[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 213 (Thursday, November 4, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 60239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28906]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment Standards Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Survey of Physicians Board Certified in Internal 
Medicine with a Subspecialty in Pulmonary Medicine, Pulmonary Clinics 
and Facilities

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and the 
burden placed on survey recipients, the Department of Labor conducts a 
preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and 
Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or 
continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) [44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)(A)]. The program 
helps to ensure that the data requested can be provided in the desired 
format, that the reporting burden (in terms of time and financial 
resources) is minimized, that collection instruments are clearly 
understood, and that the impact of the proposed collection on 
respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment 
Standards Administration is soliciting comment concerning a one-time 
survey of physicians, pulmonary clinics and facilities.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted by January 3, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Comments are to be submitted to James L. DeMarce, Director, 
Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation Programs, Room C-3520, 
Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 
20210. They may also be sent by facsimile to (202) 693-1398.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the information collection 
request are available for inspection in the Division of Coal Mine 
Workers' Compensation, and will be mailed or sent by facsimile to 
persons who request copies by telephoning James L. DeMarce at (202) 
693-0046.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On October 8, 1999, the Department published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking containing proposed revisions to the rules governing the 
adjudication of claims under the Black Lung Benefits Act, 30 U.S.C. 901 
et seq. 64 FR 54965-55072 (Oct. 8, 1999). In proposing these revisions, 
the Department announced that it intends to seek additional information 
on two subjects from physicians, pulmonary clinics and facilities that 
perform medical evaluations of claimant eligibility. First, the 
Department would like to ascertain the extent to which such physicians, 
clinics and facilities use spirometers that are capable of producing a 
flow-volume loop. See 64 FR 54975. In addition, the Department seeks 
information on the fees necessary to attract highly qualified 
physicians to perform the medical testing and evaluation that the 
Department is required to provide under the Black Lung Benefits Act. 
See 64 FR 54989. The information obtained from this survey will assist 
the Department in administering the program.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    The Agency is particularly interested in comments which:

--Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary 
for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
--Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology used;
--Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and
--Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including the possible use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of 
responses.

III. Current Action

    This notice requests comment on the proposed survey to be conducted 
by the Department in connection with its notice of proposed rulemaking.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission (new).
    Agency: Employment Standards Administration.
    Title: Survey of Physicians Board Certified in Internal Medicine 
with a subspecialty in Pulmonary Medicine, Pulmonary Clinics and 
Facilities.
    OMB Number: New.
    Affected Public: Physicians Board Certified in Internal Medicine 
with a subspecialty in Pulmonary Medicine, pulmonary clinics and 
facilities.
    Frequency: Once.
    Total Respondents: 2,000.
    Average Time per Response: 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden hours: 333.3 hours.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: 0.
    Total Operation and Maintenance costs: $360.00.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request. Comments will become a 
matter of public record.

    Signed at Washington, D.C., this 29th day of October, 1999.
T. Michael Kerr,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment Standards.
[FR Doc. 99-28906 Filed 11-3-99; 8:45 am]
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