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 January 31, 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.

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: Revision of a currently approved information collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Registration Application; Use: Physicians and practitioners complete the Form CMS-855O (Medicare Enrollment Application—Enrollment for Eligible Ordering, Certifying Physicians and Other Eligible Professionals) if they are enrolling in Medicare not to obtain Medicare billing privileges but strictly to order, refer, or certify certain Medicare items and services. It is used by Medicare contractors to collect data that helps ensure the applicant has the necessary credentials to order and certify certain Medicare items and services.

The MAC establishes Medicare Identification Numbers. The MACs store these numbers and information in CMS' Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS). The application is used by the CMS” contractors to collect data ensures that the applicant has the necessary information for unique identification. The license numbers are validated against state licensing websites. All the license numbers are captured and stored in the MAC database. Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are validated against the Social Security Administration database (SSA) and only the valid entries are allowed to proceed in the process of getting a Medicare billing number. Correspondence address and contact information is captured to contact the provider/supplier.

The collection and verification of this information defends and protects our beneficiaries from illegitimate providers/suppliers. These procedures also protect the Medicare Trust Fund against fraud. It gathers information that allow Medicare contractors to ensure that the physician or eligible professional is not sanctioned from the Medicare and/or Medicaid program(s), or debarred, or excluded from any other Federal agency or program. The data collected also ensures that the applicant has the necessary credentials to order and certify health care services. This is sole instrument implemented for this purpose. Form Number: CMS-855O (OMB Control Number: 0938-1135); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector (Business or other for-profits), State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 448,000; Number of Responses: 24,000; Total Annual Hours: 243,600. For questions regarding this collection contact Alisha Sanders (410) 786-0671.