[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 16, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2946-2947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-649]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment Standards Administration


Proposed Extension of the Approval of Information Collection 
Requirements

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting 
comments concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the 
information collection: Rehabilitation Plan and Award (OWCP-16). A copy 
of the information collection request can be obtained by contacting the 
office listed below in the addresses section of this Notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addresses section below on or before March 17, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Mr. Steven M. Andoseh, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone 
(202) 693-0373, fax (202) 693-1451, e-mail [email protected]. 
Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or 
e-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is the agency 
responsible for administration of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' 
Compensation Act (LHWCA), 33 U.S.C. 901, et seq., and the Federal 
Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), 5 U.S.C. 8101, et seq. Both of 
these acts authorize OWCP to pay for approved vocational rehabilitation 
services to eligible workers with work-related disabilities. In order 
to decide whether to approve a rehabilitation plan, OWCP must receive a 
copy of the plan, supporting vocational testing materials and the 
estimated cost to implement the plan, broken down to show the fees, 
supplies,

[[Page 2947]]

tuition and worker maintenance payments that are contemplated. Form 
OWCP-16 is the standard format for the collection of this information. 
The regulations implementing these statutes allow for the collection of 
information needed for OWCP to determine if a rehabilitation plan 
should be approved and payment of any related expenses authorized. Form 
OWCP-16 serves to document the agreed upon plan for rehabilitation 
services submitted by the injured worker and vocational rehabilitation 
counselor, and OWCP's award of payment from funds provided for 
rehabilitation. This information collection is currently approved for 
use through July 31, 2008.

II. Review Focus

    The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments 
which:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
     evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
     enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
     minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.

III. Current Actions

    The Department of Labor seeks the approval for the extension of 
this currently approved information collection in order to determine if 
a rehabilitation plan should be approved and payment of any related 
expenses authorized.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Employment Standards Administration.
    Title: Rehabilitation Plan and Award.
    OMB Number: 1215-0067.
    Agency Number: OWCP-16.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; businesses or other 
for-profit
    Total Respondents: 7,000.
    Total Annual Responses: 7,000.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 3,500.
    Time Per Response: 30 minutes.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.00.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: January 11, 2008.
Hazel M. Bell.
Acting Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, 
Division of Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration 
and Planning, Employment Standards Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-649 Filed 1-15-08; 8:45 am]
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