program Support (TAS) is directly

responsible to the Deputy

Commissioner, Programs and Policy for

carrying out OPS’s mission and

providing managerial direction to OPS.

B. The Deputy Associate

Commissioner for Program Support

(TAS) assists the Associate

Commissioner in carrying out his/her

responsibilities and performs other

duties as the Associate Commissioner

may prescribe.

C. The Immediate Office of the

Associate Commissioner of the Office of

Program Support(TAS) provides the

Associate Commissioner with staff

assistance on the full range of his/her

responsibilities.

1. Provides leadership in overseeing

the Agency’s system of programmatic

instructions, notices to the public and

technical documents. Develops and

maintains standards governing the

translation of strategic policy decisions

into operational policies, procedures

and notices.

2. Responsible for the Agency’s

Regulatory Program.

3. Oversees the Agency’s

implementation of policies which

utilize technologies in providing service

to the public.

4. Assures programmatic support to

legislative implementation activities.

5. Develops and interprets SSA policy

governing requests for disclosure of

information from Agency records under

provisions of the Privacy Act and the

Freedom of Information Act.

6. Sponsors and supports ODCPP

Interdisciplinary Teams.

7. Designs, implements and maintains

automated information and

communications systems ODCPP-wide.

Dated: June 19, 1996.

Shirley S. Chater,

Commissioner of Social Security.

[FR Doc. 96–17244 Filed 7–5–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4190–29–P

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES

TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[Docket No. 301–106]

Initiation of Section 302 Investigation

and Request for Public Comment:

Practices of the Government of India

Regarding Patent Protection for

Pharmaceuticals and Agricultural

Chemicals

AGENCY: Office of the United States

Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice of initiation of

investigation; request for written

comments.

SUMMARY: The United States Trade

Representative (USTR) has initiated an

investigation under section 302(b)(1) of

the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the

Trade Act ) (19 U.S.C. 2412(b)(1)), with

respect to certain acts, policies and

practices of the Government of India

that may result in the denial of patents

and exclusive marketing rights to U.S.

individuals and firms involved in the

development of innovative

pharmaceutical and agricultural

chemicals products. The United States

alleges that these acts, policies and

practices are inconsistent with the

Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of

Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs

Agreement), administered by the World

Trade Organization (WTO). USTR