81 FR 64254 - Request for Information on Strategies for Improving Work Outcomes for Individuals With Musculoskeletal Disabilities
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 181 (September 19, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 181 (September 19, 2016)
| Page Range | 64254-64256 | |
| FR Document | 2016-22404 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 181 (Monday, September 19, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 64254-64256] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-22404] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. SSA-2016-0036] Request for Information on Strategies for Improving Work Outcomes for Individuals With Musculoskeletal Disabilities AGENCY: Social Security Administration. ACTION: Request for information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 amended section 234 of the Social Security Act, which authorizes us to plan and implement new demonstration projects that waive certain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program requirements in order to evaluate strategies for improving work outcomes for SSDI beneficiaries and applicants. This request for information (RFI) seeks public input on possible demonstration projects designed to improve employment and earnings outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments. The input we receive will inform our deliberations about the possible design of a future demonstration project using the section 234 authority. DATES: Comments must be received by November 18, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any one of three methods-- Internet, fax, or mail. Do not submit the same comments multiple times or by more than one method. Regardless of which method you choose, please state that your comments refer to Docket No. SSA-2016-0036 so that we may associate your comments with the correct docket. Caution: You should be careful to include in your comments only information that you wish to make publicly available. We strongly urge you not to include in your comments any personal information, such as Social Security numbers or medical information. 1. Internet: We strongly recommend that you submit your comments via the Internet. Please visit the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Use the ``Search'' function to find docket number SSA-2016-0036. The system will issue a tracking number to confirm your submission. You will not be able to view your comment immediately because we must post each comment manually. It may take up to a week for your comment to be viewable. 2. Fax: Fax comments to (410) 966-2830. 3. Mail: Mail your comments to the Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance, Social Security Administration, 3100 West High Rise Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235-6401. Comments are available for public viewing on the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov or in person, during regular business hours, by arranging with the contact person identified below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Wilschke, Deputy Associate Commissioner for Research, Demonstration, and Employment Support, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401, (410) 966-8906, for information about this notice. For information on eligibility or filing for benefits, call our national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778, or visit our Internet site, Social Security Online, at http://www.socialsecurity.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose The SSDI program provides financial support for disabled individuals and their dependents. In 2015, the SSDI program provided more than $140 billion in benefits to 10.8 million Americans.\1\ Given the large number of individuals who rely on SSDI and the interest in supporting employment efforts of those with disabilities when possible, policymakers need a strong evidentiary base from which to consider future program improvements and innovations that can strengthen the ability of individuals with disabilities to work. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/table4a6.html; https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/OASDIbenies.html. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This request for information offers interested parties, including States, community-based and other non-profit organizations, philanthropic organizations, researchers, and members of the public, the opportunity to provide information and recommendations on effective approaches for improving employment and earnings outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments. For the purposes of this notice, ``musculoskeletal impairments'' means any impairment included in section 1.00 of our Listing of Impairments, 20 CFR part 404, app. 1, affecting the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. Impairments in this section include, but are not limited to, major joint dysfunction, spinal disorders, amputation, and soft tissue injuries. Background Musculoskeletal impairments are the primary diagnosis for 31 percent of all SSDI disabled workers and for 36 percent of disabled workers awarded SSDI in 2014.\2\ A small, growing body of research involving studies of workers compensation and occupational health programs in the United States and in other countries suggests that the [[Page 64255]] withdrawal of individuals with musculoskeletal impairments from the labor force is preventable with appropriate services, such as health care and work supports provided at the onset of a work disruption. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/index.html, Tables 21 and 40. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Researchers and policy experts have suggested that it we may find it useful to conduct a demonstration project related to musculoskeletal impairments. For example, as part of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget's (CRFB) SSDI Solutions series, several researchers proposed a demonstration project involving health care and work supports for approximately 12 weeks after an individual's work is disrupted, but before he or she applies for SSDI.\3\ This proposal notes that musculoskeletal impairments do not necessarily prevent individuals from working if those individuals have appropriate health care and work supports. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ Jennifer Christian, Thomas Wickizer, and A. Kim Burton, Proposal to the CRFB SSDI Solutions Initiative for a Community- Focused Health and Work Service (HWS) (2015) (available at: http://www.webility.md/SSDI-HWS/Health%20and%20Work%20Service-submitted%20by%20Webility%202015-07-15.pdf). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- We expect that public input provided in response to this request will provide us with information that will allow us to determine if a musculoskeletal demonstration project will be useful and, if so, what interventions may be most valuable to consider in the demonstration project design. For example, a demonstration project could test whether coordinating and providing services can have a positive impact on a worker's ability to remain in the workforce. Those services may include case management, care coordination, and communication assistance between the employer, worker, medical providers, and others. Importantly, a potential demonstration project related to musculoskeletal impairments would improve the evidentiary base for future potential SSDI program reforms. If we decide to pursue a musculoskeletal demonstration project, we would likely issue a contract for demonstration project implementation and evaluation. Request for Information Through this notice, we are soliciting feedback from interested parties on the potential value of a demonstration project related to providing health and work supports to individuals with musculoskeletal impairments, and on design aspects of a demonstration project aimed at improving employment and earnings outcomes for these individuals. Responses to this request will inform our decisions about whether to pursue a new demonstration project, and how such a project may be designed. This notice is for our internal planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on our part or on the part of any participating Federal agencies. We ask respondents to address the following questions, where possible, in the context of the discussion in this document. You do not need to address every question and should focus on those that relate to your expertise or perspectives. To the extent possible, please clearly indicate which question(s) you address in your response. General Questions 1. What specific programs or practices have shown promise at the State or local level to assist workers with musculoskeletal impairments to remain in or re-enter the workforce? 2. What programs and practices might be especially applicable to individuals who might be enrolled in SSDI in the absence of interventions, and how might those programs and practices be incorporated into a potential demonstration project? Detailed Questions I. Target Population and Sites 1. Should we target specific types of musculoskeletal impairments in a demonstration project? If so, which ones, and why those? 2. What is an appropriate age range of individuals with musculoskeletal impairments for us to consider targeting for a demonstration project? Why? 3. Which populations should we consider targeting? How can we identify these populations? How many individuals enter these populations per year? 4. What types of sites (for example, State vocational rehabilitation agencies, medical practices, etc.) would be the most beneficial for us to consider including in a demonstration project? 5. Are there sites we could look to as exemplars based on current practices for serving individuals with musculoskeletal impairments? What evidence exists to suggest these sites are effectively providing early intervention services for workers with musculoskeletal impairments? 6. How might we consider structuring a demonstration project to investigate the potential for screening workers for their likelihood of responding to employment supports? II. Health Services 7. What types of health services should we consider for workers with musculoskeletal impairments? 8. When should these services be provided? 9. To what extent should we prioritize certain services, whether case management, care coordination, or other on-site work support services? 10. Are there rehabilitative and pain management healthcare delivery models that we should consider combining with other work support services? What specific healthcare practices and models should we avoid or discourage? 11. What are the best ways to involve workers with disabilities in planning and implementing a demonstration project in order to ensure that demonstration project services will be effective in meeting their needs? 12. What health service program designs and interventions demonstrate promise for improving long-term employment outcomes for workers with musculoskeletal impairments? What evidence supports these interventions? III. Employment and Job-Related Services 13. What specific employment related interventions related to skill development, job training, job placement, or pre- and post-placement services should we consider for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments? 14. What employment program designs and interventions demonstrate promise for improving long-term employment outcomes for workers with musculoskeletal impairments? What evidence supports these interventions? Guidance for Submitting Documents We ask that each respondent include the name and address of his or her institution or affiliation, if any, and the name, title, mailing and email addresses, and telephone number of a contact person for his or her institution or affiliation, if any. Rights to Materials Submitted By submitting material in response to this notice, you agree to grant us a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, nonexclusive license to use the material, and to post it publicly. Further, you agree that you own, have a valid license, or are otherwise authorized to provide the material to us. You should not provide any material you consider confidential or proprietary in response to this notice. We will not [[Page 64256]] provide any compensation for material submitted in response to this notice. Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. [FR Doc. 2016-22404 Filed 9-16-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4191-02-P
![64254 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 181 / Monday, September 19, 2016 / Notices
Council on Underserved Communities SUMMARY: The Bipartisan Budget Act of Commissioner for Research,
(CUC) Advisory Board. 2015 amended section 234 of the Social Demonstration, and Employment
DATES: The meeting will be held on Security Act, which authorizes us to Support, Office of Retirement and
Friday, October 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. plan and implement new demonstration Disability Policy, Social Security
EST. projects that waive certain Social Administration, 6401 Security
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235–6401,
the U.S. Small Business Administration, program requirements in order to (410) 966–8906, for information about
in the Administrator’s Large Conference evaluate strategies for improving work this notice. For information on
Room, located at 409 3rd St. SW., Suite outcomes for SSDI beneficiaries and eligibility or filing for benefits, call our
7000, Washington, DC 20416. applicants. This request for information national toll-free number, 1–800–772–
(RFI) seeks public input on possible 1213 or TTY 1–800–325–0778, or visit
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
demonstration projects designed to our Internet site, Social Security Online,
meeting is open to the public however
improve employment and earnings at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
advance notice of attendance is
outcomes for individuals with SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
requested. Anyone wishing to be a
musculoskeletal impairments. The input
listening participant must contact Purpose
Amadi Anene by phone or email. His we receive will inform our deliberations
contact information is Amadi Anene, about the possible design of a future The SSDI program provides financial
Senior Advisor to the Administrator, demonstration project using the section support for disabled individuals and
409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 234 authority. their dependents. In 2015, the SSDI
20416, Phone, 202–205–0067 or email, DATES: Comments must be received by program provided more than $140
amadi.anene@sba.gov. November 18, 2016. billion in benefits to 10.8 million
Additionally, if you need ADDRESSES: You may submit comments Americans.1 Given the large number of
accommodations because of a disability by any one of three methods—Internet, individuals who rely on SSDI and the
or require additional information, please fax, or mail. Do not submit the same interest in supporting employment
contact Amadi Anene at the information comments multiple times or by more efforts of those with disabilities when
above. than one method. Regardless of which possible, policymakers need a strong
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant method you choose, please state that evidentiary base from which to consider
to section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory your comments refer to Docket No. future program improvements and
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), SSA–2016–0036 so that we may innovations that can strengthen the
SBA announces the meeting of the associate your comments with the ability of individuals with disabilities to
Council on Underserved Communities correct docket. work.
Advisory Board. This Board provides Caution: You should be careful to This request for information offers
advice and counsel to the SBA include in your comments only interested parties, including States,
Administrator and Associate information that you wish to make community-based and other non-profit
Administrator. CUC members will publicly available. We strongly urge you organizations, philanthropic
examine the obstacles facing small not to include in your comments any organizations, researchers, and members
businesses in underserved communities personal information, such as Social of the public, the opportunity to provide
and recommend to SBA policy and Security numbers or medical information and recommendations on
programmatic changes to help information. effective approaches for improving
strengthen SBA’s programs and services 1. Internet: We strongly recommend employment and earnings outcomes for
to these communities. that you submit your comments via the individuals with musculoskeletal
The purpose of this meeting is to Internet. Please visit the Federal impairments. For the purposes of this
discuss following issues pertaining to eRulemaking portal at http:// notice, ‘‘musculoskeletal impairments’’
the CUC Advisory Board.: www.regulations.gov. Use the ‘‘Search’’ means any impairment included in
—Provide updates on Action Items from function to find docket number SSA– section 1.00 of our Listing of
the May 24, 2016 CUC meeting 2016–0036. The system will issue a Impairments, 20 CFR part 404, app. 1,
—Determine the 2016/2017 CUC tracking number to confirm your affecting the musculoskeletal system
Agenda submission. You will not be able to and connective tissue. Impairments in
—Discuss SBA plans to increase lending view your comment immediately this section include, but are not limited
in underserved markets because we must post each comment to, major joint dysfunction, spinal
Dated: September 8, 2016. manually. It may take up to a week for disorders, amputation, and soft tissue
Miguel L’ Heureux, your comment to be viewable. injuries.
White House Liaison.
2. Fax: Fax comments to (410) 966– Background
2830.
[FR Doc. 2016–22411 Filed 9–16–16; 8:45 am] Musculoskeletal impairments are the
3. Mail: Mail your comments to the
BILLING CODE P
Office of Regulations and Reports primary diagnosis for 31 percent of all
Clearance, Social Security SSDI disabled workers and for 36
Administration, 3100 West High Rise percent of disabled workers awarded
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, SSDI in 2014.2 A small, growing body of
[Docket No. SSA–2016–0036] Baltimore, Maryland 21235–6401. research involving studies of workers
Comments are available for public compensation and occupational health
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Request for Information on Strategies viewing on the Federal eRulemaking programs in the United States and in
for Improving Work Outcomes for portal at http://www.regulations.gov or other countries suggests that the
Individuals With Musculoskeletal in person, during regular business
1 https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/
Disabilities hours, by arranging with the contact
table4a6.html; https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/
person identified below.
AGENCY: Social Security Administration. OASDIbenies.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 2 https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_
ACTION: Request for information.
Susan Wilschke, Deputy Associate asr/index.html, Tables 21 and 40.
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![64256 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 181 / Monday, September 19, 2016 / Notices
provide any compensation for material DEPARTMENT OF STATE Hammad, also known as Fathy Ahmed
submitted in response to this notice. Hamad, also known as Fathi Hamad,
[Public Notice: 9723]
committed or poses a significant risk of
Carolyn W. Colvin,
E.O. 13224 Designation of Omar Diaby, committing, acts of terrorism that
Acting Commissioner of Social Security. threaten the security of U.S. nationals or
[FR Doc. 2016–22404 Filed 9–16–16; 8:45 am]
aka Omar al-Diaby, aka Omar Omsen,
aka Omar Oumsen, aka Oumar Diaby the national security, foreign policy, or
BILLING CODE 4191–02–P
as a Specially Designated Global economy of the United States.
Terrorist Consistent with the determination in
section 10 of Executive Order 13224 that
Acting under the authority of and in prior notice to persons determined to be
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
accordance with section 1(b) of subject to the Order who might have a
[Public Notice: 9725] Executive Order 13224 of September 23, constitutional presence in the United
2001, as amended by Executive Order States would render ineffectual the
U.S. National Commission for UNESCO 13268 of July 2, 2002, and Executive blocking and other measures authorized
Notice of Teleconference Meeting Order 13284 of January 23, 2003, I in the Order because of the ability to
hereby determine that the entity known transfer funds instantaneously, I
The U.S. National Commission for as Omar Diaby, also known as Omar al- determine that no prior notice needs to
UNESCO (‘‘Commission’’) will hold a Diaby, also known as Omar Omsen, also be provided to any person subject to this
conference call on Tuesday, October 11, known as Omar Oumsen, also known as determination who might have a
2016, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Oumar Diaby, committed, or poses a constitutional presence in the United
Eastern Daylight Time. The purpose of significant risk of committing, acts of States, because to do so would render
the teleconference meeting is to terrorism that threaten the security of ineffectual the measures authorized in
consider the recommendations of the U.S. nationals or the national security, the Order.
Commission’s World Heritage foreign policy, or economy of the United This notice shall be published in the
Subcommittee. The Subcommittee was States. Federal Register.
asked to provide recommendations of Consistent with the determination in Dated: August 12, 2016.
sites for consideration to be listed on the section 10 of Executive Order 13224 that
U.S. World Heritage Tentative List. This John F. Kerry,
prior notice to persons determined to be
list will be the basis for U.S. Secretary of State.
subject to the Order who might have a
nominations for inscription onto [FR Doc. 2016–22497 Filed 9–16–16; 8:45 am]
constitutional presence in the United
UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The States would render ineffectual the BILLING CODE 4710–AD–P
recommendations resulting from this blocking and other measures authorized
discussion will be forwarded from the in the Order because of the ability to
Department of State to the Department transfer funds instantaneously, I DEPARTMENT OF STATE
of the Interior. More information on the determine that no prior notice needs to [Public Notice 9724]
World Heritage Tentative List process be provided to any person subject to this
can be found at https://www.nps.gov/ determination who might have a U.S. Department of State Advisory
subjects/internationalcooperation/ constitutional presence in the United Committee on Private International
revised_tentative_list.htm. The States, because to do so would render Law: Public Meeting on Micro-,
Commission will accept brief oral ineffectual the measures authorized in Small-, and Medium Sized Enterprises
comments during a portion of this the Order. The Office of the Assistant Legal
conference call. The public comment This notice shall be published in the Adviser for Private International Law,
period will be limited to approximately Federal Register. Department of State, gives notice of a
20 minutes in total, with two minutes
Dated: September 8, 2016. public meeting to discuss ongoing work
allowed per speaker. Please note that
John F. Kerry, in the United Nations Commission on
there might be an opportunity for
Secretary of State. International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
extended comments later if the
[FR Doc. 2016–22500 Filed 9–16–16; 8:45 am] related to micro, small, and medium
Department of the Interior posts draft
sized enterprises. The public meeting
tentative sites in the Federal Register. BILLING CODE 4710–AD–P
will take place on Thursday, September
For more information, or to arrange to
29, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
participate in the conference call,
DEPARTMENT OF STATE EDT. This is not a meeting of the full
individuals must make arrangements
Advisory Committee.
with the Executive Director of the [Public Notice 9722] In 2013 UNCITRAL established a
National Commission by October 7,
E.O. 13224 Designation of Fathi Ahmad working group aimed at reducing the
2016.
Mohammad Hammad, aka Fathi Ahmad legal obstacles faced by MSMEs
The National Commission may be
Hammad, aka Fathy Ahmed Hamad, throughout their life cycle, and in
contacted via email at DCUNESCO@
aka Fathi Hamad as a Specially particular those in developing countries.
state.gov or Telephone (202) 663–2685;
Designated Global Terrorist UNCITRAL further directed that the
Fax (202) 663–3194. The Web site can
work should start with a focus on the
be accessed at: http://www.state.gov/p/
Acting under the authority of and in legal issues surrounding the
io/unesco/.
accordance with section 1(b) of simplification of incorporation. At its
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Dated: September 13, 2016. Executive Order 13224 of September 23, upcoming session, the UNCITRAL
Allison Wright, 2001, as amended by Executive Order MSME Working Group will consider
Executive Director, U.S. National 13268 of July 2, 2002, and Executive draft recommendations on a legislative
Commission, for UNESCO, Department of Order 13284 of January 23, 2003, I guide for a limited liability organization
State. hereby determine that the individual (UN Doc. A/CN.9/WG.I/WP.99 and
[FR Doc. 2016–22505 Filed 9–16–16; 8:45 am] known as Fathi Ahmad Mohammad Add.1). The draft text, along with the
BILLING CODE 4710–19–P Hammad, also known as Fathi Ahmad reports of earlier sessions of the
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Document Created: 2016-09-17 02:30:28
Document Modified: 2016-09-17 02:30:28
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Request for information. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received by November 18, 2016. | |
| Contact | Susan Wilschke, Deputy Associate Commissioner for Research, Demonstration, and Employment Support, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401, (410) 966-8906, for information about this notice. For information on eligibility or filing for benefits, call our national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778, or visit our Internet site, Social Security Online, at http://www.socialsecurity.gov. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 64254 |
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