[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 150 (Friday, August 5, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 45395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15504]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10097]


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

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
    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 of an unanticipated event.
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will obtain feedback 
from over 30,000 Medicare Providers via a survey about satisfaction, 
attitudes and perceptions regarding the services provided by Medicare 
Fee-for-Service (FFS) Carriers, Fiscal Intermediaries, Durable Medical 
Equipment Suppliers, and Regional Home Health Intermediaries and 
Medicare Administrative Contractors. The survey focuses on basic 
business functions provided by the Medicare Contractors such as 
Inquiries, Provider Communications, Claims Processing, Appeals, 
Provider Enrollment, Medical Review and Provider Reimbursement. 
Providers will receive a notice requesting they use a specially 
constructed Web site to respond to a set of questions customized for 
their Contractor's responsibilities. The survey will be conducted 
yearly and annual reports of the survey results will be available via 
an online reporting system for use by CMS, Medicare Contractors, and 
the general public.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
November 21, 2005, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendation will be considered from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by October 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 October 4, 2005:
    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic 
Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Fax Number: (410) 786-5267, Attn: 
William N. Parham, III; and
    OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Christopher 
Martin, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 
20503.

    Dated: July 22, 2005.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations 
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-15504 Filed 8-4-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P