[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 147 (Tuesday, July 31, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39515-39516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-19054]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Agency Information 
Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the intention of the Agency for 
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) to grant a ``Voluntary Customer 
Satisfaction Survey Generic Clearance for the Agency for Healthcare 
Research and Quality.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act 
as amended (see in particular 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites 
the public to comment on this proposed information collection request 
to allow AHRQ to conduct these customer satisfaction surveys.
    This proposed information collection was previously published in 
the Federal Register on May 16, 2001 and allowed 60 days for public 
comment. No public comments were received. The purpose of this notice 
is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by August 30, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to: Allison Eydt, Human 
Resources and Housing Branch, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, OMB: New Executive Office Building, Room 10235; Washington, DC 
20503.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for OMB approval of the proposed 
information collection. All comments will become a matter of public 
record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia D. McMichael, AHRQ, Reports 
Clearance Officer, (301) 594-3132.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Project

    Voluntary Customer Satisfaction Survey Generic Clearance for the 
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
    In response to Executive Order 12862, the Agency for Healthcare 
Research and Quality (AHRQ) plans to conduct voluntary customer 
satisfaction surveys to assess strengths and weaknesses in program 
services. Customer satisfaction surveys to be conducted by AHRQ may 
include readership surveys from individuals using AHRQ automated and 
electronic technology data bases to determine satisfaction with the 
information provided or surveys to assess effects of the grants 
streamlining efforts. Results of these surveys will be used in future 
program planning initiatives and to redirect resources and efforts, as 
needed, to improve AHRQ program services. The current clearance will 
expire December 31, 2001. A generic approval will be requested from OMB 
to conduct customer satisfaction surveys over the next three years.

Method of Collection

    The data will be collected using a combination of preferred 
methodologies appropriate to each survey. These methodologies are:
     Evaluation forms;
     Mail surveys;
     Focus groups;
     Automated and electronic technology (e.g., instant fax, 
on-line, feedback forms for AHRQ Clearinghouse Publications); and
     Telephone surveys.
    The estimated annual hour burden is as follows:

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                                                                                  Average burden
                                                                     Number of       response     Total hours of
                         Type of survey                             respondents     (hours per        burden
                                                                                    respondent)
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Mail/Telephone Surveys..........................................          51,200             .15           7,693
Automated/Web-based.............................................          52,000            .164            8501
Focus Groups....................................................             200             1.0             200
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Totals......................................................         103,400            .159          16,394
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Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) The necessity of the proposed 
collections; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection 
of information upon the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for OMB approval of the proposed 
information collection. All comments will become a matter of public 
record.
    Copies of these proposed collection plans and instruments can be 
obtained from the AHRQ Reports Clearance Officer (see above).


[[Page 39516]]


    Dated: July 24, 2001.
John M. Eisenberg,
Director.
[FR Doc. 01-19054 Filed 7-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-M