Search Results for keywords:"Privacy Act of 1974"

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and renamed it to "NIH Loan Repayment Records." This update also includes proposed exemptions for some records from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, intended to protect the identity of those who provide information in confidence. The system is used to manage and evaluate educational Loan Repayment Programs, which help repay loans for individuals conducting biomedical and behavioral research. Public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 15, 2021, and the new system will be effective after any feedback is addressed.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has issued a notice about its systems of records, as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This update outlines changes in record systems and introduces new routine uses for the stored data, aiming to ensure that individuals can request information with accuracy and precision. The document also details various systems related to grants, personnel, finances, and complaint case files, specifying how these records are stored, accessed, and maintained. The changes reflect the adoption of electronic technology and administrative updates within the agency.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing a new system of records called the Community Care Provider Profile Management System (PPMS), as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This system will maintain records of non-VA health care providers participating in VA community care programs. The information stored in this system includes providers' personal and professional details, such as name, contact information, and identification numbers. The VA outlines several routine uses for this information, primarily involving disclosure to appropriate agencies for purposes like verifying provider credentials or responding to legal requests, all while ensuring compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA.

The U.S. Department of Energy is updating its Privacy Act System of Records, specifically the DOE-24 Land Records System. This update is intended to align with new formatting requirements and improve Privacy Act coverage for business processes and information. Key changes include revised privacy measures, updated categories for individuals and records, and the incorporation of cloud-based services for data storage. The department is seeking public commentary on these changes before they take effect on January 21, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is introducing a new computer matching program with the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology to verify eligibility for programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs offer discounts on broadband and voice services to low-income individuals. The program will check if applicants are enrolled in benefits like SNAP and Medicaid, using data shared between various agencies. This verification aims to ensure only eligible individuals receive these discounts while reducing fraud.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is introducing a new system of records to be managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within its Administration for Children and Families. This system, titled ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau Child Abuse or Neglect Investigation Records and Central Registry, aims to document cases related to child abuse or neglect at ORR facilities and maintain a registry to vet individuals who may work with unaccompanied children. The information stored will be used for investigations and to ensure that those with a history of abuse or neglect are not allowed to work or volunteer in positions involving direct contact with children under ORR care. Importantly, the data recorded will not be shared for immigration enforcement purposes without prior written consent from the individual concerned.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing a rule to update the system of records for the DoD 0004 "Defense Repository for Common Enterprise Data (DRCED)" under the Privacy Act of 1974. This update includes an exemption from certain Privacy Act provisions due to national security concerns, allowing certain records to withhold classification information. Comments on this proposal are open until March 8, 2021, and the DoD states that the rule will not significantly impact small businesses or impose extra information collection requirements on the public.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) are launching a new computer matching program with the Mississippi Department of Human Services. This program aims to verify whether people applying for or currently receiving benefits from the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are eligible by checking if they receive SNAP benefits. The matching process will involve sharing information like part of the applicant's Social Security Number and date of birth to confirm eligibility. The program will start on March 27, 2025, and run for 18 months.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule exempting certain records in its newly established system, DOE-42 Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs Files, from specific provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. These exemptions are applied to protect investigatory materials used for law enforcement purposes, safeguarding against unauthorized access to sensitive data related to federal civil rights compliance investigations. The DOE addressed public comments on the rule and justified the need for exemptions to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement processes while ensuring fairness and due process. The rule becomes effective on January 16, 2025.