Search Results for keywords:"Privacy Act of 1974"

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a new matching program with the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) under the Department of Health and Human Services. This program will allow SSA to access employment and unemployment data to help administer the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Disability Insurance (DI), and Ticket-to-Work programs. The goal is to verify individuals' eligibility and payment amounts accurately. Public comments on the program are open until January 29, 2025, and the program will take effect shortly after, lasting for 18 months.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating the "Patient Advocate Tracking System" records, now called "Patient Advocate Tracking System Replacement (PATS-R)-VA." These changes involve revising its system name, location, manager details, and record-keeping policies. They also include altering the uses of records, such as who can access them and under what circumstances, to improve data management and security. The amendments aim to protect personal information better and enhance processes for addressing patient advocacy within the VA system.

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) plans to create a new system called "Surveys for Special Studies of the Civil Service" under the Privacy Act of 1974. This system will collect, store, and use information for developing surveys like the Merit Principles Survey, which assess the health of federal workforce practices such as merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices. These surveys, carried out every few years, seek feedback from federal employees and aim to provide insights for policymakers. The information gathered will be managed and protected under specific regulations, ensuring individuals can access or amend their own records.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new matching program with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The program aims to verify household income and family size to help determine eligibility for benefits like health insurance affordability programs. This initiative, requiring compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, will collect and use specific Federal tax information. The program will start in April 2025 and last 18 months, with a possible extension if the program is conducted in compliance with the agreement.

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a notice about changes to a system of records called the "Enterprise Data Management and Analytics Platform Services" (EDMAPS). This system collects and analyzes data from various Federal Student Aid sources to assist in managing student aid throughout its lifecycle. The changes include clarifications on legal authorities, updates to the system's purposes, and modifications to categories of records and routine uses of information to help prevent and investigate fraud. The updates are open for public comment until February 3, 2025, before they become official.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to modify its Partner-Vetting System, a system used to vet directors, officers, and employees of non-governmental organizations seeking funds from USAID. The system collects personal data to ensure that USAID’s funds do not inadvertently support individuals or entities posing a risk to national security. Changes include removing certain categories of individuals from its coverage and clarifying details in the system’s records. USAID invites the public to submit comments on the proposed changes by February 12, 2021.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, also known as AmeriCorps, is starting a new computer matching program with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This program will verify the social security numbers and citizenship status of people applying for or receiving education awards through AmeriCorps. The program will last for 18 months, starting April 1, 2021, and could be extended for another year if needed. AmeriCorps will ensure that all information collected is handled in compliance with the Privacy Act and applicants have the chance to contest any incorrect information.

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 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), part of the Department of Energy, plans to rescind a system of records notice called "Commission Employee Performance Files (FERC-38)." This is being done because the records are already included in a larger government-wide system managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The public can comment on this proposal within 30 days of its publication. If there are no comments, the rescindment will take effect 30 days after publication.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has announced a proposal to create a new electronic System of Records called EXIM CRM, which manages relationships with customers and partners. This system will be governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and is intended to support U.S. exporters. Public comments on this proposal are welcomed until March 15, 2021. The system will include information about customers, partners, EXIM employees, and contractors, and will be used for activities like customer support and applying for EXIM services.