Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY:

Health Care Financing Administration, HHS.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), Department of Health and Human Services, 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.

We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information collections referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency review because the collection of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with section 1847 of the Social Security Act. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because public harm would result. In order to determine the best way to let competitve bids to the most efficient/effective bidder and as soon as possible, we must conduct the demonstration on as recent data as possible; we also need the data as soon as possible in order to include our findings in a report to Congress in January 2002.

HCFA is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by November 21, 2000 with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and recommendations will be accepted from the public if received by the individuals designated below by November 21, 2000. During this 180-day period, we will publish a separate Federal Register notice announcing the initiation of an extensive 60-day agency review and public comment period on these requirements. We will submit the requirements for OMB review and an extension of this emergency approval. Type of Information Request: New collection; Title of Information Collection: Durable Medical Equipment and Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Survey; HCFA Form Number: HCFA-10019 (OMB approval #: 0938-NEW); Use: This survey is necessary to collect access, quality, and financial performance information from suppliers of durable medical equipment (hospital beds, oxygen, urologic supplies, enteral nutrition, or wound care). The information will be presented to HCFA and to Congress, who will use the results to determine whether the demonstration should be extended to other sites; Frequency: Once; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; Number of Respondents: 340; Total Annual Responses: 340; Total Annual Burden Hours: 620.

We have submitted a copy of this notice to OMB for its review of these information collections. A notice will be published in the Federal Register when approval is obtained.

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access HCFA's Web Site address at http://www.hcfa.gov/regs/prdact95.htm,, or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and HCFA document identifier, to Paperwork@hcfa.gov, or call the Reports Clearance Office on (410) 786-1326.

Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of these collections of information requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed to the designees referenced below, by November 20, 2000.

Health Care Financing Administration, Office of Information Services, Security and Standards Group, Division of HCFA Enterprise Standards, Room N2-14-26, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. Fax Number: (410) 786-0262. Attn: Julie Brown, HCFA 10019

and,

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, Fax Number: (202) 395-6974 or (202) 395-5167. Attn: Wendy Taylor, HCFA Desk Officer.