Direct Final Rule and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks to modernize document and info transmission of Longshore claims

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is expanding the means by which documents and information can be transmitted between OWCP and its stakeholders. A direct final rule and a proposed rule published in the March 12 issue of the Federal Register apply to claims handled by OWCP's longshore program.

The Transmission of Documents and Information rule adds new modernized electronic communication options. It allows easier, more efficient transmission of records to OWCP and enables more efficient delivery of information to stakeholders. The rule also allows various parties and their representatives to agree to electronic receipt of documents and other communications. It also specifies that OWCP may receive digital documents and data through the use of current and future technologies, allows the director to specify the locations for filing forms and documents, eliminates the requirement for duplicate submissions, and provides an optional electronic alternative to the statutory requirement that mandates delivery of orders via registered or certified mail.

"Using current communications technology is increasingly important to good governance," said Leonard J. Howie III, director of OWCP. "In publishing this rule, we've listened to our stakeholders, and I feel confident that modernizing our regulations to embrace new technology will enable us to provide a heightened level of service."

Both the direct final rule and the proposed rule were published in the March 12 issue of the Federal Register and can be viewed at http://1.usa.gov/1b2E3dq and http://1.usa.gov/1Mu33rz. Interested parties may submit comments online at http://www.regulations.gov or through the other methods listed in the Federal Register until May 11. If OWCP receives no significant adverse comment by that time, the direct final rule will become effective 30 days later. Otherwise, OWCP will withdraw the direct final rule and continue with the proposed rule and traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking.

The mission of OWCP's Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation is to minimize the impact of land-based, maritime employment injuries and deaths on injured employees and their families by ensuring that workers' compensation benefits are provided promptly and properly under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The DLHWC oversees the delivery of compensation and medical benefits; offers technical and compliance assistance; and provides informal dispute resolution services to workers, employers, and insurers. The LHWCA has been extended to other groups of employees under the Defense Base Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act. For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/.