DOL Regulations
Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules
We recognize the importance of having a formalized system for routine regulatory review and are committed to complying with Executive Order (E.O.) 13563, "Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review" (76 FR 3821). Our Plan for Retrospective Regulatory Review is designed to create a framework for the schedule and method for reviewing our significant rules and determining whether they are obsolete, unnecessary, unjustified, excessively burdensome, counterproductive or duplicative of other Federal regulations.
- Read the Department's Retrospective Review Progress Report December 2012 (PDF)
- Read the Department's Retrospective Review Progress Report May 2012 (PDF)
- Read the Department's Retrospective Review Progress Report January 2012 (PDF)
- Read the Department's Plan for Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules (PDF)
Reducing Reporting and Paperwork Burdens
Consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and Executive Order 13610, the Department of Labor is taking meaningful steps to reduce paperwork and reporting burdens on the American people, including small businesses.
- Read OIRA's Memorandum on Reducing Reporting and Paperwork Burdens June 2012 (PDF)
- Read the Department's Burden Reduction Initiatives Plan (PDF)
Regulatory Agenda
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On December 21, 2012, the entirety of the Department's regulatory agenda and regulatory plan statement was made available online at www.dol.gov/asp/regs/agenda.htm and at www.regulations.gov. The regulatory agenda is a listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the coming 6- to 12-month period.
Featured Items from the Regulatory Agenda
Regulatory Labor Department Initiatives Supporting "Plan/Prevent/Protect"
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (OSHA)
OSHA is developing a rulemaking that would require employers to implement Injury and Illness Prevention Programs.
Infectious Diseases (OSHA)
OSHA developed a request for information on infectious diseases to better assess the extent of the problem and better understand ways to protect healthcare workers from infectious diseases.
Pattern of Violations (MSHA)
MSHA will develop a final rule to revise the Agency’s regulation on pattern of violations.
Related Materials
Construction Contractor Affirmative Action Requirements (OFCCP)
Government contractors and subcontractors must comply with laws and regulations that ban discrimination and establish affirmative action requirements to ensure equal employment opportunity.
Related Materials
Regulatory Labor Department Initiatives Supporting "Openness and Transparency"
Interpretation of the "Advice" Exemption of Section 203(c) of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (OLMS)
The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking to narrow the application of the "advice exemption" in section 203(c) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). OLMS is analyzing the proposed rulemaking comments.
Other Significant Regulatory Initiatives
Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service (WHD)
This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) concerning workers who provide companionship services will support the Secretary's outcome goals of securing minimum wages and overtime and helping middle-class families remain in the middle class.
Other Regulations Currently Open for Comment
The following regulations are currently open for comment at Regulations.gov:
- Incentives for Nondiscriminatory Wellness Programs in Group Health Plans Comment Period Ends January 25, 2013 [Comment Now]
- Amendments to the Abandoned Plan Program Comment Period Ends February 11, 2013 [Comment Now]
- Standards Improvement Project-Phase IV Comment Period Ends February 4, 2013 [Comment Now]
- Rules of Practice and Procedure for Hearings Before the Office of Administration Law Judges Comment Period Ends February 4, 2013 [Comment Now]
- Removal of Job Training Partnership Act Implementing Regulations Comment Period Ends January 30, 2013 [Comment Now]