Application Guidance for Free Clinics to Sponsor a Volunteer Health Professional for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Deemed Status and FTCA Coverage for Medical Malpractice Claims; Withdrawal

AGENCY:

Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice of withdrawal.

SUMMARY:

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is announcing the withdrawal of the 30 day FR notice published on September 3, 2004, FR Doc. 04-20180, for the solicitation of comments on the Application Guidance for Free Clinics to Sponsor a Volunteer Health Professional for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Deemed Status and FTCA Coverage for Medical Malpractice Claims. The notice is being withdrawn because the agency is requesting an emergency review and approval from OMB for the deeming application under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

DATES:

The solicitation of comments notice is withdrawn effective September 15, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Please contact Shannon Faltens or Felicia Collins at HRSA, Bureau of Primary Health Care, Division of Clinical Quality, 4350 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, via e-mail at FreeClinicsFTCA@hrsa.gov, or on (301) 594-0818.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Emergency approval is being requested for the Free Clinic FTCA Program deeming application because the data collection and reporting of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This information is needed to ensure the timely availability of data as necessary for the Secretary to make a determination for the provision of FTCA deemed status to volunteer health care professionals working at free clinics. Upon OMB's review and approval of the proposed data collection project, HRSA will publish a new 60 day Federal Register notice to begin the process for routine clearance under 5 CFR part 1320.