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DOL/ESA

RIN: 1215-AA99

Publication ID: Spring 1996

Title: Benefits Under the Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as Amended Affecting the Black Lung Benefits Act
Abstract: The Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation reviewed its existing regulations, pursuant to Executive Order 12866, with a goal of eliminating outdated and unnecessary rules and streamlining the processes. The result is a proposal to revise existing rules to facilitate alternative dispute resolution, including the informal conference process; streamline the litigation process by encouraging the early development and submission of evidence and decentralizing control; reduce the costs of copying and mailing; raise the dollar limit for prior approval for medical equipment; and rewrite existing rules to make them more customer-oriented. ^PThere will be no additional costs associated with these changes, but savings can be expected through streamlining.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
CFR Citation: 20 CFR 718 20 CFR 722 20 CFR 725 20 CFR 726 20 CFR 727
Legal Authority: 30 USC 901 et seq

Statement of Need: The regulations implementing the Black Lung Benefits Act were last significantly revised in 1983. In the spirit of reinvention, the program proposes to update the rules to help improve services, streamline the adjudication process, and simplify the language.

Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed based on the public comments responding to the notice of proposed rulemaking.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of this regulatory action will be developed once decisions are reached on specific changes. Benefits will include a streamlined, more accessible process.

Risks: Groups with a vested interest in a lengthy and expensive adjudication process will complain.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	06/00/1996

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
Agency Contact: James L. DeMarce Director, Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation Department of Labor Employment Standards Administration Room C3520, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C3520, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210 Phone:202 693-0046 Fax:202 693-7395 Email: demarce.james@dol.gov