DOL Invites Comments on Longshore Workers' Comp Forms

2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria

In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."

2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria

In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."

2026-15325, Black Lung Benefits Act: Authorization of Self-Insurers

The Department is proposing revisions to regulations under the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA or the Act) governing authorization of self-insurers. These rules will determine the process for coal mine operators to apply for authorization to self-insure, the requirements operators must meet to qualify to self-insure, the amount of security self-insured operators must provide, and the types of security accepted for operators to self-insure.

2026-14917, Electronic Disclosure by Group Health Plans Under ERISA

Group health plans can soon share important info online instead of paper, making it easier and cheaper for everyone. If this rule passes, plan administrators must notify members about electronic disclosures but still offer paper copies if requested. This change affects anyone in group health plans under ERISA and aims to save time and money starting after the rule is finalized.

2026-11140, Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.

2026-11093, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators

OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.

Previous: 2026-04406, SHINE Technologies, LLC; SHINE Medical Isotope Production Facility; Consideration of Approval of Transfer of License and Conforming Amendment

SHINE Technologies wants to move its license for a medical isotope facility to a new company called SHINE Chrysalis, with a new parent company in charge. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing this change and asking the public to share their thoughts or request a hearing by late March or early April 2026. This switch won’t affect the facility’s operations or costs but updates who officially holds the license.

Next: 2026-04409, Proposed (Extension Without Change) of Information Collection; Securing Financial Obligations Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and Its Extensions

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info about financial promises under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, but without changing the rules. This affects workers, employers, and agencies involved in harbor and longshore work. They’re asking for public feedback by May 5, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and easy, with no extra costs or paperwork hassle.