Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

November/December, 1995

Carroll Moore Presents Last Update As Legislative Chair
by Gail Karwoski, Texas DDS

ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1995, CARROLL Moore, the Director of the Tennessee DDS, advised NADE delegates that there is a philosophical revolution in the way our country is approaching welfare. The welfare reform bill “Personal Responsibility Act of 1995”, is awaiting the compromise of differences between the House and the Senate versions that will go to the White House for signature. In the week prior to the conference, Mr. Moore reported that the Medicare Reform Bill came out of the House. The Senate Bill will soon be on its way and after compromise committee review it will go to the White House for signature. The White House has said the Bill would not be signed. Mr.Moore reminded the delegates that in 1973, SSI took over Welfare from the State Welfare programs and now we are going to return these programs to the States in the form of block grants.

Mr. Moore advised that when the 104th Congress arrived, they wanted changes in the way things were done. The New Congressmen wanted better offices and there were many phone number changes. Through the office of Congressman McCrery contact was made with Congressmen Jim Bunning, Bill Archer, Trent Lott, Senators Roth (Finance Committee) and Cowan of Maine.

Media interviews were made with the McNeil-Lehrer Newshour, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun, WNBC and NBC. Mr. Moore advised NADE that we need to be prepared to deal with the media attention in the future, especially between now and adjournment

He said the Congress will finish up legislation that is already “on the table” and no new legislation is expected before Congress reconvenes in January 1996.

Bills of particular interest to NADE are the Bunning Bill regarding time limited benefits. This bill proposes to limit benefits to all claimants below 50 years of age to a three year period. Bills will be introduced to conduct more CDR’s. Attempts to change the OHA process by Congress (not SSA) may include claims being handled by state Hearing Officers who will hold Hearings that are being handled by OHA and some ALJs. The hearing will be on the record. The record will be closed. It will not be a De Novo Hearing. State DDS Hearing Officers will have expanded work loads.

Mr. Moore instructed that NADE needs to revisit position papers that NADE was putting forth 2-3 years ago regarding examiners discretion. The DE will have more authority and may not have to have a physician signature on an RFC if these changes materialize. Mr. Moore reported that Congress knows the document written by past NADE President Bob Burgess, and the ALJ’s are “running scared”. Because of this document, questioning of staff writing reaffirmations; questioning of the need to train ALJs in the state of Georgia; questioning of comparable pay for comparable work is occurring.

The Commission’s final report on Childhood Claims reflects NADE’s testimony and this was important in the 1995 Hearings.

Mr. Moore challenged NADE to capitalize on our image as experts in the field of adjudication, (“Do you think CRs know how to adjudicate Disability?”), continue to cultivate Congressional contacts, (be ready to respond and be pro-active), emphasize surveys, position papers, and special studies as Congress is impressed with these more than just with an individual letter, make contacts with the media and be willing and able to speak for ourselves.

Finally, Mr.Moore advised NADE members to send our ideas to GAO and coordinate with NCDDD. Mr. Moore was recognized and honored with a standing ovation from the delegation for his many years of dedicated service to NADE in the Legislative arena. He is stepping down from the board due to his new responsibilities and duties as the Administrator of the Tennessee DDS.