[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 106 (Monday, June 2, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 31418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1314]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

42 CFR Part 5 and 51c

RIN 0906-AA44


Designation of Medically Underserved Populations and Health 
Professional Shortage Areas

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of public comment 
period.

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SUMMARY: On April 21, 2008, HHS published a 30-day extension to the 
public comment period and provided clarification on the notice of 
proposed rulemaking, ``Designation of Medically Underserved Populations 
and Health Professional Shortage Areas'' (73 FR 21300). HHS and the 
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have received 
requests for a further extension to the comment period. In 
consideration of these requests, HHS is extending the comment period an 
additional 30 days, with a new closing date of June 30, 2008.

DATES: Written comments on this proposed rule must be submitted on or 
before June 30, 2008. Please refer to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for 
additional information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Jordan, 301-594-0197.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the public comment period, HRSA has 
encouraged State Primary Care Offices (PCOs) to apply the proposed 
methodology using their own State and local data to see how well it 
works in identifying areas in need in their States. HRSA has provided 
assistance, tools, and data to support States in their efforts and will 
continue to do so. In order to facilitate a better understanding of the 
proposed rule, HRSA provided PCOs with a calculator that applies the 
formulas proposed in the rule to determine designation, with data 
files, as well as with technical assistance in using the calculator. 
HRSA has also provided the names of PCOs who, with their expertise with 
different data sources, may be able to offer some technical assistance 
to their colleagues.

    Dated: May 29, 2008.
Elizabeth M. Duke,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 08-1314 Filed 5-29-08; 2:55 pm]
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