Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement; Use: Section 1815(a) of the Social Security Act provides the authority for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay providers/suppliers of Medicare services at such time or times as the Secretary determines appropriate (but no less frequently than monthly). Under Medicare, CMS, acting for the Secretary, contracts with Fiscal Intermediaries and Carriers to pay claims submitted by providers/suppliers who furnish services to Medicare beneficiaries. Under CMS' payment policy, Medicare providers/suppliers have the option of receiving payments electronically. Form number CMS-588 authorizes the use of electronic fund transfers (EFTs). Form Number: CMS-588 (OMB#: 0938-0626); Frequency: Reporting—On occasion; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 100,000; Total Annual Responses: 100,000; Total Annual Hours: 100,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Kim McPhillips at 410-786-5374. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web Site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995 , or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov, or call the Reports Clearance Office on (410) 786-1326.

In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways November 17, 2009:

1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.