[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 3127]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01017]


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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request; Authorization for Release of Medical 
Information for Black Lung Benefits

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Office of 
Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP)-sponsored information collection 
request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review 
and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited.

DATES: The OMB will consider all written comments that the agency 
receives on or before February 22, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Written 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.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Department, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (2) if the information will be processed and used in a timely 
manner; (3) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and 
cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (4) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information collection; and (5) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Hernandez by telephone at 202-
693-8633, or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Black Lung Benefits Act, as amended, 30 
U.S.C. 901 et seq., and 20 CFR 725.405 require that all relevant 
medical evidence be considered before a decision can be made regarding 
a claimant's eligibility for benefits. By signing the CM-936 form, the 
claimant authorizes physicians, hospitals, medical facilities or 
organizations, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and 
Health to release medical information about the miner to the Department 
of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. For additional 
substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice 
published in the Federal Register on September 13, 2021 (86 FR 50909).
    This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency 
generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and 
the public is generally not required to respond to an information 
collection, unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid 
OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions 
of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to 
comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid 
OMB Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.
    DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for 
three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than 
three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information 
collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive 
a month-to-month extension while they undergo review.
    Agency: DOL-OWCP.
    Title of Collection: Authorization for Release of Medical 
Information for Black Lung Benefits.
    OMB Control Number: 1240-0034.
    Affected Public: Individuals or Households.
    Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,000.
    Total Estimated Number of Responses: 5,000.
    Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 417 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: 0.

(Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D))

Nora Hernandez,
Departmental Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-01017 Filed 1-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-CK-P