[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 183 (Monday, September 21, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59315-59316]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20759]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[30Day-20-0138]


Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information 
collection request titled Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval 
Program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and 
approval. CDC previously published a ``Proposed Data Collection 
Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations'' notice on June 2, 
2020 to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC 
received one non-substantial comment related to the previous notice. 
This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and 
affected agency comments.
    CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information 
collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly 
interested in comments that:
    (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. Comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Direct 
written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in 
this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management 
and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 
395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice 
publication.

Proposed Project

    Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval Program. (OMB Control 
No. 0920-0138, Exp. 11/30/2020)--Revision--National Institute for 
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

    NIOSH has the responsibility under the Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration's Cotton Dust Standard, 29 CFR 1920.1043, for 
approving courses to train technicians to perform pulmonary function 
testing in the cotton industry. Successful completion of a NIOSH-
approved course is mandatory under this Standard. In addition, 
regulations at 42 CFR 37.95(a) specify that persons administering 
spirometry tests for the national Coal Workers `Health Surveillance 
Program must successfully complete a NIOSH-approved spirometry training 
course and maintain a valid certificate by periodically completing 
NIOSH-approved spirometry refresher training courses. Also, 29 CFR 
1910.1053(i)(2)(iv), 29 CFR 1910.1053(i)(3), 29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(2)(iv) 
and 29 CFR 1926.1153(h)(3) specify that pulmonary function tests for 
initial and periodic examinations in general industry and construction 
performed under the respirable crystalline silica standard should be 
administered by a spirometry technician with a current certificate from 
a NIOSH-approved spirometry course. NIOSH is requesting a three-year 
approval.
    To carry out its responsibility, NIOSH maintains a Pulmonary 
Function

[[Page 59316]]

Testing Course Approval Program. The program consists of an application 
submitted by potential sponsors (universities, hospitals, and private 
consulting firms) who seek NIOSH approval to conduct courses, and if 
approved, notification to NIOSH of any course or faculty changes during 
the approval period, which is limited to five years. The application 
form and added materials, including an agenda, curriculum vitae, and 
course materials are reviewed by NIOSH to determine if the applicant 
has developed a program which adheres to the criteria required in the 
Standard. Following approval, any subsequent changes to the course are 
submitted by course sponsors via letter or email and reviewed by NIOSH 
staff to assure that the changes in faculty or course content continue 
to meet course requirements. Course sponsors also voluntarily submit an 
annual report to inform NIOSH of their class activity level and any 
faculty changes.
    Sponsors who elect to have their approval renewed for an additional 
five year period, submit a renewal application and supporting 
documentation for review by NIOSH staff to ensure the course curriculum 
meets all current standard requirements. Approved courses that elect to 
offer NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Courses must submit a 
separate application and supporting documents for review by NIOSH 
staff. Institutions and organizations throughout the country 
voluntarily submit applications and materials to become course sponsors 
and carry out training. Submissions are required for NIOSH to evaluate 
a course and determine whether it meets the criteria in the Standard 
and whether technicians will be adequately trained as mandated under 
the Standard.
    NIOSH will disseminate a one-time customer satisfaction survey to 
course directors and sponsor representatives to evaluate our service to 
courses, the effectiveness of the program changes implemented since 
2005, and the usefulness of potential Program enhancements.
    Application form changes consist of minor text edits that clarify 
questions and information, thereby reducing the need for applicants to 
contact NIOSH for guidance. In addition, parts of the forms were 
reformatted to reduce redundancy and increase clarity for applicants. 
Two of the forms have updated titles which reflect the purpose of the 
applications (initial sponsorship and sponsorship renewal forms).
    The estimated annual burden to respondents is 147 hours. There will 
be no cost to respondents other than their time.

                                        Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      Average
                                                                     Number of       Number of      burden per
          Type of respondents                   Form name           respondents    responses per   response  (in
                                                                                    respondent        hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Sponsors....................  Initial Application.....               3               1             3.5
                                        Annual Report...........              34               1           28/60
                                        Report for Course                     24               1           30/60
                                         Changes.
                                        Renewal Application.....              13               1               6
                                        Refresher Course                       3               1               8
                                         Application.
                                        One-Time Customer                     32               1           12/60
                                         Satisfaction Survey.
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Jeffrey M. Zirger,
Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Scientific 
Integrity, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2020-20759 Filed 9-18-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P