[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 222 (Friday, November 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 66954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19133]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-R-246]


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

AGENCY: Centers 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 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 use of normal clearance procedures is reasonably 
likely to cause a statutory deadline to be missed.
    The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 
(MMA) of 2003 under section 1860D-4 (Information to Facilitate 
Enrollment) requires CMS to conduct consumer satisfaction surveys 
regarding the prescription drug plan or the Medicare Advantage 
prescription drug plan pursuant to section 1860D-4(d) and report the 
results to Part D eligible individuals at least 30 days prior to the 
enrollment period. This revised collection adds new Prescription Drug 
Plan questions as mandated in the MMA. Approval for this request will 
ensure that CMS is able to conduct the revised Medicare Consumer 
Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys in time 
to publicly report the data for the open enrollment period in Fall of 
2007.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently 
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare CAHPS 
Survey; Form Number: CMS-R-246 (OMB: 0938-0732); Use: The 
collection of CAHPS measures is necessary to hold health and 
prescription drug plans accountable for the quality of care and 
services they deliver. This requirement will allow CMS to obtain 
information for the proper oversight of the program. This information 
is used to help beneficiaries choose among plans, contribute to 
improved quality of care through identification of quality improvement 
opportunities, and assist CMS in carrying out its responsibilities; 
Frequency: Reporting--Annually; Affected Public: Individuals or 
households; Number of Respondents: 600,000; Total Annual Responses: 
600,000; Total Annual Hours: 198,000.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
December 18, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendations will be considered from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by December 4, 2006.
    To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms 
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS's 
Web Site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995 
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 December 4, 2006: Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic Operations and 
Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, 
MD 21244-1850, Attn: Bonnie L Harkless. 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: November 7, 2006.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations 
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. E6-19133 Filed 11-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P