SSA's description of the new rule: We are revising our rules to allow us to conduct hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs) at which a party or parties to the hearing and/or a witness or witnesses may appear before the ALJ by video teleconferencing (VTC). The revised rules provide that if we schedule your hearing as one at which you would appear by VTC, rather than in person, and you object to use of that procedure, we will reschedule your hearing as one at which you may appear in person before the ALJ. DATES: These rules are effective March 5, 2003.