[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 71191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33958]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0519]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an 
opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain 
information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 
1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal 
Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including 
each proposed reinstatement of a previously approved collection for 
which approval has expired, and allow 60 days for public comment in 
response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information 
needed to determine pay rates for nurses at VA facilities.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before February 22, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (191A1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Please 
refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-0519'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Bickoff at (202) 273-8310.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 
U.S.C., 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of 
information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being 
made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.
    With respect to the following collection of information, VHA 
invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on respondents, including through the use 
of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of 
information technology.
    Title and Form Number: Locality Pay System Survey (DVA Nurse Pay 
Act of 1990), VA Form 10-0132.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0519.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement, without change, of a previously 
approved collection for which approval has expired.
    Abstract: The collection of this information is necessary to comply 
with the provisions of Public Law 101-366, Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) Nurse Pay Act of 1990, which specifically provides for a 
locality pay system for certain health care personnel within VA. The 
law requires that where available, information from the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics (BLS) will be used in determining the beginning rates of 
pay. At this time, the BLS surveys do not capture beginning rates of 
pay or the job description used in the survey comparable to VA 
positions. Until the BLS can supply this data, VHA remains responsible 
for collecting the information to implement and adjust rates for 
registered nurses, nurse anesthetists, and other health care personnel.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit 
institutions, Federal Government, and State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 2,531 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 45 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,375.

    Dated: November 12, 1998.

    By direction of the Secretary:
Barbara H. Epps,
Management Analyst Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33958 Filed 12-22-98; 8:45 am]
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