2022-27739. 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 20, 2023.

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, please access the CMS PRA website by copying and pasting the following web address into your web browser: https://www.cms.gov/​Regulations-and-Guidance/​Legislation/​PaperworkReductionActof1995/​PRA-Listing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Parham at [phone].

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 collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Registration Application; Use: Various sections of the Social Security Act (Act), the United States Code (U.S.C.), Internal Revenue Service Code (Code) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) require providers and suppliers to furnish information concerning the amounts due and the identification of individuals or entities that furnish medical services to beneficiaries before allowing payment. The principal function of the CMS-855O is to gather information from a physician or other eligible professional to help CMS determine whether he or she meets certain qualifications to enroll in the Medicare program for the sole purpose of ordering or certifying certain Medicare items or services. The CMS-855O allows a physician or other eligible professional to enroll in Medicare without approval for billing privileges.

The collection and verification of this information protects our beneficiaries from illegitimate providers/suppliers. These procedures also protect the Medicare Trust Funds against fraud. The CMS-855O 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. Furthermore, the data collected also ensures that the applicant has the necessary credentials to order and certify health care services. This is the 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: 6,190; Number of Responses: 6,190; Total Annual Hours: 3,095. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Frank Whelan at 410-786-1302).

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Enrollment Application for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioners; Use: The Social Security Act (Act) requires providers and suppliers to furnish information concerning the amounts due and the identification of individuals or entities that furnish medical services to beneficiaries before allowing payment. The primary function of the CMS-855I Medicare enrollment application for physicians and non-physician practitioners is to gather information from an individual provider or supplier that tells us who he/she is, whether he/she meets certain qualifications to be a Medicare health care provider or supplier, where he/she practices or renders services, and other information necessary to establish correct claims payments.

The collection and verification of this information is the first line defense to defend and protect our beneficiaries from illegitimate physicians, non-physician practitioners, and other eligible professionals and to protect the Medicare Trust Fund against fraud. It gathers information that allow Medicare contractors to ensure only legitimate physicians, non-physician practitioners, and other eligible professionals enroll in the Medicare program, and are not sanctioned from the Medicare and/or Medicaid program(s), or debarred, or excluded from any other Federal agency or program. This is the sole instrument implemented for this purpose. Form Number: CMS-855I (OMB control number 0938-1355); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments, Private Sector (not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 472,617; Number of Responses: 472,617; Total Annual Hours: 961,651. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Frank Whelan at 410-786-1302).

Dated: December 16, 2022.

William N. Parham, III,

Director, Paperwork Reduction Staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.