[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 237 (Wednesday, December 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 68972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30574]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0578]


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 extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 
60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice 
solicits comments on information needed to approve requests for 
preauthorization of certain health care services and benefits for 
children of Vietnam veterans.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before February 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of 
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-
mail [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-
0578'' 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. 3501-3521), 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.

Titles

    a. Health Care for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans--Spina 
Bifida and Covered Birth Defects--Regulation.
    b. Claim for Miscellaneous Expenses, VA Form 10-7959e.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0578.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA's medical regulations 38 CFR part 17 (17.900 through 
17.905) established regulations regarding provision of health care for 
women Vietnam veterans' children born with spina bifida and certain 
other covered birth defects. The information collected will be used to 
determine whether to approve requests for preauthorization of certain 
health care services and benefits for children of Vietnam veterans; the 
appropriateness of billings for such services; and to make decisions 
during the review and appeal process.
    Beneficiaries complete VA Form 10-7959e to claim payment/
reimbursement of expenses related to spina bifida and certain covered 
birth defects. Health care providers complete standard billing forms 
such as: Uniform Billing-Forms (UB) 92, and HCFA 1500, Medicare Health 
Insurance Claims Form. Without the requested information VA will be 
unable to determine the correct amount to reimburse providers for their 
services or beneficiaries for covered expenses.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other for-
profit, and not for profit institutions.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 3,400 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 6\1/2\ minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,600.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 31,400.

    Dated: November 28, 2003.

    By direction of the Secretary:
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30574 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
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