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SSA RIN: 0960-AF69 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Mental Disorders (886P) 
Abstract: We propose to update and revise the rules that we use to evaluate mental disorders of adults and children who apply for, or receive, disability benefits under title II and Supplemental Security Income payments based on disability under title XVI of the Social Security Act. The rules we plan on revising are sections 12.00 and 112.00 in appendix 1 to subpart P of part 404 of our regulations (the listings). These listings include such impairments as affective disorders, schizophrenic disorders, intellectual disabilities, and autistic disorders. 
Agency: Social Security Administration(SSA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 20 CFR 404.941    20 CFR 404.1500, app 1    20 CFR 404.1503    20 CFR 404.1520 to 404.1520a    20 CFR 404.1528    20 CFR 404.1615    20 CFR 416.903    20 CFR 416.920a    20 CFR 416.928    20 CFR 416.1015    20 CFR 416.1441   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 401(j)    42 USC 402    42 USC 404(f)    42 USC 405(a)    42 USC 405(b)    42 USC 405(d) to 42 USC 405(h)    42 USC 405(j)    42 USC 416(i)    42 USC 421    42 USC 421(a)    42 USC 421(i)    42 USC 421(m)    42 USC 422(c)    42 USC 423    42 USC 423(i)    42 USC 425    42 USC 902(a)(5)    42 USC 1382    42 USC 1382(c)    42 USC 1382(h)    42 USC 1383    42 USC 1383(a)    42 USC 1383(c)    42 USC 1383(d)    42 USC 1383(i)    42 USC 1383(p)    42 USC 1383b   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need: These regulations are necessary to update the listings for evaluating mental disorders to reflect advances in medical knowledge, treatment, and methods of evaluating these diseases. The changes ensure that determinations of disability have a sound medical basis, that claimants receive equal treatment through the use of specific criteria, and that individuals who are disabled can be readily identified and awarded benefits if all other factors of entitlement or eligibility are met.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Administrative--not required by statute or court order.

Alternatives: We considered not revising the listings or making only minor technical changes. However, we believe that proposing these revisions is preferable because of the medical advances that have been made in treating and evaluating these types of diseases. We have not comprehensively revised the current listings in over 15 years. Medical advances in disability evaluation and treatment and our program experience make clear that the current listings do not reflect state-of-the-art medical knowledge and technology.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Savings estimates for fiscal years 2010 - 2018: (in millions of dollars) OASDI - 315, SSI - 370.

Risks: None.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
ANPRM  03/17/2003  68 FR 12639   
ANPRM Comment Period End  06/16/2003    
NPRM  11/00/2008    
Final Action  12/00/2009    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Cheryl A. Williams
Director
Social Security Administration
Office of Medical Policy, 6401 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone:410 965-1020
Email: cheryl.a.williams@ssa.gov

Rosemarie Greenwald
Social Insurance Specialist, Regulations Writer
Social Security Administration
Office of Regulations, 6401 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401
Phone:410 966-7813