The Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (H.R. 4200) was signed in October 2004. This act made several changes to Subtitle B and did away with Subtitle D of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (EEOICPA), creating Subtitle E in it its place.
To answer questions about some of these changes, NIOSH developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. Links to other program FAQs are located on the "Find It!" navigation box under "On this page . . . "
Select the question you are interested in below by clicking its link. You will be taken to the answer located on this page. Links throughout the FAQs will guide you to further information.
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Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act
- What is the Defense Authorization Act?
The Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (H.R. 4200) was signed in October 2004. This act made several changes to Subtitle B and did away with Subtitle D of EEOICPA, creating Subtitle E in its place.
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- What changes did the Defense Authorization Act make to EEOICPA?
- Changes to Subtitle B of EEOICPA
- The definition of a "covered employee" was expanded to include workers who were employed at atomic weapons employer (AWE) facilities during time periods when NIOSH determined that significant residual contamination existed outside of the period when weapons-related production occurred.
- A radiation dose definition only applicable to the residual contamination periods.
- A time limit of 180 days was established for NIOSH to provide a recommendation to the Advisory Board regarding qualified Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) petitions.
- The time limit Congress has to either approve or deny a class to be added to SEC was reduced from 180 days to 30 days.
- Changes to Subtitle D of EEOICPA
- Subtitle D of EEOICPA that was managed by the Department of Energy (DOE) was replaced by Subtitle E which is managed by the Department of Labor (DOL).
- Changes to Subtitle E of EEOICPA
- Part E of EEOICPA was created in the place of Subtitle D.
- This program provides federal compensation to covered employees based on the level of impairment and/or wage loss if they develop an occupational illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances at a DOE facility.
- Medical benefits are also available to qualifying employees for treatment and care of the accepted occupational illness.
- Certain survivors of deceased workers are also eligible to receive compensation.
- Part E eligibility was added for uranium workers covered by section 5 of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act managed by the Department of Justice.
Additional information on Subtitle E of EEOICPA can be found on the DOL EEOICP Web site.
External Link: http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/eeoicp/main.htm
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- Where can I find a copy of the Defense Authorization Act?
A copy of this act can be found on our Web site located on The Act (EEOICPA) page. You can also request a copy via email at ocas@cdc.gov or by calling NIOSH directly at (513) 533-6800 or toll-free at 1-877-222-7570.
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Page last updated: November 3, 2008
Page last reviewed: May 30, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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