["Workers' Compensation"]
["Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)"]
05/17/2022
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Public Law 106-398
42U.S.C. § 7384 et seq.
PART A-ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPENSATION PROGRAM AND COMPENSATION FUND
§7384. Findings; sense of Congress
(a) FINDINGS. — The Congress finds the following:
(a)(1) Since World War II, Federal nuclear activities have been explicitly recognized under Federal law as activities that are ultra-hazardous. Nuclear weapons production and testing have involved unique dangers, including potential catastrophic nuclear accidents that private insurance carriers have not covered and recurring exposures to radioactive substances and beryllium that, even in small amounts, can cause medical harm.
(a)(2) Since the inception of the nuclear weapons program and for several decades afterwards, a large number of nuclear weapons workers at sites of the Department of Energy and at sites of vendors who supplied the Cold War effort were put at risk without their knowledge and consent for reasons that, documents reveal, were driven by fears of adverse publicity, liability, and employee demands for hazardous duty pay.
(a)(3) Many previously secret records have documented unmonitored exposures to radiation and beryllium and continuing problems at these sites across the Nation, at which the Department of Energy and its predecessor agencies have been, since World War II, self-regulating with respect to nuclear safety and occupational safety and health. No other hazardous Federal activity has been permitted to be carried out under such sweeping powers of self-regulation.
(a)(4) The policy of the Department of Energy has been to litigate occupational illness claims, which has deterred workers from filing workers' compensation claims and has imposed major financial burdens for such employees who have sought compensation. Contractors of the Department have been held harmless and the employees have been denied workers' compensation coverage for occupational disease.
(a)(5) Over the past 20 years, more than two dozen scientific findings have emerged that indicate that certain of such employees are experiencing increased risks of dying from cancer and non-malignant diseases. Several of these studies have also established a correlation between excess diseases and exposure to radiation and beryllium.
(a)(6) While linking exposure to occupational hazards with the development of occupational disease is sometimes difficult, scientific evidence supports the conclusion that occupational exposure to dust particles or vapor of beryllium can cause beryllium sensitivity and chronic beryllium disease. Furthermore, studies indicate than 98 percent of radiation-induced cancers within the nuclear weapons complex have occurred at dose levels below existing maximum safe thresholds.
(a)(7) Existing information indicates that State workers' compensation programs do not provide a uniform means of ensuring adequate compensation for the types of occupational illnesses and diseases that relate to the employees at those sites.
(a)(8) To ensure fairness and equity, the civilian men and women who, over the past 50 years, have performed duties uniquely related to the nuclear weapons production and testing programs of the Department of Energy and its predecessor agencies should have efficient, uniform, and adequate compensation for beryllium-related health conditions and radiation-related health conditions.
(a)(9) On April 12, 2000, the Secretary of Energy announced that the Administration intended to seek compensation for individuals with a broad range of work-related illnesses throughout the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons complex.
(a)(10) However, as of October 2, 2000, the Administration has failed to provide Congress with the necessary legislative and budget proposals to enact the promised compensation program.
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS. - It is the sense of Congress that -
(b)(1) a program should be established to provide compensation to covered employees;
(b)(2) a fund for payment of such compensation should be established on the books of the Treasury;
(b)(3) payments from that fund should be made only after -
(b)(3)(A) the identification of employees of the Department of Energy (including its predecessor agencies), and of contractors of the Department, who may be members of the group of covered employees;
(b)(3)(B) the establishment of a process to receive and administer claims for compensation for disability or death of covered employees;
(b)(3)(C) the submittal by the President of a legislative proposal for compensation of such employees that includes the estimated annual budget resources for that compensation; and
(b)(3)(D) consideration by the Congress of the legislative proposal submitted by the President; and
(b)(4) payments from that fund should commence not later than fiscal year 2002.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3602
Short Title
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3601 provided that: "This title may be cited as the 'Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000'."
§ 7384d. Establishment of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
(a) PROGRAM ESTABLISHED. - There is hereby established a program to be known as the "Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program" (in this subchapter referred to as the "compensation program"). The President shall carry out the compensation program through one or more Federal agencies or officials, as designated by the President.
(b) PURPOSE OF PROGRAM. - The purpose of the compensation program is to provide for timely, uniform, and adequate compensation of covered employees and, where applicable, survivors of such employees, suffering from illnesses incurred by such employees in the performance of duty for the Department of Energy and certain of its contractors and subcontractors.
(c) ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION. - The eligibility of covered employees for compensation under the compensation program shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of part B of this subchapter as may be modified by a law enacted after the date of the submittal of the proposal for legislation required by section 7384f of this title.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3611
§ 7384e.Establishment of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund
(a) ESTABLISHMENT. - There is hereby established on the books of the Treasury a fund to be known as the "Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund" (in this subchapter referred to as the "compensation fund").
(b) AMOUNTS IN COMPENSATION FUND. - The compensation fund shall consist of the following amounts:
(b)(1) Amounts appropriated to the compensation fund pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 7384g(b) of this title.
(b)(2) Amounts transferred to the compensation fund under subsection (c).
(c) FINANCING OF COMPENSATION FUND. - Upon the exhaustion of amounts in the compensation fund attributable to the authorization of appropriations in section 7384g(b) of this title, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer directly to the compensation fund from the General Fund of the Treasury, without further appropriation, such amounts as are further necessary to carry out the compensation program.
(d) USE OF COMPENSATION FUND. - Subject to subsection (e), amounts in the compensation fund shall be used to carry out the compensation program.
(e) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS NOT PAID FROM COMPENSATION FUND. - No cost incurred in carrying out the compensation program, or in administering the compensation fund, shall be paid from the compensation fund or set off against or otherwise deducted from any payment to any individual under the compensation program.
(f) INVESTMENT OF AMOUNTS IN COMPENSATION FUND. - Amounts in the compensation fund shall be invested in accordance with section 9702 of title 31, United States Code, and any interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall be credited to and become a part of the compensation fund.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3612
§ 7384f.Legislative proposal
(a) LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL REQUIRED. - Not later than March 15, 2001, the President shall submit to Congress a proposal for legislation to implement the compensation program. The proposal for legislation shall include, at a minimum, the specific recommendations (including draft legislation) of the President for the following:
(a)(1) The types of compensation and benefits, including lost wages, medical benefits, and any lump-sum settlement payments, to be provided under the compensation program.
(a)(2) Any adjustments or modifications necessary to appropriately administer the compensation program under part B of this subchapter.
(a)(3) Whether to expand the compensation program to include other illnesses associated with exposure to toxic substances.
(a)(4) Whether to expand the class of individuals who are members of the Special Exposure Cohort (as defined in section 7384l(14)) of this title.
(b) ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL COVERED EMPLOYEES AND REQUIRED AMOUNTS. - The President shall include with the proposal for legislation under subsection (a) the following:
(b)(1) An estimate of the number of covered employees that the President determines were exposed in the performance of duty.
(b)(2) An estimate, for each fiscal year of the compensation program, of the amounts to be required for compensation and benefits anticipated to be provided in such fiscal year under the compensation program.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3613
§ 7384g. Authorization of appropriations
( a) IN GENERAL. - Pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 3103(a)*, $25,000,000 may be used for purposes of carrying out this subchapter.
(b) COMPENSATION FUND. - There is hereby authorized to be appropriated $250,000,000 to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund established by section 7384e of this title.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3614
*Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXI, § 3103(a).
PART B-PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
§ 7384l. Definitions for program administration
In this subchapter:
(1) The term "covered employee" means any of the following:
(1)(A) A covered beryllium employee.
(1)(B) A covered employee with cancer.
(1)(C) To the extent provided in section 7384r of this title, a covered employee with chronic silicosis (as defined in that section).
(2) The term "atomic weapon" has the meaning given that term in section 11 d.* of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(d)).
(3) The term "atomic weapons employee" means an individual employed by an atomic weapons employer during a period when the employer was processing or producing, for the use by the United States, material that emitted radiation and was used in the production of an atomic weapon, excluding uranium mining and milling.
(4) The term "atomic weapons employer" means an entity, other than the United States, that -
(4)(A) processed or produced, for use by the United States, material that emitted radiation and was used in the production of an atomic weapon, excluding uranium mining and milling; and
(4)(B) is designated by the Secretary of Energy as an atomic weapons employer for purposes of the compensation program.
(5) The term "atomic weapons employer facility" means a facility, owned by an atomic weapons employer, that is or was used to process or produce, for use by the United States, material that emitted radiation and was used in the production of an atomic weapon, excluding uranium mining or milling.
(6) The term "beryllium vendor" means any of the following:
(6)(A) Atomics International.
(6)(B) Brush Wellman, Incorporated, and its predecessor, Brush Beryllium Company.
(6)(C) General Atomics.
(6)(D) General Electric Company.
(6)(E) NGK Metals Corporation and its predecessors, Kawecki-Berylco, Cabot Corporation, BerylCo, and Beryllium Corporation of America.
(6)(F) Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corporation.
(6)(G) StarMet Corporation and its predecessor, Nuclear Metals, Incorporated.
(6)(H) Wyman Gordan, Incorporated.
(6)(I) Any other vendor, processor, or producer of beryllium or related products designated as a beryllium vendor for purposes of the compensation program under section 7384m of this title.
(7) The term "covered beryllium employee" means the following, if and only if the employee is determined to have been exposed to beryllium in the performance of duty in accordance with section 7384n(a) of this title:
(7)(A) A current or former employee (as that term is defined in section 8101(1) of Title 5) who may have been exposed to beryllium at a Department of Energy facility or at a facility owned, operated, or occupied by a beryllium vendor.
(7)(B) A current or former employee of -
(7)(B)( i) any entity that contracted with the Department of Energy to provide management and operation, management and integration, or environmental remediation of a Department of Energy facility; or
(7)(B)(ii) any contractor or subcontractor that provided services, including construction and maintenance, at such a facility.
(7)(C) A current or former employee of a beryllium vendor, or of a contractor or subcontractor of a beryllium vendor, during a period when the vendor was engaged in activities related to the production or processing of beryllium for sale to, or use by, the Department of Energy.
(8) The term "covered beryllium illness" means any of the following:
(8)(A) Beryllium sensitivity as established by an abnormal beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test performed on either blood or lung lavage cells.
(8)(B) Established chronic beryllium disease.
(8)(C) Any injury, illness, impairment, or disability sustained as a consequence of a covered beryllium illness referred to in subparagraph (A) or (B).
(9) The term "covered employee with cancer" means any of the following:
(9)(A) An individual with a specified cancer who is a member of the Special Exposure Cohort, if and only if that individual contracted that specified cancer after beginning employment at a Department of Energy facility (in the case of a Department of Energy employee or Department of Energy contractor employee) or at an atomic weapons employer facility (in the case of an atomic weapons employee).
(9)(B)( i) An individual with cancer specified in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of clause (ii), if and only if that individual is determined to have sustained that cancer in the performance of duty in accordance with section 7384n(b) of this title.
(9)(B)(ii) Clause ( i) applies to any of the following:
(9)(B)(ii) (I) A Department of Energy employee who contracted that cancer after beginning employment at a Department of Energy facility.
(9)(B)(ii)(II) A Department of Energy contractor employee who contracted that cancer after beginning employment at a Department of Energy facility.
(9)(B)(ii)(III) An atomic weapons employee who contracted that cancer after beginning employment at an atomic weapons employer facility.
(10) The term "Department of Energy" includes the predecessor agencies of the Department of Energy, including the Manhattan Engineering District.
(11) The term "Department of Energy contractor employee" means any of the following:
(11)(A) An individual who is or was in residence at a Department of Energy facility as a researcher for one or more periods aggregating at least 24 months.
(11)(B) An individual who is or was employed at a Department of Energy facility by -
(11)(B)( i) an entity that contracted with the Department of Energy to provide management and operating, management and integration, or environmental remediation at the facility; or
(11)(B)(ii) a contractor or subcontractor that provided services, including construction and maintenance, at the facility.
(12) The term "Department of Energy facility" means any building, structure, or premise, including the grounds upon which such building, structure, or premise is located -
(12)(A) in which operations are, or have been, conducted by, or on behalf of, the Department of Energy (except for buildings, structures, premises, grounds, or operations covered by Executive Order No. 12344, dated February 1, 1982 (42 U.S.C. 7158 note), pertaining to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program); and
(12)(B) with regard to which the Department of Energy has or had -
(12)(B)( i) a proprietary interest; or
(12)(B)(ii) entered into a contract with an entity to provide management and operation, management and integration, environmental remediation services, construction, or maintenance services.
(13) The term "established chronic beryllium disease" means chronic beryllium disease as established by the following:
(13)(A) For diagnoses on or after January 1, 1993, beryllium sensitivity (as established in accordance with paragraph (8 )(A)), together with lung pathology consistent with chronic beryllium disease, including -
(13)(A)( i) a lung biopsy showing granulomas or a lymphocytic process consistent with chronic beryllium disease;
(13)(A)(ii) a computerized axial tomography scan showing changes consistent with chronic beryllium disease; or
(13)(A)(iii) pulmonary function or exercise testing showing pulmonary deficits consistent with chronic beryllium disease.
(13)(B) For diagnoses before January 1, 1993, the presence of -
(13)(B)( i) occupational or environmental history, or epidemiologic evidence of beryllium exposure; and
(13)(B)(iii) any three of the following criteria:
(13)(B)(iii)(I) Characteristic chest radiographic (or computed tomography (CT)) abnormalities.
(13)(B)(iii)(II) Restrictive or obstructive lung physiology testing or diffusing lung capacity defect.
(13)(B)(iii)(III) Lung pathology consistent with chronic beryllium disease.
(13)(B)(iii)(IV) Clinical course consistent with a chronic respiratory disorder.
(13)(B)(iii)(V) Immunologic tests showing beryllium sensitivity (skin patch test or beryllium blood test preferred).
(14) The term "member of the Special Exposure Cohort" means a Department of Energy employee, Department of Energy contractor employee, or atomic weapons employee who meets any of the following requirements:
(14)(A) The employee was so employed for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days before February 1, 1992, at a gaseous diffusion plant located in Paducah, Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio, or Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and, during such employment -
(14)(A)( i) was monitored through the use of dosimetry badges for exposure at the plant of the external parts of employee's body to radiation; or
(14)(A)(ii) worked in a job that had exposures comparable to a job that is or was monitored through the use of dosimetry badges.
(14)(B) The employee was so employed before January 1, 1974, by the Department of Energy or a Department of Energy contractor or subcontractor on Amchitka Island, Alaska, and was exposed to ionizing radiation in the performance of duty related to the Long Shot, Milrow, or Cannikin underground nuclear tests.
(14)(C)( i) Subject to clause (ii), the employee is an individual designated as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort by the President for purposes of the compensation program under section 7384q of this title.
(14)(C)(ii) A designation under clause ( i) shall, unless Congress otherwise provides, take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress a report identifying the individuals covered by the designation and describing the criteria used in designating those individuals.
(15) The term "occupational illness" means a covered beryllium illness, cancer referred to in section 7384l(9)(B) of this title, specified cancer, or chronic silicosis, as the case may be.
(16) The term "radiation" means ionizing radiation in the form of -
(16)(A) alpha particles;
(16)(B) beta particles;
(16)(C) neutrons;
(16)(D) gamma rays; or
(16)(E) accelerated ions or subatomic particles from accelerator machines.
(17) The term "specified cancer" means any of the following:
(17)(A) A specified disease, as that term is defined in section 4(b )(2) of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210).
(17)(B) Bone cancer.
(17)(C) Renal cancers.
(17)(D) Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia), if initial occupational exposure occurred before 21 years of age and onset occurred more than two years after initial occupational exposure.
[(18) Repealed.]
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3621; Pub. L. 107-20, § 2403(a); Pub. L. 107-107, §§ 3151(a )(1) and 3151(a)(4)(C)
*So in original. Probably should be "section 11(d)".
§ 7384m. Expansion of list of beryllium vendors
Not later than December 31, 2002, the President may, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, designate as a beryllium vendor for purposes of section 7384l(6) of this title any vendor, processor, or producer of beryllium or related products not previously listed under or designated for purposes of such section 7384l(6) of this title if the President finds that such vendor, processor, or producer has been engaged in activities related to the production or processing of beryllium for sale to, or use by, the Department of Energy in a manner similar to the entities listed in such section 7384l(6) of this title.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3622
§ 7384n.Exposure in the performance of duty
(a) BERYLLIUM. - A covered beryllium employee shall, in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, be determined to have been exposed to beryllium in the performance of duty for the purposes of the compensation program if, and only if, the covered beryllium employee was -
(a)(1) employed at a Department of Energy facility; or
(a)(2) present at a Department of Energy facility, or a facility owned and operated by a beryllium vendor, because of employment by the United States, a beryllium vendor, or a contractor or subcontractor of the Department of Energy; during a period when beryllium dust, particles, or vapor may have been present at such facility.
(b) CANCER. - An individual with cancer specified in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of section 7384l(9)(B)(ii) of this title shall be determined to have sustained that cancer in the performance of duty for purposes of the compensation program if, and only if, the cancer specified in that subclause was at least as likely as not related to employment at the facility specified in that subclause, as determined in accordance with the guidelines established under subsection (c).
(c) GUIDELINES. - (1) For purposes of the compensation program, the President shall by regulation establish guidelines for making the determinations required by subsection (b).
(c)(2) The President shall establish such guidelines after technical review by the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health under section 7384o of this title.
(c)(3) Such guidelines shall -
(c)(3)(A) be based on the radiation dose received by the employee (or a group of employees performing similar work) at such facility and the upper 99 percent confidence interval of the probability of causation in the radioepidemiological tables published under section 7(b) of the Orphan Drug Act (42 U.S.C. 241 note), as such tables may be updated under section 7(b )(3) of such Act from time to time;
(c)(3)(B) incorporate the methods established under subsection (d); and
(c)(3)(C) take into consideration the type of cancer, past health-related activities (such as smoking), information on the risk of developing a radiation-related cancer from workplace exposure, and other relevant factors.
(d) METHODS FOR RADIATION DOSE RECONSTRUCTIONS. -
(d)(1) The President shall, through any Federal agency (other than the Department of Energy) or official (other than the Secretary of Energy or any other official within the Department of Energy) that the President may designate, establish by regulation methods for arriving at reasonable estimates of the radiation doses received by an individual specified in subparagraph (B) of section 7384l(9) of this title at a facility specified in that subparagraph by each of the following employees:
(d)(1)(A) An employee who was not monitored for exposure to radiation at such facility.
(d)(1)(B) An employee who was monitored inadequately for exposure to radiation at such facility.
(d)(1)(C) An employee whose records of exposure to radiation at such facility are missing or incomplete.
(d)(2) The President shall establish an independent review process using the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health to -
(d)(2)(A) assess the methods established under paragraph (1); and
(d)(2)(B) verify a reasonable sample of the doses established under paragraph (1).
(e) INFORMATION ON RADIATION DOSES. -
(e)(1) The Secretary of Energy shall provide, to each covered employee with cancer specified in section 7384l(9)(B) of this title, information specifying the estimated radiation dose of that employee during each employment specified in section 7384l(9)(B) of this title, whether established by a dosimetry reading, by a method established under subsection (d), or by both a dosimetry reading and such method.
(e)(2) The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Energy shall each make available to researchers and the general public information on the assumptions, methodology, and data used in establishing radiation doses under subsection (d). The actions taken under this paragraph shall be consistent with the protection of private medical records.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3623
§ 7384o.Advisory board on radiation and worker health
(a) ESTABLISHMENT. -
(a)(1) Not later than 120 days after October 30, 2000, the President shall establish and appoint an Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health (in this section referred to as the "Board").
(a)(2) The President shall make appointments to the Board in consultation with organizations with expertise on worker health issues in order to ensure that the membership of the Board reflects a balance of scientific, medical, and worker perspectives.
(a)(3) The President shall designate a Chair for the Board from among its members.
(b) DUTIES. - The Board shall advise the President on -
(b)(1) the development of guidelines under section 7384n(c) of this title;
(b)(2) the scientific validity and quality of dose estimation and reconstruction efforts being performed for purposes of the compensation program; and
(b)(3) such other matters related to radiation and worker health in Department of Energy facilities as the President considers appropriate.
(c) STAFF. -
(c)(1) The President shall appoint a staff to facilitate the work of the Board. The staff shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed under subchapter VIII of chapter 33 of Title 5.
(c)(2) The President may accept as staff of the Board personnel on detail from other Federal agencies. The detail of personnel under this paragraph may be on a nonreimbursable basis.
(d) EXPENSES. - Members of the Board, other than full-time employees of the United States, while attending meetings of the Board or while otherwise serving at the request of the President, while serving away from their homes or regular places of business, shall be allowed travel and meal expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of Title 5, for individuals in the Government serving without pay.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3624
§ 7384p.Responsibilities of Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall carry out that Secretary's responsibilities with respect to the compensation program with the assistance of the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3625
§ 7384q.Designation of additional members of Special Exposure Cohort
(a) ADVICE ON ADDITIONAL MEMBERS. -
(a)(1) The Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health under section 7384o of this title shall advise the President whether there is a class of employees at any Department of Energy facility who likely were exposed to radiation at that facility but for whom it is not feasible to estimate with sufficient accuracy the radiation dose they received.
(a)(2) The advice of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health under paragraph (1) shall be based on exposure assessments by radiation health professionals, information provided by the Department of Energy, and such other information as the Advisory Board considers appropriate.
(a)(3) The President shall request advice under paragraph (1) after consideration of petitions by classes of employees described in that paragraph for such advice. The President shall consider such petitions pursuant to procedures established by the President.
(b) DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL MEMBERS. - Subject to the provisions of section 7384l(14)(C) of this title, the members of a class of employees at a Department of Energy facility, or at an atomic weapons employer facility, may be treated as members of the Special Exposure Cohort for purposes of the compensation program if the President, upon recommendation of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, determines that -
(b)(1) it is not feasible to estimate with sufficient accuracy the radiation dose that the class received; and
(b)(2) there is a reasonable likelihood that such radiation dose may have endangered the health of members of the class.
(c) ACCESS TO INFORMATION. - The Secretary of Energy shall provide, in accordance with law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the members and staff of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health access to relevant information on worker exposures, including access to Restricted Data (as defined in section 11 y.* of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(y)).
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3626; Pub. L. 107-107, § 3151(a )(2)
*So in original. Probably should be "section 11(y)".
§ 7384r.Separate treatment of chronic silicosis
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS. - The Congress finds that employees who worked in Department of Energy test sites and later contracted chronic silicosis should also be considered for inclusion in the compensation program. Recognizing that chronic silicosis resulting from exposure to silica is not a condition unique to the nuclear weapons industry, it is not the intent of Congress with this subchapter to establish a precedent on the question of chronic silicosis as a compensable occupational disease. Consequently, it is the sense of Congress that a further determination by the President is appropriate before these workers are included in the compensation program.
(b) CERTIFICATION BY PRESIDENT. - A covered employee with chronic silicosis shall be treated as a covered employee (as defined in section 7384l(1)) of this title for the purposes of the compensation program required by section 7384d of this title unless the President submits to Congress not later than 180 days after October 30, 2000 the certification of the President that there is insufficient basis to include such employees. The President shall submit with the certification any recommendations about the compensation program with respect to covered employees with chronic silicosis as the President considers appropriate.
(c) EXPOSURE TO SILICA IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DUTY. - A covered employee shall, in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, be determined to have been exposed to silica in the performance of duty for the purposes of the compensation program if, and only if, the employee was present for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days during the mining of tunnels at a Department of Energy facility located in Nevada or Alaska for tests or experiments related to an atomic weapon.
(d) COVERED EMPLOYEE WITH CHRONIC SILICOSIS. - For purposes of this subchapter, the term "covered employee with chronic silicosis" means a Department of Energy employee, or a Department of Energy contractor employee, with chronic silicosis who was exposed to silica in the performance of duty as determined under subsection (c).
(e) CHRONIC SILICOSIS. - For purposes of this subchapter, the term "chronic silicosis" means a non- malignant lung disease if -
(e)(1) the initial occupational exposure to silica dust preceded the onset of silicosis by at least 10 years; and
(e)(2) a written diagnosis of silicosis is made by a medical doctor and is accompanied by -
(e)(2)(A) a chest radiograph, interpreted by an individual certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as a B reader, classifying the existence of pneumoconioses of category 1/0 or higher;
(e)(2)(B) results from a computer assisted tomograph or other imaging technique that are consistent with silicosis; or
(e)(2)(C) lung biopsy findings consistent with silicosis.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3627; Pub. L. 107-107, § 3151(a )(3)
§ 7384s. Compensation and benefits to be provided
(a) COMPENSATION PROVIDED. -
(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a covered employee, or the survivor of that covered employee if the employee is deceased, shall receive compensation for the disability or death of that employee from that employee's occupational illness in the amount of $150,000.
(a)(2) A covered employee shall, to the extent that employee's occupational illness is established beryllium sensitivity, receive beryllium sensitivity monitoring under subsection (c) in lieu of compensation under paragraph (1).
(b) MEDICAL BENEFITS. - A covered employee shall receive medical benefits under section 7384t of this title for that employee's occupational illness.
(c) BERYLLIUM SENSITIVITY MONITORING. - An individual receiving beryllium sensitivity monitoring under this subsection shall receive the following:
(c)(1) A thorough medical examination to confirm the nature and extent of the individual's established beryllium sensitivity.
(c)(2) Regular medical examinations thereafter to determine whether that individual has developed established chronic beryllium disease.
(d) PAYMENT FROM COMPENSATION FUND. - The compensation provided under this section, when authorized or approved by the President, shall be paid from the compensation fund established under section 7384e of this title.
(e) PAYMENTS IN THE CASE OF DECEASED PERSONS. -
(e)(1) In the case of a covered employee who is deceased at the time of payment of compensation under this section, whether or not the death is the result of the covered employee's occupational illness, such payment may be made only as follows:
(e)(1)(A) If the covered employee is survived by a spouse who is living at the time of payment, such payment shall be made to such surviving spouse.
(e)(1)(B) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A), such payment shall be made in equal shares to all children of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(C) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A) and if there are no children described in subparagraph (B), such payment shall be made in equal shares to the parents of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(D) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A), and if there are no children described in subparagraph (B) or parents described in subparagraph (C), such payment shall be made in equal shares to all grandchildren of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(E) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A), and if there are no children described in subparagraph (B), parents described in subparagraph (C), or grandchildren described in subparagraph (D), then such payment shall be made in equal shares to the grandparents of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(F) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, if there is. -
(e)(1)(F)( i) a surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A); and
(e)(1)(F)(ii) at least one child of the covered employee who is living and a minor at the time of payment and who is not a recognized natural child or adopted child of such surviving spouse, then half of such payment shall be made to such surviving spouse, and the other half of such payment shall be made in equal shares to each child of the covered employee who is living and a minor at the time of payment.
(e)(2) If a covered employee eligible for payment dies before filing a claim under this title, a survivor of that employee who may receive payment under paragraph (1) may file a claim for such payment.
(e)(3) For purposes of this subsection -
(e)(3)(A) the "spouse" of an individual is a wife or husband of that individual who was married to that individual for at least one year immediately before the death of that individual;
(e)(3)(B) a "child" includes a recognized natural child, a stepchild who lived with an individual in a regular parent-child relationship, and an adopted child;
(e)(3)(C) a "parent" includes fathers and mothers through adoption;
(e)(3)(D) a "grandchild" of an individual is a child of a child of that individual; and
(e)(3)(E) a "grandparent" of an individual is a parent of a parent of that individual.
(f) EFFECTIVE DATE. - This section shall take effect on July 31, 2001, unless Congress otherwise provides in an Act enacted before that date.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3628; Pub. L. 107-107, § 3151(a )(4)(A)
§ 7384t. Medical benefits
(a) MEDICAL BENEFITS PROVIDED. - The United States shall furnish, to an individual receiving medical benefits under this section for an illness, the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended by a qualified physician for that illness, which the President considers likely to cure, give relief, or reduce the degree or the period of that illness.
(b) PERSONS FURNISHING BENEFITS. -
(b)(1) These services, appliances, and supplies shall be furnished by or on the order of United States medical officers and hospitals, or, at the individual's option, by or on the order of physicians and hospitals designated or approved by the President.
(b)(2) The individual may initially select a physician to provide medical services, appliances, and supplies under this section in accordance with such regulations and instructions as the President considers necessary.
(c) TRANSPORTATION AND EXPENSES. - The individual may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to the securing of such services, appliances, and supplies.
(d) COMMENCEMENT OF BENEFITS. - An individual receiving benefits under this section shall be furnished those benefits as of the date on which that individual submitted the claim for those benefits in accordance with this subchapter.
(e) PAYMENT FROM COMPENSATION FUND. - The benefits provided under this section, when authorized or approved by the President, shall be paid from the compensation fund established under section 7384e of this title.
(f) EFFECTIVE DATE. - This section shall take effect on July 31, 2001, unless Congress otherwise provides in an Act enacted before that date.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3629
§ 7384u.Separate treatment of certain uranium employees
(a) COMPENSATION PROVIDED. - An individual who receives, or has received, $100,000 under section 5 of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note) for a claim made under that Act (hereinafter in this section referred to as a "covered uranium employee"), or the survivor of that covered uranium employee if the employee is deceased, shall receive compensation under this section in the amount of $50,000.
(b) MEDICAL BENEFITS. - A covered uranium employee shall receive medical benefits under section 7384t of this title for the illness for which that employee received $100,000 under section 5 of that Act.
(c) COORDINATION WITH RECA. - The compensation and benefits provided in subsections (a) and (b) are separate from any compensation or benefits provided under that Act.
(d) PAYMENT FROM COMPENSATION FUND. - The compensation provided under this section, when authorized or approved by the President, shall be paid from the compensation fund established under section 7384e of this title.
(e) PAYMENTS IN THE CASE OF DECEASED PERSONS. -
(e)(1) In the case of a covered employee who is deceased at the time of payment of compensation under this section, whether or not the death is the result of the covered employee's occupational illness, such payment may be made only as follows:
(e)(1)(A) If the covered employee is survived by a spouse who is living at the time of payment, such payment shall be made to such surviving spouse.
(e)(1)(B) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A), such payment shall be made in equal shares to all children of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(C) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A) and if there are no children described in subparagraph (B), such payment shall be made in equal shares to the parents of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(D) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A), and if there are no children described in subparagraph (B) or parents described in subparagraph (C), such payment shall be made in equal shares to all grandchildren of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(E) If there is no surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A), and if there are no children described in subparagraph (B), parents described in subparagraph (C), or grandchildren described in subparagraph (D), then such payment shall be made in equal shares to the grandparents of the covered employee who are living at the time of payment.
(e)(1)(F) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, if there is -
(e)(1)(F)( i) a surviving spouse described in subparagraph (A); and
(e)(1)(F)(ii) at least one child of the covered employee who is living and a minor at the time of payment and who is not a recognized natural child or adopted child of such surviving spouse, then half of such payment shall be made to such surviving spouse, and the other half of such payment shall be made in equal shares to each child of the covered employee who is living and a minor at the time of payment.
(e)(2) If a covered employee eligible for payment dies before filing a claim under this title, a survivor of that employee who may receive payment under paragraph (1) may file a claim for such payment.
(e)(3) For purposes of this subsection -
(e)(3)(A) the "spouse" of an individual is a wife or husband of that individual who was married to that individual for at least one year immediately before the death of that individual;
(e)(3)(B) a "child" includes a recognized natural child, a stepchild who lived with an individual in a regular parent-child relationship, and an adopted child;
(e)(3)(C) a "parent" includes fathers and mothers through adoption;
(e)(3)(D) a "grandchild" of an individual is a child of a child of that individual; and
(e)(3)(E) a "grandparent" of an individual is a parent of a parent of that individual.
(f) PROCEDURES REQUIRED. - The President shall establish procedures to identify and notify each covered uranium employee, or the survivor of that covered uranium employee if that employee is deceased, of the availability of compensation and benefits under this section.
(g) EFFECTIVE DATE. - This section shall take effect on July 31, 2001, unless Congress otherwise provides in an Act enacted before that date.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3630; Pub. L. 107-107, § 3151(a )(4)(B)
§ 7384v.Assistance for claimants and potential claimants
(a) ASSISTANCE FOR CLAIMANTS. - The President shall, upon the receipt of a request for assistance from a claimant under the compensation program, provide assistance to the claimant in connection with the claim, including -
(a)(1) assistance in securing medical testing and diagnostic services necessary to establish the existence of a covered beryllium illness, chronic silicosis, or cancer; and
(a)(2) such other assistance as may be required to develop facts pertinent to the claim.
(b) ASSISTANCE FOR POTENTIAL CLAIMANTS. - The President shall take appropriate actions to inform and assist covered employees who are potential claimants under the compensation program, and other potential claimants under the compensation program, of the availability of compensation under the compensation program, including actions to -
(b)(1) ensure the ready availability, in paper and electronic format, of forms necessary for making claims;
(b)(2) provide such covered employees and other potential claimants with information and other support necessary for making claims, including -
(b)(2)(A) medical protocols for medical testing and diagnosis to establish the existence of a covered beryllium illness, chronic silicosis, or cancer; and
(b)(2)(B) lists of vendors approved for providing laboratory services related to such medical testing and diagnosis; and
(b)(3) provide such additional assistance to such covered employees and other potential claimants as may be required for the development of facts pertinent to a claim.
(c) INFORMATION FROM BERYLLIUM VENDORS AND OTHER CONTRACTORS. - As part of the assistance program provided under subsections (a) and (b), and as permitted by law, the Secretary of Energy shall, upon the request of the President, require a beryllium vendor or other Department of Energy contractor or subcontractor to provide information relevant to a claim or potential claim under the compensation program to the President.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3631
PART C-TREATMENT, COORDINATION, AND FORFEITURE OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
§ 7385. Offset for certain payments
A payment of compensation to an individual, or to a survivor of that individual, under part B of this subchapter shall be offset by the amount of any payment made pursuant to a final award or settlement on a claim (other than a claim for worker's compensation), against any person, that is based on injuries incurred by that individual on account of the exposure of a covered beryllium employee, covered employee with cancer, covered employee with chronic silicosis (as defined in section 7384r of this title), or covered uranium employee (as defined in section 7384u of this title), while so employed, to beryllium, radiation, silica, or radiation, respectively.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3641
§ 7385a.Subrogation of theUnited States
Upon payment of compensation under part B of this subchapter, the United States is subrogated for the amount of the payment to a right or claim that the individual to whom the payment was made may have against any person on account of injuries referred to in section 7385 of this title.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3642
§ 7385b.Payment in full settlement of claims
The acceptance by an individual of payment of compensation under part B of this subchapter with respect to a covered employee shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of or on behalf of that individual against the United States, against a Department of Energy contractor or subcontractor, beryllium vendor, or atomic weapons employer, or against any person with respect to that person' performance of a contract with the United States, that arise out of an exposure referred to in section 7385 of this title.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3643
§ 7385c. Exclusivity of remedy against theUnited Statesand against contractors and subcontractors
( a) IN GENERAL. - The liability of the United States or an instrumentality of the United States under this subchapter with respect to a cancer (including a specified cancer), chronic silicosis, covered beryllium illness, or death related thereto of a covered employee is exclusive and instead of all other liability -
(a)(1) of -
(a)(1)(A) the United States;
(a)(1)(B) any instrumentality of the United States;
(a)(1)(C) a contractor that contracted with the Department of Energy to provide management and operation, management and integration, or environmental remediation of a Department of Energy facility (in its capacity as a contractor);
(a)(1)(D) a subcontractor that provided services, including construction, at a Department of Energy facility (in its capacity as a subcontractor); and
(a)(1)(E) an employee, agent, or assign of an entity specified in subparagraphs (A) through (D);
(a)(2) to -
(a)(2)(A) the covered employee;
(a)(2)(B) the covered employee's legal representative, spouse, dependents, survivors and next of kin; and
(a)(2)(C) any other person, including any third party as to whom the covered employee, or the covered employee's legal representative, spouse, dependents, survivors, or next of kin, has a cause of action relating to the cancer (including a specified cancer), chronic silicosis, covered beryllium illness, or death, otherwise entitled to recover damages from the United States, the instrumentality, the contractor, the subcontractor, or the employee, agent, or assign of one of them; because of the cancer (including a specified cancer), chronic silicosis, covered beryllium illness, or death in any proceeding or action including a direct judicial proceeding, a civil action, a proceeding in admiralty, or a proceeding under a tort liability statute or the common law.
(b) APPLICABILITY. - This section applies to all cases filed on or after October 30, 2000.
(c) WORKERS' COMPENSATION. - This section does not apply to an administrative or judicial proceeding under a State or Federal workers' compensation law.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3644
§ 7385d. Election of remedy for beryllium employees and atomic weapons employees
(a) EFFECT OF TORT CASES FILED BEFORE ENACTMENT OF ORIGINAL LAW. -
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), if an otherwise eligible individual filed a tort case specified in subsection (d) before October 30, 2000, such individual shall be eligible for compensation and benefits under subtitle* B.
(a)(2) If such tort case remained pending as of the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002**, and such individual does not dismiss such tort case before December 31, 2003, such individual shall not be eligible for such compensation or benefits.
(b) EFFECT OF TORT CASES FILED BETWEEN ENACTMENT OF ORIGINAL LAW AND ENACTMENT OF 2001 AMENDMENTS. -
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), if an otherwise eligible individual filed a tort case specified in subsection (d) during the period beginning on October 30, 2000, and ending on the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002**, such individual shall not be eligible for such compensation or benefits.
(b)(2) If such individual dismisses such tort case on or before the last permissible date specified in paragraph (3), such individual shall be eligible for such compensation or benefits.
(b)(3) The last permissible date referred to in paragraph (2) is the later of the following dates:
(b)(3)(A) April 30, 2003.
(b)(3)(B) The date that is 30 months after the date the individual first becomes aware that an illness covered by subtitle* B of a covered employee may be connected to the exposure of the covered employee in the performance of duty under section 3623***.
(c) EFFECT OF TORT CASES FILED AFTER ENACTMENT OF 2001 AMENDMENTS. -
(c)(1) If an otherwise eligible individual files a tort case specified in subsection (d) after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002**, such individual shall not be eligible for such compensation or benefits if a final court decision is entered against such individual in such tort case.
(c)(2) If such a final court decision is not entered, such individual shall nonetheless not be eligible for such compensation or benefits, except as follows: If such individual dismisses such tort case on or before the last permissible date specified in paragraph (3), such individual shall be eligible for such compensation and benefits.
(c)(3) The last permissible date referred to in paragraph (2) is the later of the following dates:
(c)(3)(A) April 30, 2003.
(c)(3)(B) The date that is 30 months after the date the individual first becomes aware that an illness covered by subtitle* B of a covered employee may be connected to the exposure of the covered employee in the performance of duty under section 3623***.
(d) COVERED TORT CASES. - A tort case specified in this subsection is a tort case alleging a claim referred to in section 3643**** against a beryllium vendor or atomic weapons employer.
(e) WORKERS' COMPENSATION. - This section does not apply to an administrative or judicial proceeding under a State or Federal workers' compensation law.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3645; Pub. L. 107-107, § 3151(a )(5)
*So in Pub. L. 107-107. Should be "Part".
**December 28, 2001.
***So in Pub. L. 107-107. Should be "7384n".
****So in Pub. L. 107-107. Should be "7385b".
§ 7385e.Certification of treatment of payments under other laws
Compensation or benefits provided to an individual under part B of this subchapter -
(1) shall be treated for purposes of the internal revenue laws of the United States as damages for human suffering; and
(2) shall not be included as income or resources for purposes of determining eligibility to receive benefits described in section 3803(c)(2)(C) of Title 31, or the amount of such benefits.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3646
7385f. Claims not assignable or transferable; choice of remedies
(a) CLAIMS NOT ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE. - No claim cognizable under part B of this subchapter shall be assignable or transferable.
(b) CHOICE OF REMEDIES. - No individual may receive more than one payment of compensation under part B of this subchapter.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3647
§ 7385g. Attorney fees
(a) GENERAL RULE. - Notwithstanding any contract, the representative of an individual may not receive, for services rendered in connection with the claim of an individual for payment of lump-sum compensation under part B of this subchapter, more than that percentage specified in subsection (b) of a payment made under part B of this subchapter on such claim.
(b) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE LIMITATIONS. - The percentage referred to in subsection (a) is -
(b)(1) 2 percent for the filing of an initial claim for payment of lump-sum compensation; and
(b)(2) 10 percent with respect to objections to a recommended decision denying payment of lump-sum compensation.
(c) INAPPLICABLILITYTO OTHER SERVICES. - This section shall not apply with respect to services rendered that are not in connection with such a claim for payment of lump-sum compensation.
(d) PENALTY. - Any such representative who violates this section shall be fined not more than $5,000.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3648; Pub. L. 107-107, § 3151(a )(6)
§ 7385h. Certain claims not affected by awards of damages
A payment under part B of this subchapter shall not be considered as any form of compensation or reimbursement for a loss for purposes of imposing liability on any individual receiving such payment, on the basis of such receipt, to repay any insurance carrier for insurance payments, or to repay any person on account of worker's compensation payments; and a payment under part B of this subchapter shall not affect any claim against an insurance carrier with respect to insurance or against any person with respect to worker's compensation.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3649
§ 7385i.Forfeiture of benefits by convicted felons
(a) FORFEITURE OF COMPENSATION. - Any individual convicted of a violation of section 1920 of Title 18, or any other Federal or State criminal statute relating to fraud in the application for or receipt of any benefit under part B of this subchapter or under any other Federal or State workers' compensation law, shall forfeit (as of the date of such conviction) any entitlement to any compensation or benefit under part B of this subchapter such individual would otherwise be awarded for any injury, illness or death covered by part B of this subchapter for which the time of injury was on or before the date of the conviction.
(b) INFORMATION. - Notwithstanding section 552a of Title 5, or any other Federal or State law, an agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State shall make available to the President, upon written request from the President and if the President requires the information to carry out this section, the names and Social Security account numbers of individuals confined, for conviction of a felony, in a jail, prison, or other penal institution or correctional facility under the jurisdiction of that agency.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3650
§ 7385j.Coordination with other Federal radiation compensation laws
Except in accordance with section 7384u of this title, an individual may not receive compensation or benefits under the compensation program for cancer and also receive compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note) or section 1112(c) of Title 38.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3651
PART D-ASSISTANCE IN STATE WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROCEEDINGS
§ 7385o.Agreements with States
(a) AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZED. - The Secretary of Energy (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Secretary") may enter into agreements with the chief executive officer of a State to provide assistance to a Department of Energy contractor employee in filing a claim under the appropriate State workers' compensation system.
(b) PROCEDURE. - Pursuant to agreements under subsection (a), the Secretary may -
(b)(1) establish procedures under which an individual may submit an application for review and assistance under this section; and
(b)(2) review an application submitted under this section and determine whether the applicant submitted reasonable evidence that -
(b)(2)(A) the application was filed by or on behalf of a Department of Energy contractor employee or employee's estate; and
(b)(2)(B) the illness or death of the Department of Energy contractor employee may have been related to employment at a Department of Energy facility.
(c) SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS TO PANELS. - If provided in an agreement under subsection (a), and if the Secretary determines that the applicant submitted reasonable evidence under subsection (b )(2), the Secretary shall submit the application to a physicians panel established under subsection (d). The Secretary shall assist the employee in obtaining additional evidence within the control of the Department of Energy and relevant to the panel's deliberations.
(d) COMPOSITION AND OPERATION OF PANELS. -
(d)(1) The Secretary shall inform the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the number of physicians panels the Secretary has determined to be appropriate to administer this section, the number of physicians needed for each panel, and the area of jurisdiction of each panel. The Secretary may determine to have only one panel.
(d)(2)(A) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall appoint panel members with experience and competency in diagnosing occupational illnesses under section 3109 of Title 5.
(d)(2)(B) Each member of a panel shall be paid at the rate of pay payable for level III of the Executive Schedule for each day (including travel time) the member is engaged in the work of a panel.
(d)(3) A panel shall review an application submitted to it by the Secretary and determine, under guidelines established by the Secretary, by regulation, whether the illness or death that is the subject of the application arose out of and in the course of employment by the Department of Energy and exposure to a toxic substance at a Department of Energy facility.
(d)(4) At the request of a panel, the Secretary and a contractor who employed a Department of Energy contractor employee shall provide additional information relevant to the panel's deliberations. A panel may consult specialists in relevant fields as it determines necessary.
(d)(5) Once a panel has made a determination under paragraph (3), it shall report to the Secretary its determination and the basis for the determination.
(d)(6) A panel established under this subsection shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
(e) ASSISTANCE. - If provided in an agreement under subsection (a) -
(e)(1) the Secretary shall review a panel's determination made under subsection (d), information the panel considered in reaching its determination, any relevant new information not reasonably available at the time of the panel's deliberations, and the basis for the panel's determination;
(e)(2) as a result of the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall accept the panel's determination in the absence of significant evidence to the contrary; and
(e)(3) if the panel has made a positive determination under subsection (d) and the Secretary accepts the determination under paragraph (2), or the panel has made a negative determination under subsection (d) and the Secretary finds significant evidence to the contrary -
(e)(3)(A) the Secretary shall assist the applicant to file a claim under the appropriate State workers' compensation system based on the health condition that was the subject of the determination;
(e)(3)(B) the Secretary thereafter -
(e)(3)(B)( i) may not contest such claim;
(e)(3)(B)(ii) may not contest an award made regarding such claim; and
(e)(3)(B)(iii) may, to the extent permitted by law, direct the Department of Energy contractor who employed the applicant not to contest such claim or such award, unless the Secretary finds significant new evidence to justify such contest; and
(e)(3)(C) any costs of contesting a claim or an award regarding the claim incurred by the contractor who employed the Department of Energy contractor employee who is the subject of the claim shall not be an allowable cost under a Department of Energy contract.
(f) INFORMATION. - At the request of the Secretary, a contractor who employed a Department of Energy contractor employee shall make available to the Secretary and the employee information relevant to deliberations under this section.
(g) GAO REPORT. - Not later than February 1, 2002, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation by the Department of Energy of the provisions of this section and of the effectiveness of the program under this section in assisting Department of Energy contractor employees in obtaining compensation for occupational illness.
Pub. L. 106-398, Title XXXVI, § 3661
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