Ways and Means Committee, Education and Workforce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022 This bill revises requirements for miners' claims for pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Labor to pay the attorneys' fees of specified parties on a qualifying benefit claim, give a claimant the opportunity to substantiate a claim for benefits through a pulmonary evaluation, authorize a CT (computerized tomography) scan in diagnosing complicated pneumoconiosis, and develop a strategy to reduce delays in adjudication of black lung disease benefits claims. The bill also establishes criteria that a mining operator must meet to self-insure against claims and increases from $1,000 to $25,000 the daily penalty amount that may be assessed against a mining operator that fails to make black lung benefits payments. The bill authorizes (1) black lung disease clinics to use federal funds to help individuals file claims, and (2) certain previously denied claimants to file a new claim for black lung disease benefits within one year. The bill prohibits a person from (1) knowingly and willfully making a false statement or misrepresentation in increasing or reducing black lung disease benefits, or (2) threatening or misleading a participant in a proceeding regarding such benefits. Further, the bill revises (1) the standards of medical evidence that establish a presumption that a miner is totally disabled by black lung disease, and (2) payments to such miners. Lastly, the bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Dec. 15, 2022.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 117-589.
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Dec. 23, 2022.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 483.
Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesCardiovascular and respiratory healthCoalCongressional oversightDepartment of LaborDisability assistanceEvidence and witnessesExecutive agency funding and structureGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsHealth care costs and insuranceHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelLegal fees and court costsMedical educationMedical ethicsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMiningSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayersWages and earningsWorker safety and health
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022
USA117th CongressHR-6102| House
| Updated: 12/23/2022
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022 This bill revises requirements for miners' claims for pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Labor to pay the attorneys' fees of specified parties on a qualifying benefit claim, give a claimant the opportunity to substantiate a claim for benefits through a pulmonary evaluation, authorize a CT (computerized tomography) scan in diagnosing complicated pneumoconiosis, and develop a strategy to reduce delays in adjudication of black lung disease benefits claims. The bill also establishes criteria that a mining operator must meet to self-insure against claims and increases from $1,000 to $25,000 the daily penalty amount that may be assessed against a mining operator that fails to make black lung benefits payments. The bill authorizes (1) black lung disease clinics to use federal funds to help individuals file claims, and (2) certain previously denied claimants to file a new claim for black lung disease benefits within one year. The bill prohibits a person from (1) knowingly and willfully making a false statement or misrepresentation in increasing or reducing black lung disease benefits, or (2) threatening or misleading a participant in a proceeding regarding such benefits. Further, the bill revises (1) the standards of medical evidence that establish a presumption that a miner is totally disabled by black lung disease, and (2) payments to such miners. Lastly, the bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Dec. 15, 2022.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 117-589.
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Dec. 23, 2022.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 483.
Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesCardiovascular and respiratory healthCoalCongressional oversightDepartment of LaborDisability assistanceEvidence and witnessesExecutive agency funding and structureGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsHealth care costs and insuranceHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelLegal fees and court costsMedical educationMedical ethicsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMiningSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayersWages and earningsWorker safety and health