Search Results for agency_names:"Workers' Compensation Programs Office"

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is seeking public comments on its proposal to collect information related to the Disclosure of Medical Evidence. This is part of an effort to reduce paperwork and ensure clarity while assessing the impact on respondents according to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Public comments must be submitted by May 5, 2025, and should focus on evaluating the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed information collection. The OWCP aims to minimize the burden on respondents and improve data collection using technological methods.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on their information collection concerning the Carrier's Report of Issuance of Policy, Form LS-570. This is part of their effort to reduce paperwork and the burden on respondents, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The agency is interested in feedback about the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements on the data collection, and encourages suggestions for reducing the burden on respondents. Comments must be submitted by May 23, 2025, and more information is available on their website or at their office in Washington, DC.

On December 14, 2020, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) proposed a rule in the Federal Register to revise rules around electronic filing and settlements and to make new procedures for penalties under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. However, after a new administration took office on January 20, 2021, a memo was issued to pause such regulations for review. Following this, OWCP decided to withdraw the proposed rule as of February 9, 2021, to allow time for the new administration to review and possibly revise it. Once this review is complete, a new proposed rule will be issued for public comment.

The Department of Labor is requesting public comments on a proposed information collection related to attorney fees for representing federal employees in workers' compensation cases. This initiative aims to reduce paperwork while ensuring the data collected is useful and easy to understand. Feedback is specifically sought on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the information collection process. Comments must be received by February 18, 2025, and the detailed information and procedures for submitting these can be found on the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) announced a bulletin titled "DCMWC Self-Insurance Process Guidelines" that outlines updates to their process for evaluating self-insurance applications under the Black Lung Benefits Act. This act requires coal mine operators to either purchase insurance for benefits or get authorization from the Department of Labor to self-insure. The bulletin detailing these updates is open for public comment until February 8, 2021, and interested parties can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. OWCP's goal is to ensure that coal operators are financially responsible for benefits, minimizing reliance on the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on extending its authority to collect information related to the "Medical Travel Refund Request" under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request aims to lower the paperwork and the time needed for individuals requesting reimbursements for travel expenses to medical providers. The Workers' Compensation Programs Office uses this information to facilitate claims under various acts, such as the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. The public can submit comments by April 12, 2021, to influence the final approval process by OMB.

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This rule, effective January 15, 2025, ensures that penalties keep up with inflation, applying a cost-of-living adjustment multiplier based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The adjustments apply to penalties assessed after the effective date, maintaining the penalties' deterrent effect. This regulation does not consider public comments due to the non-discretionary nature of the inflation adjustments mandated by the Act.

The Department of Labor is proposing changes to rules regarding filing and service in proceedings involving the Administrative Review Board. The new rules aim to make electronic filing (e-filing) and electronic service (e-service) mandatory for attorneys and representatives, while self-represented individuals will have the choice of using electronic or traditional methods. The proposed changes include updates to existing regulations, aiming for improved efficiency and reduced processing time by transitioning to electronic case files. Public comments on the proposed rulemaking are being solicited until February 10, 2021.

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has decided to withdraw a notice and request for comments about self-insurance under the Black Lung Benefits Act that was initially published on January 8, 2021. This decision is due to changes in the legal rules and guidance that initially justified the publication. Although the notice has been withdrawn, there's no change to existing laws or regulations. OWCP plans to review the self-insurance bulletin and will allow the public to comment on self-insurance procedures at a future date.

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has issued a final rule regarding the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) and the authorization of coal mine operators as self-insurers. This rule updates the process for operators to apply for self-insurance, sets new standards for the amount of security required to self-insure, and clarifies the appeals process. The rule aims to better secure the Trust Fund that pays benefits when operators default, by requiring all self-insured operators to provide security equal to 100% of their projected black lung liabilities. These changes are intended to protect the Trust Fund from financial strain caused by bankruptcies and reduce administrative burdens.