National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Final Effect of Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the Special Exposure Cohort, 44149-44150 [07-3845]

Download as PDF jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 7, 2007 / Notices individuals to be evacuees while reliable data remains available and sufficient to identify evacuees and their income in order to carry out the provisions of the DRA. While no comments were received on any of the proposed HHS definitions of an evacuee or offers of alternative definitions, HHS examined each of the approaches identified above in reaching a decision on the interpretation of an evacuee and its potential impact on future FMAP calculations. While approach 1 uses a specific time frame (18 months following evacuation), the time frame itself is arbitrary and we believe it is unreasonable to consider a person to be considered an evacuee once they have established residency and become integrated into the economy of their host state. Former Katrina evacuees will now be reported by their place of residence for 2006 and beyond, no longer separately identified as Katrina evacuees, and will be included in the population and income estimates collected by BEA for their states of residence. HHS has learned that approach 2 (FEMA assistance) will not be viable because Katrina FEMA assistance will not be separately identified from all other FEMA assistance to identify evacuees beyond that which was provided for 2005. Because of the practical difficulty in calculating an adjustment, we are adopting the third approach, limiting the definition of evacuee to the time period for which reliable data remains available, because the existence of reliable data is essential to identifying individuals as evacuees. It is clear from the current effort to comply with the DRA provisions that data to support the calculations is limited at best. While information on the number of Katrina evacuees has been available, data on income attributed to evacuees has been extremely limited. BEA, which collects the data upon which FMAP calculations are made, was limited in its ability to isolate income data for Katrina evacuees. Only some of the interstate income data, such as governmental transfer receipts (TANF, Medicaid, etc.), attributable to Katrina evacuees was available, while none of a state(s)’ wages and salaries paid to Katrina evacuees who moved to the host state could be isolated to determine personal income data for these evacuees. It was therefore technically difficult to perform the calculations for the current year. We do not believe that reliable data will be available to track either the number or the income of evacuees to make calculations for the FMAP beyond FY 2008. It is our understanding that VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:56 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211001 BEA will not undertake any continuing state estimates of the number of Katrina evacuees or income attributed to them beyond what already has been done for 2005. Moreover, we believe the adjustment time frame is sufficiently long for individuals to become an integral part of, with economic and social ties to, the State in which they have been present. We continue to believe that the intent of the statutory adjustment was to relieve the temporary burden on host states of a sudden influx of evacuees who were not integrated into the host state economy. Thus we believe it is unreasonable to consider a person to be an evacuee once they have established residency and become integrated into the economy in their host state. For the above reasons, HHS has determined to interpret the term ‘‘evacuee’’ to be limited to the time period for which reliable data is available on the number and income of evacuees. Based on our current understanding of the available data sources, this interpretation means that there would be no basis for performing the calculations specified in Section 6053(b) of the DRA beyond the current year calculations for the FY 2008 FMAP. F. Final FMAP and EFMAP Percentages for State(s) Affected by Hurricane Katrina Based on the findings of our review of the comments received, we believe the methodology as described herein, and in more detail at 72 FR 3391, is the most appropriate method, given the available information, for implementing Section 6053(b) of the DRA. As such, only the FMAP and EFMAP percentages for the state of Texas are affected. The percentages for Texas are as follows: Calculated 2008 Texas FMAP ................ EFMAP ............. 60.53 72.37 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.778: Medical Assistance Program; 93.767: State Children’s Health Insurance Program) Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 BILLING CODE 4150–05–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Final Effect of Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the Special Exposure Cohort National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gives notice concerning the final effect of the HHS decision to designate a class of employees at the Dow Chemical Company, Madison, Illinios, as an addition to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. On June 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384q(b), the Secretary of HHS designated the following class of employees as an addition to the SEC: Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) employees who were monitored or should have been monitored for exposure to thorium radionuclides while working at the Dow Chemical Company site in Madison, Illinois for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days from January 1, 1957 through December 31, 1960, or in combination with work days within the parameters established for one or more other classes of employees in the Special Exposure Cohort. This designation became effective on July 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384l(14)(C). Hence, beginning on July 22, 2007, members of this class of employees, defined as reported in 60.56 this notice, became members of the 72.39 Special Exposure Cohort. The percentages listed will be effective for each of the four (4) quarteryear periods in the period beginning October 1, 2007 and ending September 30, 2008 (fiscal year 2008). Frm 00074 Dated: May 21, 2007. Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services. [FR Doc. E7–15321 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am] 2008 with adjustment for Section 6053(b) G. Effective Dates PO 00000 44149 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Elliott, Director, Office of Compensation Analysis and Support, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, MS C–46, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Telephone 513– 533–6800 (this is not a toll-free number). Information requests can also be submitted by e-mail to OCAS@CDC.GOV. E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1 44150 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 7, 2007 / Notices Dated: August 2, 2007. John Howard, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. [FR Doc. 07–3845 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am] Dated: August 2, 2007. John Howard, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. [FR Doc. 07–3843 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am] Dated: August 2, 2007. John Howard, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. [FR Doc. 07–3844 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–19–M BILLING CODE 4163–19–M BILLING CODE 4163–19–M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Final Effect of Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the Special Exposure Cohort National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Final Effect of Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the Special Exposure Cohort Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gives notice concerning the final effect of the HHS decision to designate a class of employees at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, as an addition to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. On June 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384q(b), the Secretary of HHS designated the following class of employees as an addition to the SEC: Notice. SUMMARY: SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gives notice concerning the final effect of the HHS decision to designate a class of employees at W.R. Grace, Erwin, Tennessee, as an addition to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. On June 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384q(b), the Secretary of HHS designated the following class of employees as an addition to the SEC: jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Employees of the Department of Energy (DOE), its predecessor agencies, or DOE contractors or subcontractors who were monitored or should have been monitored for radiological exposure while working in operational Technical Areas with a history of radioactive material use at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days from March 15, 1943 through December 31, 1975, or in combination with work day as within parameters established for one or more other classes of employees in the Special Exposure Cohort. Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) employees who were monitored or should have been monitored for potential exposure to thorium while working in any of the 100 series buildings or Buildings 220, 230, 233, 234, 301, or 310 at the W.R. Grace site at Erwin, Tennessee for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days from January 1, 1958, through December 31, 1970, or in combination with work days within the parameters established for one or more other classes of employees in the Special Exposure Cohort. This designation became effective on July 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384l(14)(C). Hence, beginning on July 22, 2007, members of this class of employees, defined as reported in this notice, became members of the Special Exposure Cohort. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Elliott, Director, Office of Compensation Analysis and Support, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, MS C–46, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Telephone 513– 533–6800 (this is not a toll-free number). Information requests can also be submitted by e-mail to OCAS@CDC.GOV. This designation became effective on July 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384l(14)(C). Hence, beginning on July 22, 2007, members of this class of employees, define as reported in this notice, became members of the Special Exposure Cohort. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:56 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Elliott, Director, Office of Compensation Analysis and Support, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, MS C–46, Cincinnati, OH 45226, Telephone 513– 533–6800 (this is not a toll-free number). Information requests can also be submitted by e-mail to OCAS@CDC.GOV. PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [CMS–3188–NC] Medicare Program; Evaluation Criteria and Standards for Quality Improvement Program Organization Contracts Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice with comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice with comment period describes the criteria we intend to use to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) currently under contract with CMS in accordance with the Social Security Act. These evaluation criteria are based on the tasks and related subtasks set forth in the QIO’s Scope of Work (SOW). The current 8th SOW includes Tasks 1, 3, and 4 (Task 2 is reserved) with subtasks included under Tasks 1 and 3. QIOs were awarded contracts for the 8th SOW, or 8th Round, for 3 years, with staggered starting dates beginning August 2005, November 2005, and February 2006. Comments on this notice will also be considered in the development of the 9th SOW. DATES: To be assured of consideration, comments must be received at one of the addresses provided below, no later than 5 p.m. on September 6, 2007. ADDRESSES: In commenting, please refer to file code CMS–3188–NC. Because of staff and resource limitations, we cannot accept comments by facsimile (FAX) transmission. You may submit comments in one of four ways (no duplicates, please): 1. Electronically. You may submit electronic comments on specific issues in this regulation to https:// www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking. Click on the link ‘‘Submit electronic comments on CMS regulations with an open comment period.’’ (Attachments should be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or Excel; however, we prefer Microsoft Word.) 2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 7, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44149-44150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-3845]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Final 
Effect of Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the 
Special Exposure Cohort

AGENCY: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gives notice 
concerning the final effect of the HHS decision to designate a class of 
employees at the Dow Chemical Company, Madison, Illinios, as an 
addition to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) under the Energy 
Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. On 
June 22, 2007, as provided for under 42 U.S.C. 7384q(b), the Secretary 
of HHS designated the following class of employees as an addition to 
the SEC:

    Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) employees who were monitored or 
should have been monitored for exposure to thorium radionuclides 
while working at the Dow Chemical Company site in Madison, Illinois 
for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days from 
January 1, 1957 through December 31, 1960, or in combination with 
work days within the parameters established for one or more other 
classes of employees in the Special Exposure Cohort.

    This designation became effective on July 22, 2007, as provided for 
under 42 U.S.C. 7384l(14)(C). Hence, beginning on July 22, 2007, 
members of this class of employees, defined as reported in this notice, 
became members of the Special Exposure Cohort.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Elliott, Director, Office of 
Compensation Analysis and Support, National Institute for Occupational 
Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, MS C-46, Cincinnati, 
OH 45226, Telephone 513-533-6800 (this is not a toll-free number). 
Information requests can also be submitted by e-mail to OCAS@CDC.GOV.


[[Page 44150]]


    Dated: August 2, 2007.
John Howard,
Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 07-3845 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-19-M
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