[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 5686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2074]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10139]


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

AGENCY: Center for Medicare & 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 & 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 the normal procedures are likely to cause 
a statutory deadline to be missed. It is critical to complete the 
survey and analysis for a Report to Congress due June 2005.
    Section 704(C)(2) requires CMS to conduct a study on how non-
Medicare/Medicaid Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) is 
used by large and small home health agencies (HHA's). The study will 
investigate whether there are unique benefits from the analysis of such 
information, the value of collecting such information by small HHA's 
compared to the administrative burden, a comparison of outcomes for 
non-Medicare/non-Medicaid patients and Medicare/Medicaid patients, and 
obtain the opinions of quality assessment experts. The study will 
consist of a mailed survey of 1200 home health agencies.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
March 7, 2005, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendation will be accepted from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by March 4, 2005.
    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.cms.hhs.gov/regulations/pra 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 March 4, 2005:
    Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic 
Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C5-13-27, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Fax Number: (410) 786-0262, Attn: 
William N. Parham, III, CMS-10139 and, OMB Human Resources and Housing 
Branch, Attention: Christopher Martin, New Executive Office Building, 
Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: January 28, 2005.
John P. Burke, III,
CMS Paperwork Reduction Act Reports Clearance Officer, Office of 
Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Regulations Development 
Group.
[FR Doc. 05-2074 Filed 2-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-03-P