20 CFR 718 specifies that certain information relative to the medical condition of a claimant who is alleging the presence of pneumoconiosis be obtained as a routine function of the claim adjudication process. The medical specifications in the regulations have been formatted in a variety of forms to promote efficiency and accuracy in gathering the required data. These forms were designed to meet the need to gather medical evidence.
US Code:
30 USC 901
Name of Law: Federal Coal Mine Health & Safety Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 contained two provisions that affected the Black Lung Benefits Act. As a result, claim filings by coal miners have increased by over 50% since enactment. DCMWC expects that the rate of incoming claims will begin to decline in by FY 2012 and that the average annual intake of miners' claims will average 4,800. DOL has made some formatting changes to the forms associated with this information collection, technically making this submission a revision request; however, those cosmetic changes are not expected to change the burden.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.