Testing Modifications to the Disability Determination Procedures

We are adding new rules which provide authority to test procedures that modify the disability determination process we currently follow under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). We intend to test up to four model procedures either singly or in combination. These tests will provide us with information so we can determine the effectiveness of the models in improving the disability process. The intended result is to enable us to make recommendations for national implementation of improvements identified by the tests. These final rules only refer to the changes to the disability procedures we may test. Unless specified, all other regulations related to the disability determination process remain unchanged. Videoconferencing may be used with any of the models.