Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by September 7, 2021.

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.

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following:

1. Access CMS' website address at: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRA-Listing.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Parham at (410) 786-4669.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term “collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups Reclassification Request (MS-DRGs); Use: Section 1886(d)(4) of the Act establishes a classification system, referred to as DRGs, for inpatient discharges and adjusts payments under the IPPS based on appropriate weighting factors assigned to each MS-DRG. Section 1886(d)(4)(C)(i) of the Act specifies adjustments to the classification and weighting factors shall occur “at least annually to reflect changes in treatment patterns, technology, and other factors which may change the relative use of hospital resources.”

The requests are evaluated in the Division of Coding and DRGs (DCDRG) by the DRG and Coding Team and the clinical advisors (medical officers) in both the Technology, Coding and Pricing Group (TCPG) and the Hospital and Ambulatory Policy Group (HAPG), along with the CMS contractor(s). This team participates via conference calls in the review of MedPAR claims data to analyze and perform clinical review of the requested changes. Based on the examination of claims data and clinical judgment, the team provides recommendations to CMS and HHS leadership for proposed changes. Per the statue, proposed MS-DRG changes and payment adjustments must go through notice and comment rulemaking giving the opportunity for the public to comment. Finalized MS-DRG changes are effective with discharges on and after October 1, consistent with the beginning of the fiscal year. CMS makes the updated MS-DRG Grouper software and related materials that reflects the changes available to the public for free via download at: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/AcuteInpatientPPS/MS-DRG-Classifications-and-Software.

When an application is submitted in MEARIS^TM, the DRG and Coding Team in DCDRG will have instant access to the application request and accompanying materials to facilitate a more-timely review of the request, including the ability to efficiently inform other team members involved in the process that information is available for their review and input. Form Number: CMS-10775 (OMB control number 0938-New); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector, Business or other for-profits, Not-for-profits institutions; Number of Respondents: 50; Total Annual Responses: 50; Total Annual Hours: 48,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Marilu Hue at 410-786-4510.)