Effective/Publication Date: 08/09/2006 PURPOSE: To clarify how we consider opinions from sources who are not "acceptable medical sources" and how we consider decisions by other governmental and nongovernmental agencies on the issue of disability or blindness. CITATIONS: Sections 205(a), 216(i), 221, 223(d), 1614(a)(3), 1631(d), and 1633 of the Social Security Act (the Act), as amended; Regulations No.