ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13699Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13699

Establishing the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health

This executive order establishes a 15-member advisory board within the Department of Labor to advise on toxic substance exposure and worker health claims, particularly under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. The board is tasked with improving site exposure matrices, medical guidance for claims examiners, evidentiary requirements for lung disease claims, and quality control of industrial hygienist and physician reports.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 37529

Impact dates

  1. Advisory Board termination (5 years after NDAA FY2015 enactment)

Key directives

  • Establish Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health within Department of Labor
  • Board shall consist of no more than 15 members appointed by Secretary of Labor
  • Secretary shall designate Chair from among members
  • Secretary shall designate senior officer as Director of staff
  • Provide funding and administrative support within existing appropriations
  • Advise on site exposure matrices, medical guidance for claims examiners, evidentiary requirements for lung disease claims, and quality of industrial hygienist/physician reports
  • Coordinate data exchange with Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health
  • Board terminates 5 years after NDAA FY2015 enactment

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Advisory Board established within Department of Labor

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of Labor to appoint up to 15 members
  • Secretary to designate Chair and Director of staff
  • Secretary to provide funding and administrative support

Long term

  • Board advises on site exposure matrices and medical guidance
  • Coordination with Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health
  • Board terminates 5 years after NDAA FY2015 enactment (December 19, 2014)

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadline for member appointments or initial operations — timeline depends on Secretary's discretion
  • Funding constrained to 'existing appropriations' and 'subject to availability of appropriations' may limit effectiveness
  • Board composition requires 'proper balance' but specific selection criteria not defined
Executive Order 13699: Establishing the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health · Executive Orders