{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Legislation","name":"Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022","description":"

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.

","legislationIdentifier":"HR 6102","legislationType":"Bill","legislationLegalForce":"NotInForce","legislationJurisdiction":"USA","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Cartwright","url":"https://legisdaily.com/mp/matt-cartwright-us"}],"about":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Labor and Employment"},"keywords":"Administrative law and regulatory procedures, Administrative remedies, Cardiovascular and respiratory health, Coal, Congressional oversight, Department of Labor, Disability assistance, Evidence and witnesses, Executive agency funding and structure, Government information and archives, Government studies and investigations, Government trust funds, Health care costs and insurance, Health information and medical records, Health personnel, Legal fees and court costs, Medical education, Medical ethics, Medical tests and diagnostic methods, Mining, Social security and elderly assistance, Tax administration and collection, taxpayers, Wages and earnings, Worker safety and health","dateModified":"2025-04-23T00:00:00.000Z","url":"https://legisdaily.com/bill/USA-117-HR-6102"}

Matt Cartwright

Matt Cartwright

Ways and Means Committee, Education and Workforce Committee