What Has To Be Done To Implement Commissioner's Plan

There are many steps that SSA must take before it implements Commissioner Barnhart's new plan for the Social Security disability process. Consider this punch list:

1. Hire an overall director for the plan -- this job was just advertised;
2. Write POMS;
3. Write training manuals;
4. Figure out what the new quality review process is supposed to operate and how it is different from current practice;
5. Figure out how the Federal Expert Unit is supposed to operate;
   
6. Adapt computer systems;
7. Designate some current Appeals Council employees to work for Decision Review Board (DRB);
   
8. Find office space for Reviewing Officers (ROs);
9. Obtain office furniture and equipment for ROs;
10. Write position description for RO supervisors;
11. Advertise RO supervisor positions;
12. Interview RO supervisors;
13. Hire RO supervisors;
14. Train RO supervisors;
15. Write position description for ROs;
16. Advertise RO positions;
17. Interview RO candidates;
18. Hire ROs;
19. Train ROs;
20. Train DDS, DO and OHA personnel.

We know that SSA has just advertised the position of overall director for this project. The job announcement may be just a formality since the Commissioner may already know whom she will select. There may already be ongoing work on some other items on the list. Most of the items on the list may be undertaken concurrently. Still, this is a long list. It will be a huge achievement to have all or even most of this accomplished by the time these regulations are supposed to go into effect in the Boston region and one has to wonder how well it can be accomplished in such a short time. Chaotic early implementation can discredit any new plan.