1. (a) The Department issues certain statements of policy as Secretary’s Directives under a standard masthead. This document series is issued by the Secretary or a designee and used to communicate Departmental policy which will guide future rulemakings, adjudications or otherwise guide the agency in the exercise of administrative discretion. The term includes, but is not limited to:

   1. (1) Plans for agency operation and administration which establish important policies to be utilized in the future exercise of administrative discretion.
   2. (2) General policies and plans for the award and administration of discretionary grants for public monies.
   3. (3) Announcements of principles and standards to be applied in future adjudications.

2. (b) The Department issues statements of policy as program bulletins under a standard program-specific masthead. This document series is issued by a Deputy Secretary or a designee and used to communicate policy which is specific to a particular Departmental program. Program bulletins are divided into three categories, two of which are classified as statements of policy.

   1. (1) Class II. These bulletins contain interpretations of regulations.
   2. (2) Class III. These bulletins provide guidelines issued in response to Federal statute or regulation, State statute, judicial decision, court order or similar circumstance pending the promulgation of regulations, or which otherwise guide the exercise of administrative discretion.

Cross References

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 1181.505 (relating to discussion); and 55 Pa. Code § 1187.113 (relating to capital component payment limitation).