[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 196 (Thursday, October 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 57947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-5009]



[[Page 57947]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of 
Health and Human Services.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the intention of the Agency for 
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) allow the renewal of the generic 
information collection project: ``Voluntary Customer Surveys Generic 
Clearance for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality'' In 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 
(44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this 
proposed information collection.
    This proposed information collection was previously published in 
the Federal Register on August 3, 2007 and allowed 60 days for public 
comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to 
allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by November 13, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to: AHRQ's OMB Desk 
Officer by fax at (202) 395-6974 (attention: AHRQ's desk officer) or by 
e-mail at [email protected] (attention: AHRQ's desk 
officer).
    Copies of the proposed collection plans, data collection 
instruments, and specific details on the estimated burden can be 
obtained from AHRQ's Report Clearance Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Lefkowitz, AHRQ, Reports 
Clearance Officer, (301) 427-1477.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Project

Voluntary Customer Surveys Generic Clearance for the Agency for 
Healthcare Research and Quality

    In response to Executive Order 12862, the Agency for Healthcare 
Research Quality (AHRQ) plans to conduct voluntary customer surveys to 
assess strengths and weaknesses in agency program services. Customer 
surveys to be conducted by AHRQ may include readership surveys from 
individuals using AHRQ automated and electronic technology databases to 
determine satisfaction with the information provided or surveys to 
assess effect of the grants streamlining efforts. Results of these 
surveys will be used in future program planning initiatives and to 
redirect resources and efforts, as needed, to improve AHRQ program 
services. The current clearance will expire January 31, 2008. This is a 
request for a generic approval from OMB to conduct customer surveys 
over the next three years.

Methods of Collection

    The data will be collected using a combination of methodologies 
appropriate to each survey. These methodologies include:
     Evaluation forms;
     Mail surveys;
     Focus groups;
     Automated and electronic technology (e.g., e-mail, Web-
based surveys, instant fax, AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse customer 
feedback) and,
     Telephone surveys.

Estimated Annual Respondent Burden

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                                                               No. of          Average hour      Total hours of
                     Type of survey                         respondents      burden response         burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mail/Telephone Surveys.................................             51,200               0.15              7,680
Automated/Web-based....................................             52,000              0.163              8,476
Focus Groups...........................................                200                1.0                200
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
    Totals.............................................            103,400                 NA             16,356
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    This information collection will not impose a cost burden on the 
respondents beyond that associated with their time to provide the 
required data. There will be no additional costs for capital equipment, 
software, computer services, etc.

Estimated Annual Costs to the Federal Government

    The mail and telephone surveys and focus groups will in some cases 
be carried out under contract. Assuming the contract cost per survey is 
$50,000-$100,000, and for each focus group is $20,000, total contract 
costs could be $720,000 per year.

Request for Comments

    In accordance with the above-cited Paperwork Reduction Act 
legislation, comments on AHRQ's information collection are requested 
with regard to any of the following: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
AHRQ health care research and health care information dissemination 
functions, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of AHRQ's estimate of burden (including hours 
and costs) of the proposed collection(s) of information; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information upon the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the Agency's subsequent request for OMB approval of the 
proposed information collection. All comments will become a matter of 
public record.

    Dated: October 2, 2007.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
[FR Doc. 07-5009 Filed 10-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-M