§ 61.13 - Fees applicable to requests for information.

(a) Policy on fees. The fees described in this section apply to all requests for information from the HIPDB, except requests from Federal agencies. However, for purposes of verification and dispute resolution at the time the report is accepted, the HIPDB will provide a copy—at the time a report has been submitted automatically, without a request and free of charge—of every report to the health care provider, supplier or practitioner who is the subject of the report. For the same purpose, the Department will provide a copy of the report—at the time a report has been submitted automatically, without a request and free of charge—to the reporter that submitted it. The fees are authorized by section 1128E(d)(2) of the Act, and they reflect the full costs of operating the database. The actual fees will be announced by the Secretary in periodic notices in the  Federal Register .

(b) Criteria for determining the fee. The amount of each fee will be determined based on the following criteria —

(1) Direct and indirect personnel costs;

(2) Physical overhead, consulting, and other indirect costs including rent and depreciation on land, buildings and equipment;

(3) Agency management and supervisory costs;

(4) Costs of enforcement, research and establishment of regulations and guidance;

(5) Use of electronic data processing equipment to collect and maintain information—the actual cost of the service, including computer search time, runs and printouts; and

(6) Any other direct or indirect costs related to the provision of services.

(c) Assessing and collecting fees. The Secretary will announce through periodic notice in the  Federal Register  the method of payment of fees. In determining these methods, the Secretary will consider efficiency, effectiveness and convenience for users and for the Department. Methods may include credit card, electronic funds transfer and other methods of electronic payment.