21 FR 9821, Dec. 12, 1956, unless otherwise noted.
As used in this part, the term:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
To the extent and under the circumstances prescribed in §§ 31.2 to 31.10, the following persons shall be entitled to medical, surgical, and dental treatment and hospitalization by the Service:
(a)
(2) Regular members of the Coast Guard Reserve when on active duty or when retired for disability;
(3) Temporary members of the Coast Guard Reserve when on active duty or in case of physical injury incurred or sickness or disease contracted while performing active Coast Guard duty;
(4) Members of the Women's Reserve of the Coast Guard when on active duty or when retired for disability;
(5) Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in case of physical injury incurred or sickness or disease contracted while performing active Coast Guard duty.
(b)
(c)
(2) Commissioned officers of the Reserve Corps of the Service when on active duty or when retired for disability.
Except as otherwise provided in §§ 31.3 to 31.10, the persons specified in § 31.2 shall be entitled to medical, surgical, and dental treatment and hospitalization only at medical relief stations and by designated physicians and designated dentists, and the cost of services procured elsewhere shall not be borne by the Service.
(a) When a person specified in § 31.2 who is on active duty requires immediate medical, surgical, or dental treatment or hospitalization and the urgency of the situation does not permit treatment at a medical relief station or by a designated physician or designated dentist, an officer of the same service as the patient may arrange for treatment or hospitalization at the expense of the Service.
(b) When the circumstances are such that an officer of the same service as the patient is not available to make the necessary arrangements, the treatment or hospitalization may be obtained by or on behalf of the patient at the expense of the Service.
(c) In every case of treatment or hospitalization as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, the responsible superior officer of the patient shall be notified as promptly as possible and a full report shall be submitted by such officer to the Surgeon General through appropriate official channels. As soon as practicable, unless the interests of the patient or the Government require otherwise, treatment or hospitalization shall be continued at a medical relief station or by a designated physician or designated dentist or at another appropriate Federal medical facility.
(d) When the necessary medical relief cannot be obtained from a medical relief station or a designated physician or designated dentist, preference shall be given to other Federal medical facilities when reasonably available and when conditions permit.
(e) Vouchers on proper forms covering expenses for treatment or hospitalization under the circumstances specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall be forwarded to the Surgeon General through appropriate official channels. Each such voucher shall be accompanied by or contain a statement of the facts necessitating the treatment or hospitalization. Unreasonable charges for emergency
(f) Expenses for consultants or special services, or for dental treatment other than emergency measures to relieve pain, shall not be allowed except when authorized in advance by the headquarters of the Service or, in extraordinary cases, when subsequently approved by such headquarters upon receipt of report and satisfactory explanation as to the necessity and urgency therefor.
(a) An applicant for medical relief who is on active duty shall furnish a certificate identifying him. Such certificate, in the case of Coast Guard personnel, shall be signed by an officer of the Coast Guard, and in the case of National Ocean Survey personnel, shall be signed by an officer of the National Ocean Survey. Commissioned officers of any of the services mentioned in § 31.2 and officers in charge of units may sign their own certificates. In an emergency, the officer in charge of a medical relief station, or a designated physician or designated dentist, may accept other evidence of status satisfactory to him.
(b) A temporary member of the Coast Guard Reserve except when on active duty or a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary shall, when applying for medical relief, furnish a statement signed by a responsible superior officer setting forth the facts and circumstances giving rise to the need for medical relief. In emergencies, such statement shall be furnished promptly after the member has received the immediately required care and treatment. Such statement shall be presumptive evidence of the facts stated, but if investigation indicates that the injury, sickness, or disease was not incurred or contracted in the manner stated, further treatment may be denied.
No member of any of the services enumerated in § 31.2 shall be entitled when absent without leave to medical relief except at a medical relief station or by a designated physician or designated dentist.
If a member is separated from any of the services enumerated in § 31.2, except persons specified in § 31.2(a) (3) and (5) who shall be entitled to treatment after separation under the conditions set forth in such paragraphs, while undergoing treatment by the Service, his treatment shall be discontinued immediately unless the physician in charge determines that the condition of the patient does not permit interruption of treatment, in which case the treatment shall be discontinued as soon as practicable and the condition of the patient permits. At that time he shall be discharged from treatment and shall not thereafter be afforded medical relief by the Service by reason of his previous service.
(a) A retired member of the Coast Guard, National Ocean Survey, or Public Health Service specified in § 31.2 shall be entitled to medical, surgical, and dental treatment and hospitalization at medical relief stations of the first-, second-, and third-class, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of his status.
(b) Elective medical or surgical treatment requiring hospitalization shall be furnished only at hospitals operated by the Service.
(c) Dental treatment shall be furnished to the extent of available facilities only at medical relief stations where full-time dental officers are on duty; at other medical relief stations the dental treatment shall be limited
To the extent and under the circumstances prescribed in this part, the Service shall provide medical advice and outpatient treatment at first-, second-, and third-class medical relief stations and hospitalization at first-class stations to the dependent members of families of the following persons:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) A dependent member of the family of any person specified in § 31.9 shall, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such status, be entitled to medical advice and out-patient treatment at first-, second-, and third-class medical relief stations and hospitalization at first-class stations if suitable accommodations are available therein and if the condition of the dependent is such as to require hospitalization, both as determined by the medical officer in charge.
(b) Hospitalization at first-class stations shall be at a per diem cost to the officer, enlisted person, member of a crew or other person concerned. Such cost shall be at such uniform rate as may be prescribed from time to time by the President for the hospitalization of dependents of naval and Marine Corps personnel at any naval hospital.
(c) Hospitalization at first-class stations and out-patient treatment at first-, second-, and third-class stations may include such services and supplies as, in the judgment of the medical officer in charge, are necessary for reasonable and adequate treatment.
(d) Dental treatment shall be furnished to the extent of available facilities only at medical relief stations where full-time officers are on duty.
To the extent and under the circumstances prescribed in this part, the following persons shall be entitled to medical, surgical, and dental treatment and hospitalization by the Service: Lightkeepers, assistant lightkeepers, and officers and crews of vessels of the former Lighthouse Service, including any such persons who subsequent to June 30, 1939, have involuntarily been assigned to other civilian duty in the Coast Guard, who were entitled to medical relief at hospitals and other stations of the Service prior to July 1, 1944, and who are now or hereafter on active duty or who have been or may hereafter be retired under the provisions of section 6 of the act of June 20, 1918, as amended (33 U.S.C. 763).
Except as otherwise provided herein, the persons specified in § 31.11 shall be entitled to medical, surgical, and dental treatment and hospitalization only at medical relief stations and by designated physicians and designated dentists, and the cost of services procured
(a) When a person specified in § 31.11 who is on active duty requires immediate medical, surgical, or dental treatment or hospitalization and the urgency of the situation does not permit treatment at a medical relief station or by a designated physician or designated dentist, an officer or other appropriate supervisory official of the Coast Guard may arrange for treatment or hospitalization.
(b) In every such case of treatment or hospitalization, a full report thereof shall be submitted to the Surgeon General through Coast Guard headquarters. As soon as practicable, unless the interests of the patient or the Government require otherwise, treatment or hospitalization shall be continued at a medical relief station or by a designated physician or designated dentist or at another appropriate Federal medical facility.
(c) When the necessary medical relief cannot be obtained from a medical relief station or a designated physician or designated dentist, preference shall be given to other Federal medical facilities when reasonably available and when conditions permit.
(d) Vouchers on proper forms covering expenses for treatment or hospitalization under the circumstances specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall be forwarded to the Surgeon General through Coast Guard headquarters. Each such voucher shall be accompanied by or contain a statement of the facts necessitating the treatment or hospitalization. Unreasonable charges for emergency treatment or hospitalization will not be allowed.
(e) Expenses for consultants or special services, or for dental treatment other than emergency measures to relieve pain, shall not be allowed except when authorized in advance by the headquarters of the Service or, in extraordinary cases, when subsequently approved by such headquarters upon receipt of report and satisfactory explanation as to the necessity and urgency therefor.
An applicant for medical relief who is on active duty shall furnish a certificate identifying him. Such certificate shall be signed by an officer or other appropriate supervisory official of the Coast Guard. In an emergency, the officer in charge of a medical relief station, or a designated physician or designated dentist, may accept other evidence of status satisfactory to him.
If a person is separated while undergoing treatment by the Service, his treatment shall be discontinued immediately unless the physician or dentist in charge determines that the condition of the patient does not permit interruption of treatment, in which case the treatment shall be discontinued as soon as practicable and the condition of the patient permits. At that time he shall be discharged from treatment and shall not thereafter be afforded medical relief by the Service by reason of his previous service.
(a) Any retired person specified in § 31.11 shall be entitled to medical, surgical, and dental treatment and hospitalization at medical relief stations of the first, second, and third class, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of his status.
(b) Elective medical or surgical treatment requiring hospitalization shall be furnished only at hospitals operated by the Service.
(c) Dental treatment shall be furnished to the extent of available facilities only at medical relief stations where full-time dental officers are on duty; at other medical relief stations the dental treatment shall be limited
Secs. 320, 321 and 322(b), Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247e, 248 and 249(b)).
40 FR 25816, June 19, 1975, unless otherwise noted.
All terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as given them in the Act.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Under this part the following persons are entitled to care and treatment by the Service as hereinafter prescribed:
(1) Persons afflicted with Hansen's disease; and
(2) Non-beneficiaries for temporary treatment and care in cases of emergency.
(b) Separate regulations govern: (1) The medical care of certain personnel, and their dependents, of the Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Service (see part 31 of this chapter);
(2) Physical and mental examination of aliens (see part 34 of this chapter); and
(3) Medical care for Native Americans (see part 36 of this chapter).
Any person with Hansen's disease who presents himself for care or treatment or who is referred to the Service by the proper health authority of any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia shall be received into the Service hospital at Carville, Louisiana, or into any other hospital of the Service which has been designated by the Secretary as being suitable for the accommodation of persons with Hansen's disease.
At the earliest practicable date, after the arrival of a patient at the Service hospital at Carville, Louisiana, or at another hospital of the Service the medical staff shall confirm or disprove the diagnosis of Hansen's disease. If the diagnosis of Hansen's disease is confirmed, the patient shall be provided appropriate inpatient or outpatient
Patients will be provided necessary clinical examinations which may be required for the diagnosis of primary or secondary conditions, and such treatment as may be prescribed.
Patients with Hansen's disease will be discharged when, in the opinion of the medical staff of the hospital, optimum hospital benefits have been received.
Upon the discharge of a patient the medical officer in charge shall give notification of such discharge to the appropriate health officer of the State, Territory, or other jurisdiction in which the discharged patient is to reside. The notification shall also set forth the clinical findings and other essential facts necessary to be known by the health officer relative to such discharged patient.
Hansen's disease patients being treated on either an inpatient or outpatient basis at a hospital or clinic facility of the Service, other than the National Center for Hansen's Disease (Carville, Louisiana), may, at the sole discretion of the Secretary and subject to available appropriations, be provided care for the treatment of Hansen's disease at the expense of the Service upon closure or transfer of such hospital or clinic pursuant to section 987 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Pub. L. 97-35). Payment will only be made for care arranged for by an authorizing official of the Service as defined in § 32.1(f) of this part.
(a) Persons not entitled to treatment by the Service may be provided temporary care and treatment at medical care facilities of the Service in case of emergency as an act of humanity.
(b) Persons referred to in paragraph (a) of this section who, as determined by the officer in charge of the Service facility, are able to defray the cost of their care and treatment shall be charged for such care and treatment at the following rates (which shall be deemed to constitute the entire charge in each instance): In the case of hospitalization, at the current interdepartmental reciprocal per diem rate; and, in the case of outpatient treatment, at rates established by the Secretary.
42 U.S.C. 216, 249, 252; 8 U.S.C. 1182, 1224, 1226; sec. 601 of Pub. L. 101-649.
The provisions of this part shall apply to the medical examination of:
(a) Aliens applying for a visa at an embassy or consulate of the United States;
(b) Aliens arriving in the United States;
(c) Aliens required by the INS to have a medical examination in connection with determination of their admissibility into the United States; and
(d) Aliens applying for adjustment status.
As used in this part, terms shall have the following meanings:
(a)
(b)
(1) Chancroid.
(2) Gonorrhea.
(3) Granuloma inguinale.
(4) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
(5) Leprosy, infectious.
(6) Lymphogranuloma venereum.
(7) Syphilis, infectious stage.
(8) Tuberculosis, active.
(c)
(d)
(1) A communicable disease of public health significance;
(2)(i) A physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others;
(ii) A history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior; or
(3) Drug abuse or addiction.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(1) A communicable disease of public health significance;
(2)(i) A physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others;
(ii) A history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior;
(3) Drug abuse or addiction; or
(4) Any other physical abnormality, disease, or disability serious in degree or permanent in nature amounting to a substantial departure from normal well-being.
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(a)
(1) A communicable disease of public health significance;
(2)(i) A physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others;
(ii) A history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior;
(3) Drug abuse or addiction; and
(4) Any other physical abnormality, disease, or disability serious in degree or permanent in nature amounting to a substantial departure from normal well-being.
(b)
(i) Applicants for immigrant visas;
(ii) Students, exchange visitors, and other applicants for a nonimmigrant visa who are required by a consular authority to have a medical examination;
(iii) Aliens outside the United States who apply for refugee status;
(iv) Applicants in the United States who apply for adjustment of status under the immigration statute and regulations;
(v)
(2)
(ii) Aliens less than 2 years old shall be required to have a tuberculin skin test if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have tuberculosis or other reason to suspect tuberculosis. In the event of a positive tuberculin reaction, a chest X-ray examination shall be required. If the chest radiograph is consistent with tuberculosis, the alien shall be referred to the local health authority for evaluation. Evidence of this evaluation shall be provided to the
(3)
(4)
(5)
(c)
(d)
(1) Are not in possession of a valid medical notification, if required;
(2) Have a medical notification which is incomplete;
(3) Have a medical notification which is not written in English;
(4) Are suspected to have an excludable medical condition.
(e) The Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may in emergency circumstances permit the medical examination of refugees to be completed in the United States.
(f) All medical examinations shall be carried out in accordance with such technical instructions for physicians conducting the medical examination of aliens as may be issued by the Director. Copies of such technical instructions are available upon request to the Director, Division of Quarantine, Mailstop E03, CDC, Atlanta GA 30333.
(a) Medical examiners shall issue medical notifications of their findings of the presence or absence of Class A or Class B medical conditions. The presence of such condition must have been clearly established.
(b)
(i) A communicable disease of public health significance;
(ii)(A) A physical or mental disorder, and behavior associated with the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others; or
(B) A history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior;
(iii) Drug abuse or addition.
(2) The medical notification shall state the nature and extent of the abnormality; the degree to which the alien is incapable of normal physical activity; and the extent to which the condition is remediable. The medical examiner shall indicate the likelihood, that because of the condition, the applicant will require extensive medical care or institutionalization.
(c)
(2) The medical notification shall state the nature and extent of the abnormality, the degree to which the alien is incapable of normal physical activity, and the extent to which the condition is remediable. The medical examiner shall indicate the likelihood, that because of the condition, the applicant will require extensive medical care or institutionalization.
(d)
Whenever, upon an examination, the medical examiner is unable to determine the physical or mental condition of an alien, completion of the medical examination shall be postponed for such observation and further examination of the alien as may be reasonably necessary to determine his/her physical or mental condition. The examination shall be postponed for aliens who have an acute infectious disease until the condition is resolved. The alien shall be referred for medical care as necessary.
Aliens arriving at a port of the United States shall be subject to the applicable provisions of 42 CFR part 71, Foreign Quarantine, with respect to examination and quarantine measures.
(a) An alien detained by or in the custody of the INS may be provided medical, surgical, psychiatric, or dental care by the Public Health Service through interagency agreements under which the INS shall reimburse the Public Health Service. Aliens found to be in need of emergency care in the course of medical examination shall be treated to the extent deemed practical by the attending physician and if considered to be in need of further care, may be referred to the INS along with the physician's recommendations concerning such further care.
(b) In case of the death of an alien, the body shall be delivered to the consular or immigration authority concerned. If such death occurs in the United States, or in a territory or possession thereof, public burial shall be provided upon request of the INS and subject to its agreement to pay the
(a) The Director shall convene a board of medical officers to reexamine an alien:
(1) Upon the request of the INS for a reexamination by such a board; or
(2) Upon an appeal to the INS by an alien who, having received a medical examination in connection with the determination of admissiblity to the United States (including examination on arrival and adjustment of status as provided in the immigration laws and regulations) has been certified for a Class A condition.
(b) For boards convened to reexamine aliens certified as:
(1) Having a communicable disease of public health significance, the board shall consist of three medical officers, at least one of whom is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the communicable disease for which medical notification has been made, and the decision of the majority of the board shall prevail;
(2)(i) Having a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others; or
(ii) Having a history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior; or
(iii) Being a drug abuser or addict;
(3) In circumstances covered by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the board shall consist of three medical officers, at least one of whom shall be a board certified psychiatrist, and the decision of the majority of the board shall prevail.
(c) Reexamination shall include:
(1) Review of all records submitted by the alien, other witnesses, or the board;
(2) Use of any laboratory or additional studies which are deemed clinically necessary as a result of the physical examination or pertinent information elicited from the alien's medical history;
(3) Consideration of statements regarding the alien's physical or mental condition made by a physician after his/her examination of the alien; and
(4) An independent physical or psychiatric examination of the alien performed by the board, at the board's option.
(d) An alien who is to be reexamined shall be notified of the time and place of his/her reexamination not less than 5 days prior thereto.
(e) The alien, at his/her own cost and expense, may introduce as witnesses before the board such physicians or medical experts as the board may in its discretion permit; provided that the alien shall be permitted to introduce at least one expert medical witness. If any witnesses offered are not permitted by the board to testify, the record of the proceedings shall show the reason for the denial of permission.
(f) Witnesses before the board shall be given a reasonable opportunity to examine the medical notification and other records involved in the reexamination and to present all relevant and material evidence orally or in writing until such time as the proceedings are declared by the board to be closed. During the course of the hearing the alien's attorney or representative shall be permitted to examine the alien and he/she, or the alien, shall be permitted to examine any witnesses offered in the alien's behalf and to cross-examine any witnesses called by the board. If the alien does not have an attorney or representative, the board shall assist the alien in the presentation of his/her case to the end that all of the material and relevant facts may be considered.
(g) The findings and conclusions of the board shall be based on its medical examination of the alien, if any, and on the evidence presented and made a part of the record of its proceedings.
(h) The board shall report its findings and conclusions to the INS, and shall also give prompt notice thereof to the alien if his/her reexamination has been based on his/her appeal. The board's report to the INS shall specifically affirm, modify, or reject the findings and
(i) The board shall issue its medical notification in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part if it finds that an alien it has reexamined has a Class A or Class B condition.
(j) If the board finds that an alien it has reexamined does not have a Class A or Class B condition, it shall issue its medical notification in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part.
(k) After submission of its report, the board shall not be reconvened, nor shall a new board be convened, in connection with the same application for admission or for adjustment of status, except upon the express authorization of the Director.
Sec. 215, 58 Stat. 690, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 216, sec. 321, 53 Stat. 695, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 248, unless otherwise noted.
21 FR 9830, Dec. 12, 1956, unless otherwise noted.
The officer in charge of a station or hospital of the Service is authorized to adopt such rules and issue such instructions, not inconsistent with the regulations in this part and other provisions of law, as he deems necessary for the efficient operation of the station or hospital and for the proper and humane care and treatment of all patients therein. All general rules governing the conduct and privileges of patients, and of members of the public
All patients and visitors in stations and hospitals of the Service are expected to comply with the rules and instructions issued under the authority of the officer in charge.
Any patient who wilfully fails or refuses to comply with rules or instructions of a hospital or station or with regulations of the Service, may, by the direction of the officer in charge, be deprived of recreational or other privileges accorded patients. Any visitor who wilfully fails or refuses to comply with any such rules, instructions, or regulations may, by direction of the officer in charge, be denied visiting privileges.
(a) If the officer in charge finds, upon investigation, that a patient other than a leprosy patient, by willful and persistent failure or refusal to comply with such rules, instructions, or regulations is seriously impeding the course of his own care and treatment, or that of other patients, he may (1) discharge the patient, or (2) if the patient is not a voluntary patient, arrange for his transfer to the custody of the authority responsible for his admission to the station or hospital. No patient shall be discharged or transferred on account of noncompliance if to do so would seriously endanger his life or health, nor shall any patient be discharged if his failure to comply is due, in the opinion of the officer in charge, to a mental disease or disorder.
(b) If the discharge or transfer of a patient is likely to endanger the health of persons other than the patient or officers or employees of the station or hospital, the officer in charge shall give advance notice to appropriate State, county, or municipal authorities of the discharge or transfer.
No person otherwise entitled to care, treatment, or hospitalization at Service facilities, or in other facilities at the expense of the Service, shall be denied such care or treatment by reason of his prior discharge or transfer from any such facility under the provisions of § 35.4.
Except as may otherwise be provided for specific classes of patients by the regulations of this chapter, the officer in charge of the station or hospital to which application is made is authorized to determine the eligibility of applicants, as beneficiaries of the Service, for care and for treatment. Such determinations shall be subject to review by the chief of the division of the Service responsible for administration of the station or hospital concerned upon referral made by the officer in charge in doubtful cases or upon appeal made by an applicant who has been denied care or treatment.
Every in-patient, at the time of admission to the hospital or station or as soon thereafter as practicable, shall be requested to designate a person or persons to be notified in case of emergency.
(a) A place for the safekeeping of money and effects of patients shall be provided at each station or hospital, and an itemized receipt therefor shall be furnished to the patient and to any other person who places money or effects therein for the benefit of the patient.
(b) Money and effects may be withdrawn only by or on behalf of the patient, by his legally appointed representative authorized to receive or dispose of his property (including the money and effects in the custody of the station or hospital), or by a person who is authorized, under the law of the State in which the station or hospital
Money and effects left on the premises by a patient shall be forwarded promptly to him. If because his whereabouts are unknown his money and effects cannot be delivered to him within 120 days after his departure, his money shall be deposited into the Treasury and credited to the account entitled “Money and Effects of Former Patients (PHS (T) name of patient),” and his effects shall be held for him for six months and then sold in accordance with § 35.49, and the proceeds deposited into the Treasury and credited to the above account.
The officer in charge shall cause to be destroyed effects brought into or received in the station or hospital area by patients which, in the judgement of such officer, are dangerous as a source of disease to the health or life of patients or personnel of the station or hospital or visitors therein and cannot otherwise be safely disposed of or rendered harmless by disinfection or other means. The destruction of effects shall be witnessed by at least one officer or employee designated for that purpose by the officer in charge, and appropriate records of the destruction shall be maintained.
A complete clinical record shall be maintained for each patient admitted to a station or hospital of the Service. Such records shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except as may be provided elsewhere in regulations of the Service.
The solicitation, directly or indirectly, of legal business or of a retainer or agreement authorizing an attorney to render legal services, is prohibited in all stations and hospitals of the Service.
(a) No person shall be permitted to enter a station or hospital of the Service for the purpose of negotiating a settlement or obtaining a general or special release or statement from any patient with reference to any illness or personal injury for which the patient is receiving care or treatment, or for the purpose of conferring with him as an attorney or representative of an attorney with reference to such illness or injury, unless the patient has signified his willingness to have such person enter for such purpose and, in the judgment of the officer in charge, the physical or mental condition of the patient will not thereby be impaired.
(b) Any person entering a station or hospital for a purpose enumerated in paragraph (a) of this section shall register in the manner prescribed by the officer in charge, and shall furnish for the records of the station or hospital the name of each patient by whom he has been received for such a purpose.
All employees of the Service and all persons attached in any capacity to a station or hospital, including patients, are forbidden to communicate, directly or indirectly, with any person for the purpose of aiding in the solicitation of legal business or in the negotiation of a settlement or the obtaining of a general or special release or statement from any patient with reference to any
Except in emergencies when the patient is physically or mentally incapable of consenting and the delay required to obtain the consent of his natural or legal guardian would seriously endanger the patient's health, no operative procedure shall be undertaken unless the patient or, in the case of a minor or incompetent, his natural or legal guardian gives his consent, nor shall any major operative procedure or the administration of a general anaesthetic be undertaken unless such consent has been obtained in writing. The consent or refusal of consent shall be made a part of the clinical record.
Autopsies, or other post-mortem operations, including removal of tissue for transplanting, may be performed on the body of a deceased patient only by direction of the officer in charge and only if consented to in writing by a person authorized under the law of the State in which the station or hospital is located to permit an autopsy or such other post-mortem operation under the circumstances of the particular death involved. Restrictions or limitations imposed by the person consenting thereto on the extent of the autopsy or other post-mortem operation shall be observed. Documents embodying consent shall be made a part of the clinical record.
A prescribed fee, in accordance with the schedule in paragraph (c) of this section, shall be collected for each of the listed services.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) When the service or document is requested by another agency of the Federal Government for use in carrying out official Government business.
(2) When a clinical record is requested for the purpose of providing continued medical care to a Service beneficiary by a non-Service physician, clinic, or hospital, in which case the record will be forwarded only to the physician, clinic, or hospital concerned.
(3) When the service or document is requested by an attorney in the prosecution of a Service beneficiary's personal injury claim against a third person, involving the concurrent assertion of a government medical care claim under 42 U.S.C. 2651-2653. In such case, the service or document requested will be furnished only upon compliance with all additional requirements for the release of records in third party recovery cases, including the proper execution of form PHS-4686, Agreement to Assign Claim Upon Request.
(4) When the service or document is requested by, and furnished to, a Member of Congress for official use.
(5) When the service or document is requested by, and furnished to, a court in lieu of the personal court appearance of an employee of the Public Health Service.
(6) When the service or document is required to be furnished free in accordance with a Federal statute or an Executive order.
(7) When the furnishing of the service or document requested without charge would be an appropriate courtesy to a foreign country or international organization.
Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation with respect to certain classes of patients, the officer in charge of a station or hospital of the Service may provide, without any cost to the patient, for the transfer of the patient either from such station or hospital to another station or hospital of the Service or to any non-Service station or hospital at which the patient may be received, or from any non-Service hospital at which he is receiving care or treatment as a patient of the Service to a station or hospital of the Service.
Patients shall be transferred by such means and accompanied by such medical, nursing, or other attendants as may be necessary to protect the health and safety of the patient and other persons likely to come into contact with him, including in the case of a prisoner such guards as may be necessary to assure his safekeeping. A female patient requiring the services of attendants shall be accompanied by at least one female attendant. Medical or nursing attendants shall be qualified to care for persons suffering from the type of disease or disorder with which the patient is afflicted and shall be provided with equipment and medicines necessary for the care of the patient.
Subject to the rules of the station or hospital, patients may be accorded the privilege of retaining articles produced by them in the course of their curative treatment with the aid of materials furnished by the Service. Articles not retained by patients shall be disposed of as provided in this subpart. The provisions of this subpart do not apply to the products of industrial activities established for narcotic addicts.
The officer in charge shall appoint, from the personnel of the station or hospital, a board of three persons to serve at his pleasure. The board shall provide for the sale of articles having commercial value and shall keep appropriate records of such articles and their disposition.
The board shall determine and redetermine from time to time the prices at which articles are to be sold, and in doing so shall consider the cost of materials used, reasonable handling charges, and the fair market value of the articles. The sale price shall be indicated on each article by tag or other appropriate means, and a list of articles offered for sale and their respective sale prices shall be posted from time to time in the hospital or station area. In its discretion, the board may offer such articles for purchase by
No article purchased under the provisions of this subpart shall be resold in the hospital or station area at a price to exceed the sale price fixed by the board for such article.
Articles having no commercial value shall be stored, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of as the officer in charge may direct.
Promptly after the death of a patient in a station or hospital of the Service, an inventory of his money and effects left therein shall be made by two or more officers or employees of the Service designated for such purpose by the officer in charge.
The officer in charge shall notify in writing all persons known to him to whom delivery of the patient's money and effects might be made hereunder, and, in the case of an alien patient, a consul of the country of his apparent nationality. Each person so notified shall be requested to furnish information concerning (a) the existence or whereabouts of any persons to whom delivery of the deceased patient's money and effects may be made pursuant to these provisions, and (b) the permanent residence or home of the deceased.
(a) Delivery of the money and effects of a deceased patient shall be made only to a person who has filed a claim therefor on a form prescribed by the Surgeon General.
(b) A claimant shall furnish, in addition to the information on the prescribed form, such additional information as the officer in charge may consider necessary to establish the identity of the claimant and the truth of his statements.
(c) A person filing a claim as a legal representative shall be required to present letters of administration or a certificate of a court attesting his qualification or appointment.
(d) If a claim is made after the money, or proceeds from the sale of the effects, of a deceased patient have been deposited in the Treasury, the claim shall be referred to the General Accounting Office. If the claim is for checks or evidences of indebtedness of the United States which have been trasnsmitted to the issuing agency pursuant to §§ 35.47 and 35.48, the claimant shall be referred to such agency.
The money and effects of the deceased patient shall in all cases be delivered to the legal representative, if any, of his estate. If the value is $1,000 or less, and the officer in charge has neither notice nor other knowledge of the appointment or qualification of a legal representative, nor reason to believe that a legal representative will be appointed or qualified, he shall deliver all the money and effects, as soon as practicable after the expiration of 10 days from the sending of notices to one of the following in the indicated order of priority:
(a) A person, if any, designated in writing by the patient to receive the same.
(b) The patient's surviving spouse.
(c) The patient's child or children in equal parts.
(d) The patient's parent or parents in equal parts.
(e) Any other person who would be entitled to receive the money and effects under the law of the patient's domicile:
Irrespective of the provisions of this subpart, the officer in charge may (a) release from among the effects of the deceased patient so much of the patient's clothing as may be necessary for use in preparation of his body for burial and (b) cause to be destroyed, or otherwise disposed of, such used toilet articles of the patient as appear to have no commercial or other value.
In any case in which conflicting claims are filed or the officer in charge considers it to be in the interest of persons who may be ultimately entitled thereto, delivery may be withheld from all persons other than a duly qualified legal representative.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subpart, immediately upon completion of the inventory, checks drawn on the Treasurer of the United States shall be sent by safe means to the department, agency, or establishment of the Government of the United States issuing such checks. The transmittal shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons therefor and of all available information which may aid the issuing unit in the disposition of the check transmitted. Notice of the disposition of any checks, with identifying information, shall be given to the person or persons, if any, to which money and effects are delivered in accordance with § 35.44.
If, within 120 days after sending of notices no claim has been filed pursuant to the provisions of § 35.43, the patient's money, consisting of all types of United States currency and coin, shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the trust-fund account entitled “Money and Effects of Deceased Patients, Public Health Service.” If, within six months after the death of a patient, no claim has been filed pursuant to the provisions of § 35.43, his effects (including foreign currency and coin but excluding Postal Savings Certificates and other evidences of indebtedness of the United States) shall be sold at public auction or by sealed bids to the highest bidder and the proceeds deposited to the credit of the trust-fund account entitled “Money and Effects of Deceased Patients, Public Health Service.” Postal Savings Certificates and other evidences of indebtedness of the United States shall be transmitted to the issuing department or agency with a statement of the occasion therefor.
The following provisions shall govern the sale of effects:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The officer in charge shall dispose of effects offered for sale but remaining unsold in such manner as he considers to be proper, but, if practicable, such effects shall be used for the benefit of other patients of the Service.
(a) If a person entitled under this subpart to receive the money and effects of a patient is unable to take possession thereof at the station or hospital, they shall be sent to him at the expense of the United States in the most economical manner available. The records of the station or hospital shall show the names and addresses of persons to whom money or effects have been sent, the date of sending, the means used, an itemized list of the money or effects sent, and a statement by a witnessing officer or employee verifying the foregoing from his own observation.
(b) If not delivered personally by an authorized officer or employee of the Service, money, evidences of indebtedness, and other valuable papers and documents shall be sent by registered mail (or other safe means).
(c) Persons receiving the money and effects of a patient shall be required to execute an itemized receipt therefor.
Except for delivery of effects to purchasers at sales held in accordance with § 35.49, delivery or deposit under this subpart of the money or effects, or the proceeds of a sale of the effects, of a deceased patient constitutes only a transfer of possession and is not intended to affect in any manner the title to such money, effects, or proceeds.
Sec. 215, 58 Stat. 690, as amended, 63 Stat. 835 (42 U.S.C. 216); sec. 321, 58 Stat. 695, as amended, 62 Stat. 1017 (42 U.S.C. 248).
42 FR 60742, Nov. 29, 1977, unless otherwise noted.
This subpart sets forth the policies and procedures governing the acceptance and administration of contributions of money or property intended solely for the benefit of all patients in a ward or unit or a particular hospital or station of the Public Health Service, excluding outpatient clinics. Such contributions are distinguishable from (a) monies or other valuables belonging to specific patients which are accepted and held in custody for the convenience of the patient until such time as he or she wishes to withdraw them, and (b) gifts to the United States to support Public Health Service functions under section 501 of the Public Health Service Act or other statutory provisions, which may be accepted and administered only in accordance with such statutory provisions or other applicable laws.
(a) The officer in charge of a hospital or station or his delegate may accept contributions of money or personal property which are donated for the
(b) Contribution of money or property shall be accepted in writing.
(a) Contributions of money accepted pursuant to § 35.62 (hereinafter referred to as “patient fund”) will be treated consistently with Federal deposit rules and as supplemented with appropriate procedures of the facility. This regulation is not intended to exclude contributions for the benefit of patients from proper accountability and control of funds and property.
(b) Contributions of property accepted pursuant to § 35.62 shall be recorded and accounted for in the same manner as other property of a similar kind maintained in the hospital or station, but with suitable identification so that it can be distinguished from government-owned property.
Authorized contributions may be accepted from patients, employees and other individuals, and agencies and organizations.
Contributions of personal property which may be accepted pursuant to § 35.62 include, but are not limited to, recreational equipment, furniture, radios and television sets. After its useful life, any cash proceeds realized upon disposition of such property shall be deposited to the credit of the patient fund and shall be available for expenditure pursuant to § 35.66(c).
(a) Officials authorized to accept contributions shall not maintain control over the actual obligation or expenditure of such monies.
(b) Only those officers or employees specifically designated in writing by the officer in charge for such purpose may obligate and expend monies from the patient fund. The names of officials so designated shall be provided to the relevant fiscal control office.
(c) Subject to availability of sufficient funds, monies in the patient fund may be expended for materials, services or activities which contribute to the well-being or morale of patients, including but not limited to provision of reading and entertainment materials, recreation activities, and, in appropriate cases, necessary financial support (including travel expenses, meals, and lodging) of relatives, guardians, or friends of patients to enable such persons to be available for the patient's comfort and support.
(d) Officers in charge may issue such additional instructions, not inconsistent with this subpart, as may be necessary to implement its provisions.
Sec. 203, 83 Stat. 763; 30 U.S.C. 843, unless otherwise noted.
43 FR 33715, Aug. 1, 1978, unless otherwise noted.
The provisions of this subpart set forth the specifications for giving, interpreting, classifying, and submitting chest roentgenograms required by section 203 of the act to be given to underground coal miners and new miners.
Any term defined in the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and not defined below shall have the meaning given it in the act. As used in this subpart:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(a)
(1) Following August 1, 1978 ALOSH will notify the operator of each underground coal mine of a period within which the operator may provide examinations to each miner employed at its coal mine. The period shall begin no sooner than the effective date of these regulations and end no later than a date specified by ALOSH separately for each coal mine. The termination date of the period will be approximately 5 years from the date of the first examination which was made on a miner employed by the operator in its coal mine under the former regulations of this subpart adopted July 27, 1973. Within the period specified by ALOSH for each mine, the operator may select a 6-month period within which to provide examinations in accordance with a plan approved under § 37.5.
ALOSH finds that between July 27, 1973, and March 31, 1975, the first roentgenogram for a miner who was employed at mine Y and who was employed in underground coal mining prior to December 30, 1969, was made on January 1, 1974. ALOSH will notify the operator of mine Y that the operator may select and designate on its plan a 6-month period within which to offer its examinations to its miners employed at mine Y. The 6-month period shall be scheduled between August 1, 1978 and January 1, 1979 (5 years after January 1, 1974).
(2) For all future voluntary examinations, ALOSH will notify the operator of each underground coal mine when sufficient time has elapsed since the end of the previous 6-month period of examinations. ALOSH will specify to the operator of each mine a period within which the operator may provide examinations to its miners employed at its coal mine. The period shall begin no sooner than 3
ALOSH finds that examinations were previously provided to miners employed at mine Y in a 6-month period from July 1, 1979, to December 31, 1979. ALOSH notifies the operator at least 3 months before July 1, 1983 (3
(3) Within either the next or future period(s) specified by ALOSH to the operator for each of its coal mines, the operator of the coal mine may select a different 6-month period for each of its mines within which to offer examinations. In the event the operator does not submit an approved plan, ALOSH will specify a 6-month period to the operator within which miners shall have the opportunity for examinations.
(b)
(1) An initial chest roentgenogram as soon as possible, but in no event later
(2) A second chest roentgenogram, in accordance with this subpart, 3 years following the initial examination if the miner is still engaged in underground coal mining. A second roentgenogram given to a miner according to former regulations under this subpart prior to August 1, 1978 will be considered as fulfilling this requirement.
(3) A third chest roentgenogram 2 years following the second chest roentgenogram if the miner is still engaged in underground coal mining and if the second roentgenogram shows evidence of category 1, category 2, category 3 simple pneumoconioses, or complicated pneumoconioses (ILO Classification).
(c) ALOSH will notify the miner when he or she is due to receive the second or third mandatory examination under (b) of this section. Similarly, ALOSH will notify the coal mine operator when the miner is to be given a second examination. The operator will be notified concerning a miner's third examination only with the miner's written consent, and the notice to the operator shall not state the medical reason for the examination nor that it is the third examination in the series. If the miner is notified by ALOSH that the third mandatory examination is due and the operator is not so notified, availability of the roentgenographic examination under the operator's plan shall constitute the operator's compliance with the requirement to provide a third mandatory examination even if the miner refuses to take the examination.
(d) The opportunity for chest roentgenograms to be available by an operator for purposes of this subpart shall be provided in accordance with a plan which has been submitted and approved in accordance with this subpart.
(e) Any examinations conducted by the Secretary in the National Study of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis after January 1, 1977, but before August 1, 1978 shall satisfy the requirements of this section with respect to the specific examination given (see § 37.6(d)).
(a) Every plan for chest roentgenographic examinations of miners shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the Secretary to ALOSH within 120 calendar days after August 1, 1978. In the case of a person who after August 1, 1978, becomes an operator of a mine for which no plan has been approved, that person shall submit a plan within 60 days after such event occurs. A separate plan shall be submitted by the operator and by each construction contractor for each underground coal mine which has a MSHA identification number. The plan shall include:
(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the operator(s) submitting the plan;
(2) The name, MSHA identification number for respirable dust measurements, and address of the mine included in the plan;
(3) The proposed beginning and ending date of the 6-month period for voluntary examinations (see § 37.3(a)) and the estimated number of miners to be given or offered examinations during the 6-month period under the plan;
(4) The name and location of the approved X-ray facility or facilities, and the approximate date(s) and time(s) of day during which the roentgenograms will be given to miners to enable a determination of whether the examinations will be conducted at a convenient time and place;
(5) If a mobile facility is proposed, the plan shall provide that each miner be given adequate notice of the opportunity to have the examination and that no miner shall have to wait for an examination more than 1 hour before or after his or her work shift. In addition, the plan shall include:
(i) The number of change houses at the mine.
(ii) One or more alternate nonmobile approved facilities for the reexamination of miners and for the mandatory
(iii) The name and location of each change house at which examinations will be given. For mines with more than one change house, the examinations shall be given at each change house or at a change house located at a convenient place for each miner.
(6) The name and address of the “A” or “B” reader who will interpret and classify the chest roentgenograms.
(7) Assurances that: (i) The operator will not solicit a physician's roentgenographic or other findings concerning any miner employed by the operator,
(ii) Instructions have been given to the person(s) giving the examinations that duplicate roentgenograms or copies of roentgenograms will not be made and that (except as may be necessary for the purpose of this subpart) the physician's roentgenographic and other findings, as well as the occupational history information obtained from a miner unless obtained prior to employment in a preemployment examination, and disclosed prior to employment, will not be disclosed in a manner which will permit identification of the employee with the information about him, and
(iii) The roentgenographic examinations will be made at no charge to the miner.
(b) Operators may provide for alternate facilities and “A” or “B” readers in plans submitted for approval.
(c) The change of operators of any mine operating under a plan approved pursuant to § 37.5 shall not affect the plan of the operator which has transferred responsibility for the mine. Every plan shall be subject to revision in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.
(d) The operator shall advise ALOSH of any change in its plan. Each change in an approved plan is subject to the same review and approval as the originally approved plan.
(e) The operator shall promptly display in a visible location on the bulletin board at the mine its proposed plan or proposed change in plan when it is submitted to ALOSH. The proposed plan or change in plan shall remain posted in a visible location on the bulletin board until ALOSH either grants or denies approval of it at which time the approved plan or denial of approval shall be permanently posted. In the case of an operator who is a construction contractor and who does not have a bulletin board, the construction contractor must otherwise notify its employees of the examination arrangements. Upon request, the contractor must show ALOSH written evidence that its employees have been notified.
(f) Upon notification from ALOSH that sufficient time has elapsed since the previous period of examinations, the operator will resubmit its plan for each of its coal mines to ALOSH for approval for the next period of examinations (see § 37.3(a)(2)). The plan shall include the proposed beginning and ending dates of the next period of examinations and all information required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) Approval of plans granted prior to August 1, 1978 is no longer effective.
(b) If, after review of any plan submitted pursuant to this subpart, the Secretary determines that the action to be taken under the plan by the operator meets the specifications of this subpart and will effectively achieve its purpose, the Secretary will approve the plan and notify the operator(s) submitting the plan of the approval. Approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purpose of section 203 of the act.
(c) Where the Secretary has reason to believe that he will deny approval of a plan he will, prior to the denial, give reasonable notice in writing to the operator(s) of an opportunity to amend the plan. The notice shall specify the ground upon which approval is proposed to be denied.
(d) If a plan is denied approval, the Secretary shall advise the operator(s) in writing of the reasons for the denial.
(a) The Secretary will give chest roentgenograms or make arrangements with an appropriate person, agency, or institution to give the chest roentgenograms and with “A” or “B” readers to interpret the roentgenograms required under this subpart in the locality where the miner resides, at the mine, or at a medical facility easily accessible to a mining community or mining communities, under the following circumstances:
(1) Where, in the judgment of the Secretary, due to the lack of adequate medical or other necessary facilities or personnel at the mine or in the locality where the miner resides, the required roentgenographic examination cannot be given.
(2) Where the operator has not submitted an approvable plan.
(3) Where, after commencement of an operator's program pursuant to an approved plan and after notice to the operator of his failure to follow the approved plan and, after allowing 15 calendar days to bring the program into compliance, the Secretary determines and notifies the operator in writing that the operator's program still fails to comply with the approved plan.
(b) The operator of the mine shall reimburse the Secretary or other person, agency, or institution as the Secretary may direct, for the cost of conducting each examination made in accordance with this section.
(c) All examinations given or arranged by the Secretary will comply with the time requirements of § 37.3. Whenever the Secretary gives or arranges for the examinations of miners at a time, a written notice of the arrangements will be sent to the operator who shall post the notice on the mine bulletin board.
(d) Operators of mines selected by ALOSH to participate in the National Study of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (an epidemiological study of respiratory diseases in coal miners) and who agree to cooperate will have all their miners afforded the opportunity to have a chest roentgenogram required hereunder at no cost to the operator. For future examinations and for mandatory examinations each participating operator shall submit an approvable plan.
(a) Any miner who, in the judgment of the Secretary based upon the interpretation of one or more of the miner's chest roentgenograms, shows category 1 (1/0, 1/1, 1/2), category 2 (2/1, 2/2, 2/3), or category 3 (3/2, 3/3, 3/4) simple pneumoconioses, or complicated pneumoconioses (ILO Classification) shall be afforded the option of transferring from his or her position to another position in an area of the mine where the concentration of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere is not more than 1.0 mg/m
(b) Any transfer under this section shall be in accordance with the procedures specified in part 90 of title 30, Code of Federal Regulations.
Any miner who wishes to obtain an examination at his or her own expense at an approved facility and to have submitted to NIOSH for him or her a complete examination may do so, provided that the examination is made no sooner than 6 months after the most recent examination of the miner submitted to ALOSH. ALOSH will provide an interpretation and report of the examinations made at the miner's expense in the same manner as if it were submitted under an operator's plan. Any change in the miner's transfer rights under the act which may result from this examination will be subject to the terms of § 37.7.
As part of the roentgenographic examination, a miner identification document which includes an occupational history questionnaire shall be completed for each miner at the facility where the roentgenogram is made at
(a) The chest roentgenographic examination shall be given at a convenient time and place.
(b) The chest roentgenographic examination consists of the chest roentgenogram, and a complete Roentgenographic Interpretation Form (Form CDC/NIOSH (M) 2.8), and miner identification document.
(c) A roentgenographic examination shall be made in a facility approved in accordance with § 37.42 by or under the supervision of a physician who regularly makes chest roentgenograms and who has demonstrated ability to make chest roentgenograms of a quality to best ascertain the presence of pneumoconiosis.
(a) Every chest roentgenogram shall be a single posteroanterior projection at full inspiration on a film being no less than 14 by 17 inches and no greater than 16 by 17 inches. The film and cassette shall be capable of being positioned both vertically and horizontally so that the chest roentgenogram will include both apices and costophrenic angles. If a miner is too large to permit the above requirements, then the projection shall include both apices with minimum loss of the costophrenic angle.
(b) Miners shall be disrobed from the waist up at the time the roentgenogram is given. The facility shall provide a dressing area and for those miners who wish to use one, the facility shall provide a clean gown. Facilities shall be heated to a comfortable temperature.
(c) Roentgenograms shall be made only with a diagnostic X-ray machine having a rotating anode tube with a maximum of a 2 mm. source (focal spot).
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, roentgenograms shall be made with units having generators which comply with the following: (1) The generators of existing roentgenographic units acquired by the examining facility prior to July 27, 1973, shall have a minimum rating of 200 mA at 100 kVp.; (2) generators of units acquired subsequent to that date shall have a minimum rating of 300 mA at 125 kVp.
A generator with a rating of 150 kVp. is recommended.
(e) Roentgenograms made with battery-powered mobile or portable equipment shall be made with units having a minimum rating of 100 mA at 110 kVp. at 500 Hz, or of 200 mA at 110 kVp. at 60 Hz.
(f) Capacitor discharge and field emission units may be used if the model of such units is approved by ALOSH for quality, performance, and safety. ALOSH will consider such units for approval when listed by a facility seeking approval under § 37.42 of this subpart.
(g) Roentgenograms shall be given only with equipment having a beam-limiting device which does not cause large unexposed boundaries. The beam limiting device shall provide rectangular collimation and shall be of the type described in part F of the suggested State regulations for the control of radiation or (for beam limiting devices manufactured after August 1, 1974) of the type specified in 21 CFR 1020.31. The use of such a device shall be discernible from an examination of the roentgenogram.
(h) To insure high quality chest roentgenograms:
(1) The maximum exposure time shall not exceed
(2) The source or focal spot to film distance shall be at least 6 feet;
(3) Medium speed film and medium speed intensifying screens are recommended. However, any film-screen combination, the rated “speed” of which is at least 100 and does not exceed 300, which produces roentgenograms with spatial resolution, contrast, latitude and quantum mottle similar to those of
(4) Film-screen contact shall be maintained and verified at 6 month or shorter intervals;
(5) Intensifying screens shall be inspected at least once a month and cleaned when necessary by the method recommended by the manufacturer;
(6) All intensifying screens in a cassette shall be of the same type and made by the same manufacturer;
(7) When using over 90 kV., a suitable grid or other means of reducing scattered radiation shall be used;
(8) The geometry of the radiographic system shall insure that the central axis (ray) of the primary beam is perpendicular to the plane of the film surface and impinges on the center of the film;
(9) A formal quality assurance program shall be established at each facility.
(i) Radiographic processing:
(1) Either automatic or manual film processing is acceptable. A constant time-temperature technique shall be meticulously employed for manual processing.
(2) If mineral or other impurities in the processing water introduce difficulty in obtaining a high-quality roentgenogram, a suitable filter or purification system shall be used.
(j) Before the miner is advised that the examination is concluded, the roentgenogram shall be processed and inspected and accepted for quality by the physician, or if the physician is not available, acceptance may be made by the radiologic technologist. In a case of a substandard roentgenogram, another shall be immediately made. All substandard roentgenograms shall be clearly marked as rejected and promptly sent to ALOSH for disposal.
(k) An electric power supply shall be used which complies with the voltage, current, and regulation specified by the manufacturer of the machine.
(l) A densitometric test object may be required on each roentgenogram for an objective evaluation of film quality at the discretion of ALOSH.
(m) Each roentgenogram made hereunder shall be permanently and legibly marked with the name and address or ALOSH approval number of the facility at which it is made, the social security number of the miner, and the date of the roentgenogram. No other identifying markings shall be recorded on the roentgenogram.
(a) Approval of roentgenographic facilities given prior to January 1, 1976, shall terminate upon August 1, 1978 unless each of the following conditions have been met:
(1) The facility must verify that it still meets the requirements set forth in the regulations for the second round of roentgenographic examinations (38 FR 20076) and it has not changed equipment since it was approved by NIOSH.
(2) From July 27, 1973, to January 1, 1976, the facility submitted to ALOSH at least 50 roentgenograms which were interpreted by one or more “B” readers not employed by the facility who found no more than 5 percent of all the roentgenograms unreadable.
(b) Other facilities will be eligible to participate in this program when they demonstrate their ability to make high quality diagnostic chest roentgenograms by submitting to ALOSH six or more sample chest roentgenograms made and processed at the applicant facility and which are of acceptable quality to the Panel of “B” readers. Applicants shall also submit a roentgenogram of a plastic step-wedge object (available on loan from ALOSH) which was made and processed at the same time with the same technique as the roentgenograms submitted and processed at the facility for which approval is sought. At least one chest roentgenogram and one test object roentgenogram shall have been made with each unit to be used hereunder. All roentgenograms shall have been made within 15 calendar days prior to submission and shall be marked to identify the facility where each roentgenogram was made, the X-ray machine used, and the date each was made. The chest roentgenograms will be returned and may be the same roentgenograms submitted pursuant to § 37.51.
The plastic step-wedge object is described in an article by E. Dale Trout and
(c) Each roentgenographic facility submitting chest roentgenograms for approval under this section shall complete and include an X-ray facility document describing each X-ray unit to be used to make chest roentgenograms under the act. The form shall include: (1) The date of the last radiation safety inspection by an appropriate licensing agency or, if no such agency exists, by a qualified expert as defined in NCRP Report No. 33 (see § 37.43); (2) the deficiencies found; (3) a statement that all the deficiencies have been corrected; and (4) the date of acquisition of the X-ray unit. To be acceptable, the radiation safety inspection shall have been made within 1 year preceding the date of application.
(d) Roentgenograms submitted with applications for approval under this section will be evaluated by the panel of “B” Readers or by a qualified radiological physicist or consultant. Applicants will be advised of any reasons for denial of approval.
(e) ALOSH or its representatives may make a physical inspection of the applicant's facility and any approved roentgenographic facility at any reasonable time to determine if the requirements of this subpart are being met.
(f) ALOSH may require a facility periodically to resubmit roentgenograms of a plastic step-wedge object, sample roentgenograms, or a Roentgenographic Facility Document for quality control purposes. Approvals granted hereunder may be suspended or withdrawn by notice in writing when in the opinion of ALOSH the quality of roentgenograms or information submitted under this section warrants such action. A copy of a notice withdrawing approval will be sent to each operator who has listed the facility as its facility for giving chest roentgenograms and shall be displayed on the mine bulletin board adjacent to the operator's approved plan. The approved plan will be reevaluated by ALOSH in light of this change.
Except as otherwise specified in § 37.41, roentgenographic equipment, its use and the facilities (including mobile facilities) in which such equipment is used, shall conform to applicable State and Federal regulations (See 21 CFR part 1000). Where no applicable regulations exist, roentgenographic equipment, its use and the facilities (including mobile facilities) in which such equipment is used shall conform to the recommendations of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements in NCRP Report No. 33 “Medical X-ray and Gamma-Ray Protection for Energies up to 10 MeV—Equipment Design and Use” (issued February 1, 1968), in NCRP Report No. 48, “Medical Radiation Protection for Medical and Allied Health Personnel” (issued August 1, 1976), and in NCRP Report No. 49, “Structural Shielding Design and Evaluation for Medical Use of X-rays and Gamma Rays of up to 10 MeV” (issued September 15, 1976). These documents are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this subpart. These documents are available for examination at ALOSH, 944 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, and at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Copies of NCRP Reports Nos. 33, 48, and 49 may be purchased for $3, $4.50, and $3.50 each, respectively, from NCRP Publications, P.O. Box 30175, Washington, DC 20014.
(a) Chest roentgenograms shall be interpreted and classified in accordance with the ILO Classification system and recorded on a Roentgenographic Interpretation Form (Form CDC/NIOSH (M)2.8).
(b) Roentgenograms shall be interpreted and classified only by a physician who regularly reads chest roentgenograms and who has demonstrated proficiency in classifying the
(c) All interpreters, whenever interpreting chest roentgenograms made under the Act, shall have immediately available for reference a complete set of the ILO International Classification of Radiographs for Pneumoconioses, 1980.
This set is available from the International Labor Office, 1750 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20006 (Phone: 202/376-2315).
(d) In all view boxes used for making interpretations:
(1) Fluorescent lamps shall be simultaneously replaced with new lamps at 6-month intervals;
(2) All the fluorescent lamps in a panel of boxes shall have identical manufacturer's ratings as to intensity and color;
(3) The glass, internal reflective surfaces, and the lamps shall be kept clean;
(4) The unit shall be so situated as to minimize front surface glare.
(a) First or “A” readers:
(1) Approval as an “A” reader shall continue if established prior to (insert) effective date of these regulations).
(2) Physicians who desire to be “A” readers must demonstrate their proficiency in classifying the pneumoconioses by either:
(i) Submitting to ALOSH from the physician's files six sample chest roentgenograms which are considered properly classified by the Panel of “B” readers. The six roentgenograms shall consist of two without pneumoconiosis, two with simple pneumoconiosis, and two with complicated pneumoconiosis. The films will be returned to the physician. The interpretations shall be on the Roentgenographic Interpretation Form (Form CDC/NIOSH (M) 2.8) (These may be the same roentgenograms submitted pursuant to § 37.42), or;
(ii) Satisfactory completion, since June 11, 1970, of a course approved by ALOSH on the ILO or ILO-U/C Classification systems or the UICC/Cincinnati classification system. As used in this subparagraph, “UICC/Cincinnati classification” means the classification of the pneumoconioses devised in 1968 by a Working Committee of the International Union Against Cancer.
(b) Final or “B” readers:
(1) Approval as a “B” reader established prior to October 1, 1976, shall hereby be terminated.
(2) Proficiency in evaluating chest roentgenograms for roentgenographic quality and in the use of the ILO Classification for interpreting chest roentgenograms for pneumoconiosis and other diseases shall be demonstrated by those physicians who desire to be “B” readers by taking and passing a specially designed proficiency examination given on behalf of or by ALOSH at a time and place specified by ALOSH. Each physician must bring a complete set of the ILO standard reference radiographs when taking the examination. Physicians who qualify under this provision need not be qualified under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Physicians who wish to participate in the program shall make application on an Interpreting Physician Certification Document (Form CDC/NIOSH (M) 2.12).
(a) All chest roentgenograms which are first interpreted by an “A” or “B” reader will be submitted by ALOSH to a “B” reader qualified as described in § 37.51. If there is agreement between the two interpreters as defined in paragraph (b) of this section the result shall be considered final and reported to MSHA for transmittal to the miner. When in the opinion of ALOSH substantial agreement is lacking, ALOSH shall obtain additional interpretations from the Panel of “B” readers. If interpretations are obtained from two or more “B” readers, and if two or more are in agreement then the highest major category shall be reported.
(b) Two interpreters shall be considered to be in agreement when they
(a) Findings of, or findings suggesting, enlarged heart, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or any other significant abnormal findings other than pneumoconiosis shall be communicated by the first physician to interpret and classify the roentgenogram to the designated physician of the miner indicated on the miner's identifcation document. A copy of the communication shall be submitted to ALOSH. ALOSH will notify the miner to contact his or her physician when any physician who interprets and classifies the miner's roentgenogram reports significant abnormal findings other than pneumoconiosis.
(b) In addition, when ALOSH has more than one roentgenogram of a miner in its files and the most recent examination was interpreted to show enlarged heart, tuberculosis, cancer, complicated pneumoconiosis, and any other significant abnormal findings, ALOSH will submit all of the miner's roentgenograms in its files with their respective interprtations to a “B” reader. The “B” reader will report any significant changes or progression of disease or other comments to ALOSH and ALOSH shall submit a copy of the report to the miner's designated physician.
(c) All final findings regarding pneumoconiosis will be sent to the miner by MSHA in accordance with section 203 of the act (see 30 CFR part 90). Positive findings with regard to pneumoconiosis will be reported to the miner's designated physician by ALOSH.
(d) ALOSH will make every reasonable effort to process the findings described in paragraph (c) of this section within 60 days of receipt of the information described in § 37.60 in a complete and acceptable form. The information forwarded to MSHA will be in a form intended to facilitate prompt dispatch of the findings to the miner. The results of an examination made of a miner will not be processed by ALOSH if the examination was made within 6 months of the date of a previous acceptable examination.
(a) Each chest roentgenogram required to be made under this subpart, together with the completed roentgenographic interpretation form and the completed miner identification document, shall be sumitted together for each miner to ALOSH within 14 calendar days after the roentgenographic examination is given and become the property of ALOSH.
(b) If ALOSH deems any part submitted under paragraph (a) of this section inadequate, it will notify the operator of the deficiency. The operator shall promptly make appropriate arrangements for the necessary reexamination.
(c) Failure to comply with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall be cause to revoke approval of a plan or any other approval as may be appropriate. An approval which has been revoked may be reinstated at the discretion of ALOSH after it receives satisfactory assurances and evidence that all deficiencies have been corrected and that effective controls have been instituted to prevent a recurrence.
(d) Chest roentgenograms and other required documents shall be submitted only for miners. Results of preemployment physical examinations of persons who are not hired shall not be submitted.
(e) If a miner refuses to participate in all phases of the examination prescribed in this subpart, no report need
(a) Any miner who believes the interpretation for pneumoconiosis reported to him or her by MSHA is in error may file a written request with ALOSH that his or her roentgenogram be reevaluated. If the interpretation was based on agreement between an “A” reader and a “B” reader, ALOSH will obtain one or more additional interpretations by “B” readers as necessary to obtain agreement in accord with § 37.52(b), and MSHA shall report the results to the miner together with any rights which may accrue to the miner in accordance with § 37.7. If the reported interpretation was based on agreement between two (or more) “B” readers, the reading will be accepted as conclusive and the miner shall be so informed by MSHA.
(b) Any operator who is directed by MSHA to transfer a miner to a less dusty atmosphere based on the most recent examination made subsequent to August 1, 1978, may file a written request with ALOSH to review its findings. The standards set forth in paragraph (a) of this section apply and the operator and miner will be notified by MSHA whether the miner is entitled to the option to transfer.
(a) Medical information and roentgenograms on miners will be released by ALOSH only with the written consent from the miner, or if the miner is deceased, written consent from the miner's widow, next of kin, or legal representative.
(b) To the extent authorized, roentgenograms will be made available for examination only at ALOSH.
Sec. 508, 83 Stat. 803; 30 U.S.C. 957.
36 FR 8870, May 14, 1971, unless otherwise noted.
The provisions of this subpart set forth the conditions under which the Secretary will pay pathologists to obtain results of autopsies performed by them on miners.
As used in this subpart:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) A physician certified in anatomic pathology or pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology,
(2) A physician who possesses qualifications which are considered “Board of eligible” by the American Board of Pathology or American Osteopathic Board of Pathology, or
(3) An intern, resident, or other physician in a training program in pathology who performs the autopsy under the supervision of a pathologist as defined in paragraph (c) (1) or (2) of this section.
(d)
(a) The Secretary will pay up to $200 to any pathologist who, after the effective date of the regulations in this part and with legal consent:
(1) Performs an autopsy on a miner in accordance with this subpart; and
(2) Submits the findings and other materials to ALFORD in accordance with this subpart within 180 calendar
(3) Receives no other specific payment, fee, or reimbursement in connection with the autopsy from the miner's widow, his family, his estate, or any other Federal agency.
(b) The Secretary will pay to any pathologist entitled to payment under paragraph (a) of this section and additional $10 if the pathologist can obtain and submits a good quality copy or original of a chest roentgenogram (posteroanterior view) made of the subject of the autopsy within 5 years prior to his death together with a copy of any interpretation made.
(a) Every autopsy for which a claim for payment is submitted pursuant to this part:
(1) Shall be performed consistent with standard autopsy procedures such as those, for example, set forth in the “Autopsy Manual” prepared by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, July 1, 1960. (Technical Manual No. 8-300. NAVMED P-5065, Air Force Manual No. 160-19.) Copies of this document may be borrowed from ALFORD.
(2) Shall include:
(i) Gross and microscopic examination of the lungs, pulmonary pleura, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes;
(ii) Weights of the heart and each lung (these and all other measurements required under this subparagraph shall be in the metric system);
(iii) Circumference of each cardiac valve when opened;
(iv) Thickness of right and left ventricles; these measurements shall be made perpendicular to the ventricular surface and shall not include trabeculations or pericardial fat. The right ventricle shall be measured at a point midway between the tricuspid valve and the apex, and the left ventricle shall be measured directly above the insertion of the anterior papillary muscle;
(v) Size, number, consistency, location, description and other relevant details of all lesions of the lungs;
(vi) Level of the diaphragm;
(vii) From each type of suspected pneumoconiotic lesion, representative microscopic slides stained with hematoxylin eosin or other appropriate stain, and one formalin fixed, paraffin-impregnated block of tissue; a minimum of three stained slides and three blocks of tissue shall be submitted. When no such lesion is recognized, similar material shall be submitted from three separate areas of the lungs selected at random; a minimum of three stained slides and three formalin fixed, paraffin-impregnated blocks of tissue shall be submitted.
(b) Needle biopsy techniques shall not be used.
Every claim for payment under this subpart shall be submitted to ALFORD and shall include:
(a) An invoice (in duplicate) on the pathologist's letterhead or billhead indicating the date of autopsy, the amount of the claim and a signed statement that the pathologist is not receiving any other specific compensation for the autopsy from the miner's widow, his surviving next-of-kin, the estate of the miner, or any other source.
(b) Completed PHS Consent, Release and History Form (See Fig. 1). This form may be completed with the assistance of the pathologist, attending physician, family physician, or any other responsible person who can provide reliable information.
(c) Report of autopsy:
(1) The information, slides, and blocks of tissue required by this subpart.
(2) Clinical abstract of terminal illness and other data that the pathologist determines is relevant.
(3) Final summary, including final anatomical diagnoses, indicating presence or absence of simple and complicated pneumoconiosis, and correlation with clinical history if indicated.
I, _________, (Name) ______ (Relationship) of _________, (Name of deceased miner) do hereby authorize the performance of an autopsy (_________) (Limitation, if any, on autopsy) on said deceased. I understand that the report and certain tissues as necessary will be released to the United States Public Health Service and to _________ (Name of Physician securing autopsy)
1. Date of Birth of Deceased ______. (Month, Day, Year)
2. Social Security Number of Deceased _________.
3. Date and Place of Death ______, (Month, Day, Year) _________ (City, County, State).
4. Place of Last Mining Employment:
5. Last Job Title at Mine of Last Employment
6. Job Title of Principal Mining Occupation (that job to which miner devoted the most number of years)
7. Smoking History of Miner:
(a) Did he ever smoke cigarettes? Yes
(b) If yes, for how many years?______
(c) If yes, how many cigarettes per day did he smoke on the average?________
(d) Did he smoke cigarettes up until the time of his death? Yes ___ No ___
(e) If no to (d), for how long before he died had he not been smoking cigarettes?
8. Total Years in Surface and Underground Employment in Coal Mining, by State (If known) ___, (Years) ______ (State).
9. Total Years in
Sec. 413, Pub. L. 93-288. The Disaster Relief Act of 1974, 88 Stat. 157, 42 U.S.C. 5183, EO 11795, 39 FR 25939, as amended by EO 11910, 41 FR 15681.
41 FR 52052, Nov. 26, 1976, unless otherwise noted.
(a)
(1) Professional counseling services to victims of a major disaster in order to relieve mental health problems caused or aggravated by such a major disaster or its aftermath; and
(2) Training of disaster workers to provide or assist in providing those professional counseling services.
(b)
All terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as given them in the Act. As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(a)
(1) An estimate of the number of disaster victims who may need professional mental health crisis counseling services and of the number of disaster workers who may need training in the provision of such services;
(2) Identification of the geographical areas in which the need exists;
(3) An estimate of the period during which assistance under this part will be required and of the total funds which will be required to provide such assistance;
(4) A description of the types of mental health problems caused or aggravated by the major disaster or its aftermath; and
(5) Identification of the State and local agencies and private mental health organizations capable of providing professional mental health crisis counseling to disaster victims or training of disaster workers.
(b)
(c)
(i) Have been located within the designated major disaster area or have been a resident of such area at the time of the major disaster or its aftermath; and
(ii) Have a mental health problem which was caused or aggravated by the major disaster or its aftermath.
(2) Disaster workers who are available on short notice to provide professional mental health crisis counseling services in a major disaster area are eligible for training under this part.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Progress reports, to be submitted at the end of the first 30 days of the contract period and every 30 days therafter;
(2) A final report to be submitted within 60 days of the date upon which the contract terminates; and
(3) Such additional reports as the Secretary may prescribe including those which may be required to enable the Federal Coordinating Officer to carry out his functions.
(a)
(b)
(1) A proposed plan for the provision of the services for which grant assistance is requested;
(2) A proposed budget for the expenditure of the requested grant funds; and
(3) Such other pertinent information and assurances as the Secretary may require.
(c)
(2) Within the limits of the funds advanced by the Administrator, the amount of any grant award shall be determined on the basis of the Secretary's estimate of the sum necessary to carry out the grant purpose.
(3) Neither the approval of any application nor the award of any grant commits or obligates the United States in any way to make any additional, supplemental, continuation, or other award with respect to any approved application or portion of an approved application.
(d)
(e)
(f)
Attention is called to the requirements of 24 CFR 2205.13 relating to nondiscrimination on the grounds of race. religion, sex, color, age, economic status, or national origin in the provision of disaster assistance.
Attention is called to section 308 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 5148) which provides that the Federal Government shall not be liable for any claim based upon the exercise or performance of or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a Federal agency or an employee of the Federal Government in carrying out the provisions of the Act.
Attention is called to section 317 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 5157) which provides:
(a) Any individual who fraudulently or willfully misstates any fact in connection with a request for assistance under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both for each violation.
(b) Any individual who knowingly violates any order or regulation under this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation.
(c) Whoever knowingly misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under any section of this Act shall be subject to a fine in an amount equal to one and one half times the original principal amount of the loan or cash benefit.
The Secretary, the Administrator, and the Comptroller General of the United States, or their duly authorized representatives shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records that pertain to Federal funds, equipment, and supplies received under this part for the purpose of audit and examination.