To ensure that claims for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act are processed in a fair and timely manner, to better protect miners from pneumoconiosis (commonly known as "black lung disease"), and for other purposes.
Ways and Means Committee, Education and Workforce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to revise requirements for miners' claims for pneumoconiosis (black lung) benefits. The Department of Labor must pay the attorneys' fees of prevailing parties on a qualifying benefit claim. This bill revises: (1) the standards of medical evidence that establish a presumption that a miner is totally disabled by black lung, and (2) payments to such miners (including their dependents). Black lung clinics may use federal funds to help individuals file claims. A person may not knowingly and willfully: (1) make a false statement or misrepresentation in increasing or reducing black lung benefits, or (2) threaten or mislead a participant in a proceeding regarding the benefits. Labor, upon request, must give a claimant the opportunity to substantiate a claim for benefits through a pulmonary evaluation of the miner. Labor must also authorize a computerized tomography scan in diagnosing complicated pneumoconiosis. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health must establish a pilot program to ensure accurate classifications of chest radiographs in black lung cases where the diagnosis is at issue. Labor must educate certain individuals who work on black lung benefits about medical evidence relevant to claims. A previously denied claimant may file a new claim for black lung benefits within one year. This bill amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to direct Labor to use data from continuous personal dust monitors to determine whether to make changes to respirable dust concentration standards, controls, and measurements. This bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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.
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesCardiovascular and respiratory healthCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)CoalCongressional oversightDepartment of LaborDisability assistanceEvidence and witnessesExecutive agency funding and structureFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelLegal fees and court costsMedical ethicsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMiningSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayersUser charges and feesWages and earningsWorker safety and health
To ensure that claims for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act are processed in a fair and timely manner, to better protect miners from pneumoconiosis (commonly known as "black lung disease"), and for other purposes.
USA115th CongressHR-1912| House
| Updated: 4/5/2017
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to revise requirements for miners' claims for pneumoconiosis (black lung) benefits. The Department of Labor must pay the attorneys' fees of prevailing parties on a qualifying benefit claim. This bill revises: (1) the standards of medical evidence that establish a presumption that a miner is totally disabled by black lung, and (2) payments to such miners (including their dependents). Black lung clinics may use federal funds to help individuals file claims. A person may not knowingly and willfully: (1) make a false statement or misrepresentation in increasing or reducing black lung benefits, or (2) threaten or mislead a participant in a proceeding regarding the benefits. Labor, upon request, must give a claimant the opportunity to substantiate a claim for benefits through a pulmonary evaluation of the miner. Labor must also authorize a computerized tomography scan in diagnosing complicated pneumoconiosis. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health must establish a pilot program to ensure accurate classifications of chest radiographs in black lung cases where the diagnosis is at issue. Labor must educate certain individuals who work on black lung benefits about medical evidence relevant to claims. A previously denied claimant may file a new claim for black lung benefits within one year. This bill amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to direct Labor to use data from continuous personal dust monitors to determine whether to make changes to respirable dust concentration standards, controls, and measurements. This bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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.
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesCardiovascular and respiratory healthCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)CoalCongressional oversightDepartment of LaborDisability assistanceEvidence and witnessesExecutive agency funding and structureFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelLegal fees and court costsMedical ethicsMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMiningSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayersUser charges and feesWages and earningsWorker safety and health