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

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is withdrawing a direct final rule published on December 14, 2020, which proposed changes to regulations on electronic filing, settlements, and penalties under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This action aligns with a January 20, 2021, memorandum from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff aiming for a regulatory review by the new administration. The withdrawal provides the administration time for assessment and may invite further public comments later.

The Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health will hold a meeting on February 5-6, 2025, in Richland, WA, near the Hanford Site, to discuss various issues related to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Public participation is encouraged, and people can submit comments or request to speak by January 29, 2025, through email or mail. The Advisory Board aims to review past recommendations, discuss new issues, and address concerns related to claims and medical guidance for workers affected by toxic substances. The meeting will be open to the public with an opportunity for comments on February 5, 2025.

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is asking for public comments on the proposal to continue using electronic service orders to waive the requirement of sending certain workers' compensation notices by certified mail. This change is intended to make information collection more efficient, reduce paperwork, and lessen the burden on those who have to respond to these notices. The public has until May 6, 2025, to provide feedback on whether the proposed information collection is useful and how it might be improved. Comments can be submitted online or via mail, with more details available on the OWCP website.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on continuing the use of the "Claim for Medical Reimbursement Form." This effort aims to reduce paperwork and the burden placed on respondents, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The form, also known as OWCP-915, is used for claiming reimbursement for medical expenses, and the DOL wants feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and effectiveness of this information collection. Comments are accepted until April 12, 2021, and interested individuals are encouraged to submit their opinions to the DOL's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.

The U.S. Department of Labor is updating the civil monetary penalties it can impose, based on inflation, as part of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This requires an annual review and adjustment of penalty amounts to ensure they keep pace with inflation. These updates are set to take effect on January 15, 2021, and apply to penalties assessed after this date. Different divisions within the Department, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, are involved in overseeing these changes, which aim to maintain their deterrent effect.

The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced a new rule requiring most legal representatives to file documents electronically and accept electronic service in cases before the Administrative Review Board (ARB), unless given an exemption for a good reason. This rule aims to streamline procedures and reduce reliance on paper documents by establishing a new set of rules for filing and service. Self-represented individuals will, however, have the option to file either electronically or conventionally. The rule is expected to make the process more efficient and aligns with practices used in federal courts.

The Department of Labor is inviting public comments on its information collection effort regarding employment information, specifically its Request for Employment Information form, CA-1027. The goal is to minimize paperwork and make sure information collection is necessary and practical, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments must be submitted by May 12, 2025, and can be sent electronically or as written submissions. These comments will help the agency assess the impact of its data collection and improve the process.

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that would have established new procedures for penalties under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). During the comment period, OWCP received feedback from various stakeholders which highlighted the need for further discussion and input. Given this and the need to coordinate with its ongoing technology updates, OWCP has opted to put this rule on hold. They plan to engage more with interested parties before pursuing any new rules concerning these procedures.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking comments on a proposal to extend the use of the Health Insurance Claim Form. This effort is part of an ongoing initiative to reduce paperwork and make the process easier for respondents, aligning with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The form, identified as OWCP-1500, is used to collect necessary information to pay health care providers for services to injured workers covered under various compensation programs. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments, and all submissions will be publicly accessible.