[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 33457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5134]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10195]


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 
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 purpose of the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) 
Demonstration Project is to evaluate the cost and savings to the 
Medicare program and to make appropriate recommendations to Congress on 
the cost-effectiveness of extending or expanding the project. Because 
RACs have been used successfully in non-Medicare markets, The Centers 
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is conducting this 
demonstration project to test new techniques for identifying and 
collecting overpayments.
    This is a request for OMB approval of a Provider Satisfaction 
Survey to assess the impact of Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors 
(RACs) on the provider community. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
Services (CMS) has contracted with Econometrica, Inc. to conduct an 
independent evaluation of the Medicare RAC demonstration. The results, 
which will be summarized in a report to Congress, will be used to 
assess the financial impact of the demonstration on the Medicare 
program and to make recommendations for the demonstration's extension 
or expansion. Previous research by the U.S. Government Accountability 
Office found that RACs have the potential to burden private providers. 
The purpose of this study is to determine whether RACs can perform 
effectively with a low risk of burden and friction with healthcare 
providers.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of 
Information Collection: Evaluation of Medicare Recovery Audit 
Contractor (RAC) Demonstration Provider Satisfaction Survey; Use: The 
purpose of the RAC Provider Satisfaction Survey is to gauge provider 
communications and satisfaction with the RACs. Measuring providers' 
reactions to and experiences with RACs will enable CMS better 
understand the potential impact of the RACs on providers nationwide and 
to improve and refine the process, both in the context of the current 
demonstration as well as in future reform initiatives. The survey will 
cover all aspects of provider transactions with RACs. Form Number: CMS-
10195 (OMB: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Reporting--One-time; 
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; Number of Respondents: 
1,200; Total Annual Responses: 1,200; Total Annual Hours: 276.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
July 7, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendation will be considered from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by July 3, 2006.
    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 July 3, 2006:

CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of 
Regulations Development--B, Attn: William N. Parham, III, Room C4-26-
05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, and
OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett, New 
Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Fax 
Number: (202) 395-6974.

    Dated: May 26, 2006.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations 
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 06-5134 Filed 6-1-06; 2:37 pm]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P