[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 186 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66028-66029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23073]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[30Day-16-1011]


Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted 
the following information collection request to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice for the proposed 
information collection is published to obtain comments from the public 
and affected agencies.
    Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected 
agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are 
encouraged. Your comments should address any of the following: (a) 
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; (b) Evaluate the 
accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; (d) 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 submission of responses; and 
(e) Assess information collection costs.
    To request additional information on the proposed project or to 
obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call 
(404) 639-7570 or send an email to [email protected]. Written comments and/or 
suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice should be 
directed to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and 
Budget, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Written 
comments should be received within 30 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

    Emergency Epidemic Investigation Data Collections (OMB Control 
Number 0920-1011, Expiration 03-31-2017)--Extension -- Division of 
Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for 
Surveillance, Education, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

    CDC previously conducted Emergency Epidemic Investigations (EEIs) 
under OMB Control Number 0920-0008. In 2013, CDC received OMB approval 
(OMB Control Number 0920-1011) for a new OMB generic clearance for a 
three-year period to collect vital information during EEIs in response 
to urgent outbreaks or events (i.e., natural, biological, chemical, 
nuclear, radiological) characterized by undetermined agents, 
undetermined sources, undetermined transmission, or undetermined risk 
factors. CDC seeks OMB approval for an extension of this generic 
clearance (OMB control number 0920-1011) for a three-year period.
    Supporting effective emergency epidemic investigations is one of 
the most important ways that CDC protects the health of the public. CDC 
is frequently called upon to conduct EEIs at the request of local, 
state, or international health authorities seeking support to respond 
to urgent outbreaks or urgent public health-related events. In response 
to external partner requests, CDC provides necessary epidemiologic 
support to identify the agents, sources, modes of transmission, or risk 
factors to effectively implement rapid prevention and control measures 
to protect the public's health. Data collection is a critical component 
of the epidemiologic support provided by CDC; data are analyzed to 
determine the agents, sources, modes of transmission, or risk factors 
so that effective prevention and control measures can be implemented. 
During an unanticipated outbreak or event, immediate action by CDC is 
necessary to minimize or prevent public harm. The legal justification 
for EEIs are found in the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 
301[241](a).
    Successful investigations are dependent on rapid and flexible data 
collection that evolves during the investigation and is customized to 
the unique circumstances of each outbreak or event. Data collection 
elements will be those necessary to identify the agents, sources, mode 
of transmission, or risk factors. Examples of potential data collection 
methods include telephone or face-to-face interview; email, web or 
other type of electronic questionnaire; paper-and-pencil questionnaire; 
focus groups; medical record review; laboratory record review; 
collection of clinical samples; and environmental assessment. 
Respondents will vary depending on the nature of the outbreak or event; 
examples of potential respondents include health care professionals, 
patients, laboratorians, and the general public. Participation in EEIs 
is voluntary and there are no anticipated costs to respondents other 
than their time. CDC will use the information gathered during EEIs to 
rapidly identify and effectively implement measures to minimize or 
prevent public harm.
    CDC projects 60 EEIs in response to outbreaks or events 
characterized by undetermined agents, undetermined sources, 
undetermined transmission, or undetermined risk factors annually. The 
projected average number of respondents is 200 per EEI, for a total of 
12,000 respondents. CDC estimates the average burden per response is 
0.5 hours and each respondent will be asked to respond once. Therefore, 
the total estimated annual burden hours are 6,000. These estimates are 
based on the reported burden for EEIs that have been performed during 
the previous two years.
    OMB approval is requested for three years. Participation is based 
on previous Emergency Epidemic Investigations. There are no costs to 
respondents.

                                        Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
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                                                                                                      Average
                                                                     Number of       Number of      burden per
          Type of respondents                   Form name           respondents    responses per   response (in
                                                                                    respondent         hrs.)
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Emergency Epidemic Investigation        Emergency Epidemic                12,000               1           30/60
 Participants.                           Investigation Data
                                         Collection Instruments.
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[[Page 66029]]

Leroy A. Richardson,
Chief, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Scientific 
Integrity, Office of the Associate Director for Science, Office of the 
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2016-23073 Filed 9-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4163-18-P