[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 51 (Monday, March 16, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15014-15015]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05229]


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

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 11039]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Air Pollution 
and Health Monitoring Program for Eligible Family Members of the U.S. 
Diplomatic Community

ACTION: Notice of request for public comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. 
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are 
requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals 
and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for 
public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to May 
15, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on 
this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the 
document by entering ``Docket Number: DOS-2020-0006'' in the Search 
field. Then click the ``Comment Now'' button and complete the comment 
form.
     Email: [email protected].
     Regular Mail: Send written comments to: MED/CP/HS/OH, 2401 
E Street NW, Washington, DC 20522.
    You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information 
collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional 
information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including 
requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and 
supporting documents, to Molini Patel, who may be reached at (202) 663 
2517 or at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
     Title of Information Collection: Air Pollution and Health 
Monitoring Program for Eligible Family Members of the U.S. Diplomatic 
Community.
     OMB Control Number: None.
     Type of Request: New Collection.
     Originating Office: Bureau of Medical Services, Office of 
Occupational Health & Wellness (MED/CP/HS/OH), U.S. Department of 
State.
     Form Number: No form.
     Respondents: Respondents include Eligible Family Members 
of a Foreign Service Officer assigned to select U.S.

[[Page 15015]]

Embassies or to U.S. Department of State offices in the Washington, DC 
area. Eligible Family Members are children, parents (including step 
parents and legally adoptive parents), siblings, spouse and certified 
Same Sex Domestic Partners of a Foreign Service Officer eligible for 
certain benefits on an overseas assignment, including the health care 
program administered by the Department's Bureau of Medical Services.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,233.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 1,233.
     Average Time per Response: 2 hours.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 2,466 hours.
     Frequency: Annually for up to three years.
     Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.
    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
     Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
     Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost 
burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
     Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, 
including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are 
public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you 
should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your 
personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

    Air pollution exposure is a health risk to the U.S. diplomatic 
community worldwide. More than 80% of U.S. embassies and consulates are 
located in cities with air pollution levels above U.S. health-based 
standards, and air pollution exposure is linked to a range of adverse 
health effects. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Medical 
Services (MED) establishes and operates the Department's Medical 
Program to promote and maintain the physical and mental health of 
members of the Service, and (when incident to service abroad) other 
designated eligible Government employees, and members of the families 
of such members and employees. In addition to medical examinations for 
employees and members of their families, a health care program may 
include health education and disease prevention programs. MED also 
develops and implements medical policies for the Department and advises 
the Secretary on global healthcare issues. MED has begun the Air 
Pollution and Health Monitoring Program to understand how respiratory 
and cardiovascular health may change during an overseas tour in 
locations that differ in air pollution levels, in order to inform 
Department policies. Data are needed on Eligible Family members who 
serve overseas with employees, are participants in the medical program, 
and are affected by policies set by the Department. Participants from 
the public will be Eligible Family Members of U.S. employees working at 
the Department of State in Washington, DC or at the U.S. Embassy in New 
Delhi, India; Jakarta, Indonesia; or Mexico City, Mexico. Participants 
will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their health and 
activities and visit the U.S. Department of State Exam Clinic in 
Washington, DC or the Health Unit of the selected U.S. Embassies 
overseas to have their height, weight, lung function, blood pressure, 
and blood oxygen saturation measured yearly over the next three years. 
The results will be used to implement and improve policies and 
mitigation programs to protect the health and well-being of the U.S. 
Diplomatic community. Such policies and programs may include tour 
length, medical clearance, health surveillance, alerts for susceptible 
population, and standards for exposure reduction measures.

Methodology

    Participants will complete an electronic questionnaire. Questions 
ask about the participant's respiratory and cardiovascular health and 
activities. Participants will visit the Exam Clinic in Washington, DC 
or Health Unit of the selected U.S. Embassies. MED staff will measure 
their height, weight, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. MED staff 
will also test their lung function by having them blow into a machine 
that measures air flow and lung volume. MED staff will ask the 
participant questions that can affect lung function values. The 
questionnaire and clinic visit will be repeated once a year for the 
next two years. Participation is voluntary, and respondents can stop 
participating at any time.

Kimberly Ottwell,
Deputy Medical Director.
[FR Doc. 2020-05229 Filed 3-13-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4710-36-P