NIOSH Updates on Dose Reconstruction Pause and New Petitions

On September 3, 2021, NIOSH issued the following update on the Cybersecurity Initiative which is causing a delay in dose reconstruction for new claims as well as new SEC petitions. NIOSH originally thought this pause, announced first on May 3, 2021, would last two to four months.

We are working diligently to complete the first phase of the data security modernization initiative and restore the functions put on pause in May 2021. As of September 3, 2021, we are testing new technology that allows for secure data transfer between DCAS, DOL, and the Department of Energy (DOE).

This data transfer includes:

• new or rework case referrals from DOL,
• completed dose reconstructions to DOL, and
• individual and site-specific dosimetry information from DOE.

Once these core functions have been restored, work will temporarily proceed at a slower pace. Claims processing will increase as new automation and data management capabilities are implemented through late January 2022. We expect that DCAS will have full functionality by the end of June 2022.

DCAS updated the FAQs: Cybersecurity Modernization Initiative page on our website to help answer questions about this review. If you have more questions that are not covered on the FAQs page, please visit the Contact Us page for information about how to reach us during this effort.

If you would like an update on the status of your claim you can contact NIOSH in one of the following ways:

Mail:
Department of Health and Human Services
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Robert A. Taft Laboratories, MS-C45
1090 Tusculum Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45226

Phone:
ORAU Toll Free 800-790-ORAU (1-800-790-6728)

Direct: 513-533-6800

Toll-free: 1-877-222-7570

Bypass the phone directory and contact a NIOSH Program Analyst directly. Program Analysts oversee the processing of cancer cases filed under Part B of the Act that are forwarded to NIOSH for dose reconstruction by the Department of Labor. They are assigned to cases based upon the Department of Labor (DOL) District Office where you originally filed your claim:

• Jacksonville, FL: (513) 533-8425
• Cleveland, OH: (513) 533-8423
• Denver, CO: (513) 533-8426
• Seattle, WA: (513) 533-8424

E-mail: [email protected]