DDSs:

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  maintain a continuous performance monitoring system to carry out its responsibilities for making timely and accurate disability determinations.

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  use all management information data, QA review results, and findings from internal organization and workflow analysis.

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  work closely with its parent agency and the SSA regional staff to ensure timely and appropriate actions are taken to maintain satisfactory performance and meet disability program goals and objectives.

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  reach out to SSA Headquarters (HQ) components for additional support if needed.

1. a. 

   Each DDS should develop and implement a comprehensive performance a management program.

2. b. 

   The program design should:

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     enable DDSs to achieve and sustain a level of performance consistent with SSA disability program objectives and operating goals; and

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     exhibit flexibility to accommodate changes resulting from legislations, court actions, significant workload fluctuations, and operational demands.

DDS management may wish to develop special purpose reports to monitor specific areas.

Effective management information techniques should be shared among other DDS staff at regional or national meetings and conferences.

ROs will work with the DDS to determine the most effective way to handle meetings, training, and visits that are inter-State or inter-Regional.

SSA will work with quality stakeholders to identify national trends and quality concerns and share those on a regular basis.

NOTE: These performance standards apply to all sites including Federal adjudicating sites.