Background

This transmittal introduces new section I-3-1-16 in the Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual, chapter I-3-1, to include new instructions for the Appeals Council on using the Internet as a source of information and adjudicating cases when the Internet was used as a source of information.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-3-1-16 – We added a new section titled “The Internet and Case Adjudication.”

I-3-1-16 A – We explain why Appeals Council adjudicators and staff must not instigate an independent search for information about claimants on the Internet.

I-3-1-16 B – We explain when it is permissible to use information from the Internet when the Appeals Council adjudicates a case and the procedures for situations in which Internet evidence was associated with the record earlier in the administrative process.

I-3-1-16 C – We provide information relating to approved websites that the Appeals Council may use to verify inmate information.

Date: August 30, 2013