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CCH® UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE — 07/05/12

SSA extends testing of alternative disability determination models

The Social Security Administration is extending its tests of two alternative models for the disability determination process. This includes the “single decisionmaker test,” in which a disability examiner may make the initial disability determination in most cases without obtaining the signature of a medical or psychological consultant. Also extended is a separate test known as the “prototype,” which combines the single decisionmaker approach described above with the elimination of the reconsideration level of the administrative review process. The “prototype” test is being conducted in 10 states: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, California, and New York. (See 64 Fed. Reg. 47218, August 30, 1999). The extension is valid until September 27, 2013.

The full text of the announcement was published in the June 13, 2012, Federal Register (77 Fed. Reg. 35464).