[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 106 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31968-31969]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13645]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

    In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 concerning opportunity for public comment on proposed 
collections of information, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish periodic summaries of 
proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects 
or to obtain a copy of the information collection plans, call the 
SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer on (240) 276-1243.
    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collections of 
information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions 
of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection 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 on respondents, 
including through the use

[[Page 31969]]

of automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

Proposed Project: SAMHSA SOAR Web-Based Data Form--NEW

    In 2009 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services created a Technical Assistance Center to assist in the 
implementation of the SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) 
effort in all states. SOAR's primary objective is to improve the 
allowance rate for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability 
benefits for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and 
who have serious mental illnesses. SOAR has three main components: 
Strategic planning for systems change, training for case managers and 
ongoing technical assistance.
    During the SOAR training, the importance of keeping track of SSI/
SSDI applications through the process is stressed, since the process is 
complex and involves several steps. In response to requests from states 
implementing SOAR, the Technical Assistance Center under SAMHSA's 
direction developed a web-based data form that case managers can use to 
track the progress of submitted applications, including decisions 
received from SSA either on initial application or on appeal. This 
password-protected web-based data form will be housed on the SOAR Web 
site (http://www.prainc.com/soar.). Use of this form is completely 
voluntary.
    In addition, data from the web-based form can be compiled into 
reports on decision results and the use of SOAR core components, such 
as the SSA-1696 Appointment of Representative which allows SSA to 
communicate directly with the case manager assisting with the 
application. These reports will be reviewed by agency directors, SOAR 
state-level leads, and the national SOAR Technical Assistance Center 
and SOAR national evaluation team to quantify the success of the effort 
overall and to identify areas where additional technical assistance is 
needed.
    The estimated response burden is as follows:

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                                                                        Number of      Responses per        Total          Hours per
                         Information source                            respondents       respondent       responses         response       Total hours
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SOAR Data Form.....................................................             800               36           28,800              .25            7,200
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    Send comments to Summer King, SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, 
Room 8-1099, One Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857 and e-mail her 
a copy at [email protected]. Written comments should be 
received within 60 days of this notice.

    Dated: May 24, 2011.
Elaine Parry,
Director, Office of Management, Technology and Operations.
[FR Doc. 2011-13645 Filed 6-1-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4162-20-P