The Federal Register

Medicare Program; Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Section 101, subpart 4 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, codified in section 1860D 31 of the Social Security Act, provides for a voluntary prescription drug discount card program for Medicare beneficiaries entitled to benefits, or enrolled, under Part A or enrolled under Part B, excluding beneficiaries entitled to medical assistance for outpatient prescription drugs under Medicaid, including section 1115 waiver demonstrations. Eligible beneficiaries may access negotiated prices on prescription drugs by enrolling in drug discount card programs offered by Medicareendorsed sponsors.

Eligible beneficiaries may enroll in the Medicare drug discount card program beginning no later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 and ending December 31, 2005. After December 31, 2005, beneficiaries enrolled in the program may continue to use their drug discount card during a short trans

Medicare Program; Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This notice announces our intention to solicit applications from entities seeking a Medicare endorsement of their prescription drug discount card programs under the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003. Private sector entities that do business in the United States and meet all of the qualifications provided by CMS may receive a Medicare endorsement to operate a prescription drug discount card program, including the administration of up to $600 in transitional assistance for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, Medicare Part C organizations that offer coordinated care plans, and Medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contractors, may qualify for a Medicare endorsement to provide such a discount card program with transitional assistance exclusively to members of one or more of its Medicare managed care plans. The requirements for these endorsements are stated in supplemental packagessolicitations for applicationsthat will be posted on the CMS Web site in December 2003.

Regulations Implementing the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as Amended

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule implements the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit resolving a broad challenge to numerous provisions of a final rule, promulgated by the Department of Labor on December 20, 2000, amending the regulations implementing the Black Lung Benefits Act. In its June 14, 2002 opinion, the court reviewed both the substance of many provisions of the rule and the applicability of numerous provisions. It upheld the substance of all but one provision, and held that several other provisions were inapplicable to certain claims. The court therefore affirmed in part the district court's decision upholding the rule in its entirety, reversed in part, and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with its opinion. The district court, in turn, remanded the case to the Department for further proceedings in accordance with the D.C. Circuit's opinion. This final rule implements the D.C. Circuit's opinion. It makes no other changes.

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

___________________________________________________________________ Title 3--
The President
[[Page 69939]]
Proclamation 7744 of December 10, 2003
Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2003
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
America's founders dedicated this country to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, we recognize the advances we have made expanding freedom, democracy, and individual rights in this country and around the world.
America has helped bring liberty to Afghanistan and Iraq. In countries like Belarus, Cuba, and Zimbabwe, we continue to stand with those who struggle for democracy. We will continue to call on Burma's ruling junta to release political prisoners and engage in an inclusive dialogue with the democratic opposition to bring democracy to Burma. We also look forward to the day when the men and women of North Korea can live in a free society.
Freedom is the right of mankind and the future of every nation. It is not America's gift to the world; it is God's gift to every man and woman who lives in this world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2003, as Human Rights Day; December 15, 2003, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week beginning December 10, 2003, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the people of the United States to mark these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. (Presidential Sig.)B
[FR Doc. 03-31075 Filed 12-12-03; 9:44 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P

Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas (Gas Transmission Pipelines)

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule requires operators to develop integrity management programs for gas transmission pipelines located where a leak or rupture could do the most harm, i.e., could impact high consequence areas (HCAs). The rule requires gas transmission pipeline operators to perform ongoing assessments of pipeline integrity, to improve data collection, integration, and analysis, to repair and remediate the pipeline as necessary, and to implement preventive and mitigative actions. RSPA/OPS has also modified the definition of HCAs in response to a petition for reconsideration from industry associations. This final rule comprehensively addresses statutory mandates, safety recommendations, and conclusions from accident analyses, all of which indicate that coordinated risk control measures are needed to improve pipeline safety.

Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to followup on the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study conducted in 1986 through 1987.

Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to determine whether an eligible person who enrolled in a program at one school is entitled to receive education benefits for enrollment at a second school.

Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Mon, Dec 15 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to justify the extension of forbearance to the veteranborrower as opposed to foreclosure.