These final rules adopt as SSA rules the same procedures and practices on tort claims against the Government that were applicable to SSA when it was a component of HHS. The Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 established the Social Security Administration as an independent agency in the executive branch of the United States Government effective March 31, 1995 and vested general regulatory authority in the Commissioner of Social Security. These regulations establish a new part 429 in title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.