[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 102 (Friday, May 27, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30730-30731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-10706]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10158]


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

AGENCY: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
    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

[[Page 30731]]

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. The use of normal clearance procedures is 
reasonably likely to cause a statutory deadline to be missed.
    This survey will support the required evaluation of the Medicare 
Home Health Independence Demonstration mandated under Section 702 of 
the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 
2003 (MMA). Section 702 of the MMA requires the Secretary to collect 
data on effects of the demonstration on quality of care, patient 
outcomes, and any additional costs to Medicare. One year after the 
project's termination (currently projected to be October, 2006), the 
Secretary is to submit a report including recommendations to exempt 
permanently and severely disabled homebound beneficiaries from the 
traditional homebound restrictions. The purpose of this survey is to 
develop the information Congress seeks, and to provide CMS with a sound 
basis for making the mandated recommendations. This survey is designed 
to study the health and quality of life impacts of changing the 
eligibility requirement, and to provide descriptive information about 
the demonstration's target population.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
June 27, 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 June 27, 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 June 27, 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-10158; and,

OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Christopher Martin, 
New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: May 23, 2005.
Michelle Shortt,
Acting Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic 
Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-10706 Filed 5-25-05; 9:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P