FROM SSA
PROPOSED RULES ON DISABILITY GUIDELINES
We are proposing to make several changes in the guidelines we follow
when we determine whether an individual is disabled.
These proposed changes reflect advances in medical knowledge,treatment,
and terminology.  We propose to make other clarifying changes as well.  We
invite the public to give us their comments by April 11, 2000.  If you
wish to review and comment on our proposal--or just review it--please go
to our Proposed rules & Regulations site.
http://www.ssa.gov/regulations/proposed_rules.htm

NEW RULES FOR USING EXPERT EVIDENCE IN DISABILITY DECISIONS
Final rules revising the Social Security and Supplemental Security
Income regulations concerning the use of medical opinions become effective
April 6, 2000. These rules are designed to clarify how
administrative law judges and the Appeals Council consider opinion
evidence. This evidence is generally provided by State agency medical and
psychological consultants, other program physicians and psychologists, and
medical experts we consult in claims for disability benefits.  We are also
defining and clarifying several terms used in our regulations and deleting
other terms. The rules were published in the Federal Register March 7,
2000.
http://www.ssa.gov/regulations/final_rules_4299.htm

HOW TO COMMENT ON PROPOSED RULES AND REGULATIONS
Did you know that when you are reviewing a proposed rule, you can
prepare your e-mail comments as you go?  We provide an interactive e-mail
address that invokes your personal e-mail facility.  Just build your
message as you review the material and send it to us when you are done.
In the same document, we also link you to current copies of the rule(s),
which would be changed by our proposal.  With this, you can see how the
proposal would impact the current rules.