OWCP is engaging in this rulemaking to
address a variety of programmatic issues that have arisen in
administering the Black Lung Benefits Act. Among them, the current
rules do not address whether the parties must disclose medical
evidence they develop in connection with a claim for benefits and
generally provide that payment for medical treatment and services
is capped at the rate prevailing in the community where the service
provider is located but provide no method for determining that
rate. To ensure that coal miners have full access to information
about their health and to enhance the accuracy of entitlement
determinations, this rule would address disclosure of medical
evidence. It would also amend rules governing payment of medical
treatment and services to incorporate the fee schedule used in
other OWCP-administered programs, and address a liable party's
responsibility to pay benefits under an effective award while
pursuing modification.
US Code:
30
USC 936 Name of Law: Black Lung Benefits Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.