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

AGENCY:

Health Care Financing Administration.

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 prior to the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This collection of information will be used to determine items eligible for payment as new technology within the ambulatory payment classification (APC) system as well as items eligible for the transitional pass-through payment provision as required by section 201 of the BBRA. Without this information, HCFA would be unable to determine eligible items for transitional pass-through or new technology payments; therefore being unable to make additional payments to hospitals for a period of 2 to 3 years as required by the BBRA of 1999. The Agency cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because of a statutory deadline imposed by the Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 (Section 201(b)). Without this information, HCFA would not be able to properly implement the requirements set forth in the statute.

HCFA is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by July 6, 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 July 3, 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 Collection Request: New Collection;

Title of Information Collection: Recognition of New Technology/Pass-Through Items Under the Prospective Payment System for Hospital Outpatient Services;

Form No.: HCFA-10008 (OMB# 0938-NEW);

Use: This information is necessary to determine items eligible for payment as new technology within the ambulatory payment classification (APC) system as well as items eligible for the transitional pass-through payment provision as required by section 201 of the BBRA. This collection will enable HCFA to implement those special payment provisions.;

Frequency: On Occasion;

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit;

Number of Respondents: 500;

Total Annual Responses: 500;

Total Annual Hours: 1,500.

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, 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 July 3, 2000:

Health Care Financing Administration, Office of Information Services, Security and Standards Group, Division of HCFA Enterprise Standards, Attention: Dawn Willinghan (HCFA-10008), Room N2-14-26, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

   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: Allison Herron Eydt, HCFA Desk Officer.