We propose to amend our regulations to provide, on a temporary basis, that in claims for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on disability, attorney advisors in our Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) will have authority to conduct certain prehearing proceedings, and where the record developed as a result of these proceedings warrants, to [[Page 19009]] issue decisions that are wholly favorable to the parties to the hearing. Because requests for an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing have increased dramatically in recent years, and cases pending in our hearing offices have reached unprecedented levels, we have taken a number of actions designed to help us hear and decide these cases more efficiently. The rules we are proposing in this notice of proposed rulemaking are an important part of our efforts in this regard.
- Document Number
- 95-9028
- Published in
- United States of America
