[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 29349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14124]
[[Page 29349]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary
U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs; Statement of Organization,
Functions, and Delegations of Authority
Introduction. Part A, Chapter AW, U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs
(USOCA), of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of
Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services, as last
amended at 59 FR 41763, August 15, 1994, is being amended to reflect a
reorganization of USOCA. The reorganization will enable realignment of
functions assigned to USOCA subunits, thus enabling more efficient
management of staff and financial resources in the conduct of USOCA
programs. The revised Chapter reads as follows:
Section AW.00 Mission. The U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs executes
the functions assigned by Executive Order 11583 of February 24, 1971
(as amended by Executive Order 11595 of May 26, 1971, and Executive
Order 11702 of January 25, 1973) and Executive Order 11566 of October
26, 1970, advises the President on consumer affairs, and coordinates
consumer functions in the Federal government. In accordance with
Executive Order 12160 of September 26, 1979, the staff also provides
assistance to the Chairperson of the Consumer Affairs Council.
Section AW.10 Organization. A. The Director of the U.S. Office of
Consumer Affairs reports directly to the President and directs and
coordinates the activities of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs.
B. The U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs consists of the following
components:
Office of the Director
Division of Policy Development
Division of Internal Operations
Division of External Liaison
Section AW.20 Functions. A. U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs. (1)
Works to ensure appropriate consideration of the consumer perspective
in policy development at the White House and Federal agencies. The
Director also coordinates Federal consumer policy through the Consumer
Affairs Council, composed of all Federal agencies providing consumer
programs, under authority of Executive Order 12160. (2) Produces
consumer education materials and other documents. These publications
advise individuals how to avoid market place problems and how to
resolve questions or complaints if they do arise. (3) Promotes
cooperation between international, Federal, state, local, nonprofit,
and private sector entities involved in the marketplace, emphasizing
the need for ethical business practices, regulation and legislation
where needed and appropriate, and voluntary efforts to promote consumer
interests through education, dispute resolution and policy
coordination. The Director chairs the delegation from the United States
to the Committee on Consumer Policy of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development, at which international marketplace
principles are harmonized. (4) Promotes improved consumer skills
through education programs which emphasize practical application of
skills learned in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools, as
well as public and private sector programs which target specific
consumer issues to be addressed by media information campaigns,
workshops, facts sheets and other publications. (5) Identifies,
analyzes and focuses attention on needs, interests and marketplace
problems of consumers by conducting surveys, conferences, and working
groups, both independently and in conjunction with other government
agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
B. Office of the Director. Directs and coordinates the activities
of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs.
C. Division of Policy Development. Participates in the design and
enactment of the President's consumer legislative program through
preparation of congressional testimony and serving as Congressional
liaison; prepares comments on proposed Federal regulations; and
prepares, reviews, and makes presentations of materials to Federal
department and agencies. Monitors ongoing programs and emerging issues
in Federal agencies affecting consumers, with a view to determining the
effectiveness of current and proposed programs. Maintains government
relations on the international level involving state and local efforts.
Researches, develops, and prepare ``White Papers'' on policy matters
for the Director; and provides support for the Director in role as a
member of the White House policy staff.
D. Division of Internal Operations. Responsible for USOCA relations
with the media through distribution of internally produced educational
materials, newsletters, articles, other consumer information and
education materials, and programs for both print and electronic media.
Responsible for administrative policy and procedures for USOCA in the
areas of financial management, procurement, personnel management,
training, and record keeping.
E. Division of External Liaison. Serves as focal point for liaison
with individual consumers and with national, state and local voluntary
organizations which represent consumers and citizens. Maintains liaison
with trade associations and industry as necessary. Encourages private
industry to voluntarily develop self-regulatory programs and to adopt
competitive policies and programs. Responsible for development and
coordination of conferences and meetings on consumer matters.
Section AW.30 Order of Succession. In the absences or incapacity of
the Director, the Division Director for Policy Development shall act as
Director, USOCA.
Section AW.40 Delegation of Authority. The exercise of authority
and duties of the Director, USOCA are set forth in the Executive Orders
cited in Section AW.00, above. Authority is exercised under Executive
Order 11583 through the staff of the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs
and under Executive Order 12160 through the Consumer Affairs Council
comprised of representatives of Federal departments and agencies.
Dated: May 21, 1997.
Leslie L. Byrne,
Special Assistant to the President, Director of the U.S. Office of
Consumer Affairs.
[FR Doc. 97-14124 Filed 5-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-04-M
