[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 11 (Thursday, January 16, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2337-2338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-910]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10067]


Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements 
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS.
    In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing 
the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. 
Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden 
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility 
of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of 
the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology to minimize the information 
collection burden.
    We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information 
collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of 
section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have 
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following 
requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency 
review because the collection of this information is needed before the 
expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR 
part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with an initiative of 
the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal 
clearance procedures because of an unanticipated event and possible 
public harm.
    It is widely acknowledged that the elderly are going without 
critical

[[Page 2338]]

pharmaceutical therapy and that there are morbidity and mortality 
consequences. The Administration has developed a proposal for paying 
for prescriptions for low-income elderly Medicaid recipients. This 
proposal will allow States to run 1115 demonstration projects 
specifically for a drug benefit for the elderly.
    CMS has recently completed work on an innovative, electronic 
approach for easing the burden of States in applying for participation 
in the Pharmacy Plus demonstration initiative. We are seeking approval 
of the forms that would be used to collect data from applicants under 
this initiative.
    The initiative will greatly reduce the time period required for 
States to develop and apply for demonstration authority; in addition 
the initiative is intended to expedite the review and approval time 
required by CMS. The initiative specifies the requirements of States to 
participate in the initiative--if the criteria are met by the State 
then deliberation by CMS on the application should be minimal. The 
result will be an expeditious approval, implementation and operation of 
demonstration programs that will provide prescription coverage to 
lessen the morbidity and mortality that is occurring. Without approval 
of these forms on an emergency basis, millions of Seniors will continue 
to under-utilize pharmaceutical therapy for chronic and acute 
morbidity. The use of the forms will expedite prescription coverage and 
utilization of important medicines.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
January 28, 2003, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendation will be accepted from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by January 27, 2003.
    Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of 
Information Collection: Pharmacy Plus Template for Low Income Seniors 
under Medicaid; Form No.: CMS-10067 (OMB 0938-XXXX); Use: The 
template for the Pharmacy Plus program for low income seniors under 
Medicaid will enable states to apply, via a standard format, to provide 
a drug benefit to elderly recipients; use of this format will expedite 
the process of obtaining CMS review and approval of an application; 
Frequency: Other: 3 years after initial submission for the 1915 (c) 
waiver; 5 years after initial submission for the 1115 demonstration; 
Affected Public: State Government; Number of Respondents: 51; Total 
Annual Responses: 25; Total Annual Hours: 115.
    We have submitted a copy of this notice to OMB for its review of 
these information collections. A notice will be published in the 
Federal Register when approval is obtained.
    To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms 
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' 
Web Site address at http://www.hcfa.gov/regs/prdact95.htm, or E-mail 
your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS 
document identifier, to [email protected], or call the Reports 
Clearance Office on (410) 786-1326.
    Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the 
burden or any other aspect of these collections of information 
requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information 
collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed 
to the designees referenced below by January 27, 2003:
    Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic 
Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development 
and Issuances, Room C5-16-03, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 
21244-1850. Fax Number: (410) 786-0262. Attn: Julie Brown, CMS-10067. 
And, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management 
and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 
20503. Attn.: Brenda Aguilar, CMS Desk Officer.

    Dated: January 8, 2003.
Julie Brown,
Acting Paperwork Reduction Act Team Leader and, CMS Reports Clearance 
Officer, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, 
Division of Regulations Development and Issuances.
[FR Doc. 03-910 Filed 1-15-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-03-P