Section 37-33-165 - Powers and duties of Office of Disability Determination Services regarding Social Security Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security IncomeThe State Department of Rehabilitation Services, through the Office of Disability Determination Services, shall cooperate pursuant to agreements with the federal Social Security Administration or its successor in carrying out responsibilities relating to the processing and rendering decisions on all Mississippi applications for Social Security Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income pursuant to Title II and Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act, as amended, and is authorized to adopt such methods of administration as are found by the federal government to be necessary for the proper and efficient operation of such disability programs and to comply with such conditions and federal regulations as may be necessary to secure the full benefits of such federal statutes and appropriations. In complying with such federal administrative standards, the office shall assume the following responsibilities:
(a) Provide management needed to ensure that the office carries out the disability determination function under the various provisions of the federal Social Security Act so that disability determinations are made accurately and promptly;(b) Provide an organizational structure, adequate facilities, qualified personnel, medical consultant services and quality assurances;(c) Furnish reports and records relating to the administration of the disability program;(e) Cooperate with audits;(f) Ensure that all applicants for and recipients of disability benefits are treated equally;(g) Account for property used for disability program purposes;(h) Provide for the advancement of travel expense funds and other services as deemed necessary;(i) Take part in research and demonstration projects;(j) Coordinate with other state agencies;(k) Protect records and confidential information created by the office in performing the disability determination function;(l) Maintain liaison with the medical profession and organizations that may facilitate performing the disability determination function; and(m) Comply with other provisions of the federal law and regulations in performing the disability determination function in order to promote effective and uniform administration.Laws, 1983, ch. 521, § 21; Laws, 1989, ch. 544, § 85; Laws, 1991, ch. 608, § 24, eff. 7/1/1991 (became law without the Governor's signature).