Background

On June 1, 2000, SSA published final rules in the Federal Register (65 FR 34950) which clarified and expanded the list of acceptable medical sources in 20 CFR 404.1513(a) and 416.913(a). The rules were effective on July 3, 2000.

Explanation of Content and Changes

This transmittal revises and updates section I-2-1-15 and I-2-1-30 to conform to the current rules and definitions in 20 CFR §§ 404.1502, 404.1513(a), 416.902, and 416.913(a).

In sections I-2-1-15 (Exhibits) and I-2-1-30 (Professional Qualifications) we replaced the term “Physician and Mental Health Professionals” and the individual terms “physicians” and “mental health professionals” with the broader term “health care professionals”. This was necessary because the terms “physicians” and “mental health professionals” do not take into account other acceptable medical sources (e.g., podiatrists, optometrists, speech-language pathologists) or other health care providers who are not acceptable medical sources that can provide evidence about a claimant's impairments.

Section I-2-1-15 A.3 is also updated to reflect revised titles of several SSA forms, i.e., Form SSA-3368 (Disability Report — Adult), SSA-3369-BK (Work History Report), SSA-3341-BK (Disability Report — Appeal) and SSA-3820-BK (Disability Report — Child).

Section I-2-1-30 is revised to delete reference to the HA-4390 (Professional Qualifications of Psychologist). Because the terms “physicians” and “mental health professionals” are being changed to a single term “health care professionals”, it is no longer necessary to have two separate professional qualifications forms (i.e., HA-526 (Physician) and HA-4390 (Psychologist). The HA-526 is being revised to incorporate information in the current HA-4390. The HA-526 will be used for all health care professionals and the HA-4390 will be phased out.

Date: August 3, 2004