Background

On August 4, 1998, SSA published final regulations to amend the standards of conduct governing claimant representatives (63 Fed. Reg. 41404). The regulations, which are effective September 3, 1998, provide uniform rules of conduct and standards of responsibility for attorneys and non-attorneys serving as representatives and state SSA's expectations regarding their obligations to those they represent and to SSA. The regulations include statutorily and administratively imposed requirements and prohibitions.

Explanation of Content and Changes

This transmittal revises Sections I-1-140, I-1-150 and I-1-160.

We revised Sections I-1-140 and I-1-150 to incorporate the provisions of the final regulations published on August 4, 1998.

We revised Section I-1-150 to clarify Special Counsel Staff's actions in processing an alleged violation by a representative.

We revised Sections I-1-140, I-1-150 and I-1-160 to substitute the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. We also deleted the references to the Black Lung regulations.

Remove

Remove from Chapter I-1-100:

I-1-120 C. through I-1-160 B.3. cont., dated June 30, 1994 (10 pages).

Insert

Insert in Chapter I-1-100:

I-1-120 C., dated June 30, 1994, I-1-130 A. cont. through I-1-160 B.3. cont., dated November 5 1998 and I-1-190 Samples, dated June 30, 1994 (11 pages).

Date: November 5, 1998