[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 116 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35253-35254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11721]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10157]


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 a possible public harm that will ensue 
from delay or denial of access to the new Eligibility verification 
process described in this notice.

[[Page 35254]]

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is requesting 
that a paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) package for a new CMS Real-Time 
Eligibility Agreement and Access Request form be processed under the 
emergency clearance process. The approval of this data collection 
process is essential in order to support the necessary national 
database and infrastructure to process Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliant health care eligibility 
inquiries (270) and responses (271) in a real-time basis.
    CMS is requiring that trading partners who wish to conduct the 
eligibility transaction on a real-time basis to access Medicare 
beneficiary information provide certain assurances as a condition of 
receiving access to the Medicare database for the purpose of conducting 
eligibility verification. Health care providers, clearinghouses, and 
health plans that wish to access the Medicare database are required to 
complete the access request form. The information will be used to 
assure that those entities that access the Medicare database are aware 
of applicable provisions and penalties.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
July 1, 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 28, 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 28, 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-10157; and
OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Christopher Martin, 
New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: June 3, 2005.
Jim L. Wickliffe,
CMS Reports Clearance Officer, Regulations Development Group, Office of 
Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-11721 Filed 6-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P