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 the National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) 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 August 8, 2019, to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC received one 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 or send an email to omb@cdc.gov. 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

National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) (OMB Control No. 0920-1015, Exp. 07/31/2020)—Revision—National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

The National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) is a national survey of office-based physicians conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NEHRS is sponsored by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The survey is conducted under the authority of Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (41 U.S.C. 242k).

The purpose of this study is to collect information on office-based physicians' adoption and use of electronic health record (EHR) systems, practice information, patient engagement, controlled substances prescribing practices, use of health information exchange, and documentation and burden associated with medical record systems. The respondents are a sample of office-based physicians. Data collection is done directly through a self-administered web questionnaire, self-administered paper questionnaire or computer-assisted telephone interview. NEHRS collects information on characteristics of U.S. office-based physicians practicing ambulatory medical care, including specific focus on EHR adoption and use.

Having data that can identify a physician office's ability to perform specific computerized tasks helps track the adoption and use of new health information technologies across various physician and practice characteristics (e.g., specialty, office type, and ownership) over time. These annual data, together with trend data, may be used to monitor the effects of change in the health care system, provide new insights into ambulatory medical care, and stimulate further research on the use, organization, and delivery of ambulatory care.

Data from the National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) have been used by researchers in reports and programs such as Health, United States and Healthy People 2020, in addition to various other reports and research across federal, public, and international communities. The results of the data will help provide more information about the use and adoption of EHRs by office-based physicians both nationally and by state.

A total of 5,151 annualized burden hours are requested for this three-year submission.