[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 81 (Friday, April 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Page 19740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08599]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary

[Document Identifier 0990-0421-60D]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Public Comment Request

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of 
Health and Human Services, announces plans to submit an Information 
Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB). The ICR is for extending the use of the approved 
information collection assigned OMB control number 0990-0421, which 
expires on July 31, 2017. Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, OS seeks 
comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any 
other aspect of the ICR.

DATES: Comments on the ICR must be received on or before June 27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments to 
[email protected] or by calling (202) 795-7714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: When submitting comments or requesting 
information, please include the document identifier 0990-0421-60D for 
reference.
    Information Collection Request Title: ASPE Generic Clearance for 
the Collection of Qualitative Research and Assessment.
    OMB No.: 0990-0421.
    Abstract: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and 
Evaluation (ASPE) is requesting an extension for their generic 
clearance for purposes of conducting qualitative research. ASPE 
conducts qualitative research to gain a better understanding of 
emerging health policy issues, develop future intramural and extramural 
research projects, and to ensure HHS leadership, agencies and offices 
have recent data and information to inform program and policy decision-
making. ASPE is requesting approval for at least four types of 
qualitative research: (a) Interviews, (b) focus groups, (c) 
questionnaires, and (d) other qualitative methods. ASPE's mission is to 
advise the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on 
policy development in health, disability, human services, data, and 
science, and provides advice and analysis on economic policy. ASPE 
leads special initiatives, coordinates the Department's evaluation, 
research and demonstration activities, and manages cross-Department 
planning activities such as strategic planning, legislative planning, 
and review of regulations. Integral to this role, ASPE will use this 
mechanism to conduct qualitative research, evaluation, or assessment, 
conduct analyses, and understand needs, barriers, or facilitators for 
HHS-related programs.
    ASPE is requesting comment on the burden for qualitative research 
aimed at understanding emerging health and human services policy 
issues. The goal of developing these activities is to identify emerging 
issues and research gaps to ensure the successful implementation of HHS 
programs. The participants may include health and human services 
experts; national, state, and local health or human services 
representatives; public health, human services, or healthcare 
providers; and representatives of other health or human services 
organizations. The increase in burden from 747 in 2014 to 1,300 
respondents in 2017 reflects an increase in the number of research 
projects conducted over the estimate in 2014.

                                                            Estimated Annualized Burden Table
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Number of     Average  burden
               Type of respondent                                Form                    Number of      responses per       hours per      Total burden
                                                                                        respondents       respondent        response          hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Policy Stakeholder.......................  Qualitative Research..............           1,300                1                1            1,300
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    OS specifically requests comments on (1) the necessity and utility 
of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of 
the agency's functions, (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.

Terry S. Clark,
Asst Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-08599 Filed 4-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4150-05-P