[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 55559]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25993]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier CMS-10191]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & 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 & 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 function; (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.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently 
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Parts C 
and D Universal Audit Guide; Use: Under the Medicare Prescription Drug, 
Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 and implementing regulations 
at 42 CFR Parts 422 and 423 Medicare Part D plan sponsors and Medicare 
Advantage organizations are required to comply with all Medicare Parts 
C and D program requirements. 42 CFR 422.502 describes CMS' regulatory 
authority to evaluate, through inspection or other means, Medicare 
Advantage Part C organizations. These records include books, contracts, 
medical records, patient care documentation and other records that 
pertain to any aspect of services performed, reconciliation of benefit 
liabilities, and determination of amounts payable. 42 CFR 423.503 
states that CMS must oversee a Part D plan sponsor's continued 
compliance with the requirements for a Part D plan sponsor. Section 
423.514 states that the Part D plan sponsor must have an effective 
procedure to develop, compile, evaluate, and report to CMS, to its 
enrollees, and to the general public, at the times and in the manner 
that CMS requires, statistics regarding areas such as cost of 
operations, patterns of utilization availability, accessibility, and 
acceptability of services.
    The rapid growth of these sponsoring organizations has forced CMS 
to update its current auditing strategy to ensure we continue to obtain 
meaningful audit results. As a result, CMS' audit strategy will reflect 
a move to more targeted, data-driven and risk-based audits. CMS will 
also focus on high-risk areas that have the greatest potential for 
beneficiary harm. The goal of the audits will be the earliest possible 
detection and correction of issues and improvement in quality and 
performance of Part D sponsors and Medicare Advantage organizations.
    To accomplish these goals, we have combined all Part C and Part D 
audit elements into one universal guide which will also promote 
consistency, effectiveness and reduce financial and time burdens for 
both CMS and Medicare-contracting entities. Please refer to the 
crosswalk document for a list of changes. Form Number: CMS-10191 
(OMB: 0938-1000); Frequency: Reporting--Yearly; Affected 
Public: Business or other for-profits and Not-for-profit institutions; 
Number of Respondents: 195; Total Annual Responses: 195; Total Annual 
Hours: 24,180. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact 
Laura Dash at 410-786-8623. For all other issues call 410-786-1326).
    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/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.
    To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the 
proposed information collections must be received by the OMB desk 
officer at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on November 27, 
2009.
    OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS 
Desk Officer, Fax Number: (202) 395-6974, E-mail: [email protected].

    Dated: October 21, 2009.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations 
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. E9-25993 Filed 10-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P