[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 244 (Friday, December 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 70839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31296]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment Standards Administration


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, 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 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed collection: Maintenance of Receipts 
for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine Operator (CM-200). A copy of the 
proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting 
the office listed below in the addresses section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addresses section below on or before February 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Ms. Hazel M. Bell, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone 
(202) 693-0418, fax (202) 693-1451, Email [email protected]. Please 
use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or Email).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the 
Federal Black Lung Benefits Act (FBLBA). Under 20 CFR 725.531, self-
insured coal mine operators or insurance carriers must maintain 
receipts for black lung benefit payments made for five years after the 
date on which the receipt was executed. This requirement is designated 
as CM-200, Maintenance of Receipts for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine 
Operator. There is no form or format for the receipts; a cancelled 
check will satisfy the requirement. This information collection is 
currently approved for use through June 30, 2004.

II. Review Focus

    The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments 
which:
    [sbull] 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;
    [sbull] Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
    [sbull] Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    [sbull] Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.

III. Current Actions

    The Department of Labor seeks approval for the extension of this 
information collection in order that coal mine operators and insurers 
can provide evidence, as necessary, that payment to claimants has been 
made and received.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Employment Standards Administration.
    Title: Maintenance of Receipts for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine 
Operator.
    OMB Number: 1215-0124.
    Agency Number: CM-200.
    Affected Public: Business or other for profit and State, local or 
tribal government.
    Recordkeeping: On occasion.
    Total Respondents: 140.
    Total Responses: 140.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: December 15, 2003.
Bruce Bohanon,
Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, Division of 
Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration and 
Planning, Employment Standards Administration.
[FR Doc. 03-31296 Filed 12-18-03; 8:45 am]
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