[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 123 (Thursday, June 26, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34490-34491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16687]
[[Page 34490]]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority
This statement amends parts S and T of the Statement of the
Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority which covers the
Social Security Administration (SSA). Chapter TA covers the Office of
the Deputy Commissioner for Programs and Policy. Notice is given that
Subchapter TAJ, the Office of International Policy is being amended to
reflect a realignment. The Division of International Program Policy and
Agreements (TAJA) and the International Activities Staff (TAJB) are
being abolished. A Deputy Associate Commissioner for International
Policy position is being established and the organization will function
under a team-based environment. Notice is further given that Subchapter
TAH, the Office of Hearings and Appeals is being amended to reflect
minor organizational and functional changes in that office. The changes
are as follows:
Section TAJ.10 The Office of International Policy--(Organization):
Amend first sentence to read:
The Office of International Policy, under the leadership of the
Associate Commissioner for International Policy includes:
Delete:
C. The Division of International Program Policy and Agreements
(TAJA).
D. The International Activities Staff (TAJB).
Establish:
B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for International Policy
(TAJ).
Reletter the current ``B'' to ``C''. Section TAJ.20 The Office of
International Policy--(Functions):
Delete in their entirety:
C. The Division of International Program Policy and Agreements
(TAJA).
D. The International Activities Staff (TAJB).
Establish:
B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner for International Policy (TAJ)
assists the Associate Commissioner in carrying out his/her
responsibilities and performs other duties the Associate Commissioner
may prescribe.
Reletter the current ``B'' to ``C'' and amend new C as follows.
C. 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, and acts as the SSA or United States
Government representative to international organizations and world
bodies involved with international social security matters.
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.
6. Develops and coordinates individualized programs of consultation
and observation for foreign Social Security officials and experts in
related fields on the United States Social Security system.
7. Coordinates SSA's technical assistance to foreign countries in
designing and/or modernizing existing social security systems.
8. Serves as SSA's focal point in disseminating information about
the United States Social Security program to foreign organizations.
9. 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.
10. Plans, implements and manages SSA-hosted international
conferences, meetings and seminars.
Section TAH.10. The Office of Hearings and Appeals--(Organization):
D. The Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (TAHA).
Retitle:
3. The Vocational Expert and Medical Advisor Staff (TAHA3) to the
Vocational Expert and Medical Expert Staff (TAHA3).
F. Office of Appellate Operations (TAHB).
Retitle:
25. The Division of Retirement and Survivors Insurance,
Supplemental Security Income and Health Insurance (TAHBT) to The
Division of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental
Security Income (TAHBT).
Section TAH.20. The Office of Hearings and Appeals--(Functions):
F. The Office of Appellate Operations (TAHB). Delete all text after
the first sentence and replace with:
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 and XVI 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 Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decisions
issued under the provisions of the Social Security Act. Upon claimant
request or on the Appeals Council's own motion, reviews ALJ decisions
and dismissals involving claims for benefits filed under Titles II and
XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended, 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 and/or clarified,
or clarifying legislation which should be sought.
Retitle:
[[Page 34491]]
25. The Division of Retirement and Survivors Insurance,
Supplemental Security Income and Health Insurance (TAHBT) to The
Division of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental
Security Income (TAHBT).
Delete first sentence and replace with:
25. The Division of Retirement and Survivors Insurance and
Supplemental Security Income (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 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 any
benefits payable in Title XVI cases.
H. The Office of Management (TAHE)
Add as the last two sentences to opening statement: Plans, directs,
and provides administrative support services in the areas of safety and
self-protection. Administers security programs and inspections, and
coordinates with local law enforcement officials to ensure protection
of OHA property and personnel, including emergency planning and
security.
4. The Division of Materiel Resources (TAHE4).
Delete from first sentence ``safety and self protection, including
emergency planning; security;''
Delete last sentence in its entirety.
Dated: June 12, 1997.
Paul D. Barnes,
Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-16687 Filed 6-25-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-29-P
