Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice for the proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address any of the following: (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. Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice should be directed to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT), (OMB Control No. 0920-0026 exp. 3/31/2017)—Extension—National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC).

Background and Brief Description

In the United States, an estimated 10 to 15 million people are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and about 10% of these persons will develop tuberculosis (TB) disease at some point in their lives. The purpose of this project is to continue ongoing national tuberculosis surveillance using the standardized Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT). Data collected using the RVCT help state and federal infectious disease officials to assess changes in the diagnosis and treatment of TB, monitor trends in TB epidemiology and outbreaks, and develop strategies to meet the national goal of TB elimination.

CDC currently conducts and maintains the national TB surveillance system (NTSS) pursuant to the provisions of Section 301 (a) of the Public Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241] and Section 306 of the Public Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241 (a)]. Data are collected by 60 reporting areas (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and 7 jurisdictions in the Pacific and Caribbean). The last major revision of the RVCT data collection instrument was approved in 2009, in consultation with CDC's Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE), state and local health departments, and partner organizations including the National TB Controllers Association, the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists, and the Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Tuberculosis. No revisions to the RVCT are proposed in this data collection extension request.

CDC publishes an annual report using RVCT data to summarize national TB statistics and also periodically conducts special analyses for publication to further describe and interpret national TB data. These data assist in public health planning, evaluation, and resource allocation. Reporting areas also review and analyze their RVCT data to monitor local TB trends, evaluate program success, and focus resources to eliminate TB. No other Federal agency collects this type of national TB data.

In addition to providing technical assistance on the use of RVCT, CDC provides technical support for reporting software. In this request, CDC is requesting approval for approximately 5496 burden hours, an estimated decrease of 350 hours from 2014. This decrease is due to having fewer TB cases in the United States as we continue progress towards TB elimination. There is no cost to respondents other than their time.