2014-00188. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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 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.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by February 10, 2014:

ADDRESSES:

When commenting on the proposed information collections, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be received by the OMB desk officer via one of the following transmissions: OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone] or Email: [e-mail].

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following:

1. Access CMS' Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995.

2. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail].

3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Reports Clearance Office 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: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership (HFPP): Data Sharing and Information Exchange; Use: Section 1128C(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7c(a)(2)) authorizes the Secretary and the Attorney General to consult with, and arrange for the sharing of data with representatives of health plans to establish a Fraud and Abuse Control Program as specified in Section 1128(C)(a)(1) of the Social Security Act. This is known as the Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership (HFPP). It was officially established by a Charter in fall 2012 and signed by HHS Secretary Sibelius and US Attorney General Holder. The HFPP is a joint initiative established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to detect and prevent the prevalence of healthcare fraud through data and information-sharing and applying analytic capabilities by the public and private sectors. The HFPP collaboration provides a unique opportunity to transition from traditional “pay and chase” approaches for fraud detection and recovery towards a data-driven model for identifying and predicting aberrant activity. A central goal of the HFPP is to identify the optimal way to coordinate nationwide sharing of health care claims information, including aggregating claims and payment information from large public healthcare programs and private insurance payers. In addition to sharing data and information, the HFPP is focused on advancing analytics, training, outreach, education to support anti-fraud efforts and achieving its objectives, primarily through goal-oriented, well-designed fraud studies. Form Number: CMS-10501 (OCN: 0938-New); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private sector (Business or other for-profits); Number of Respondents: 75; Total Annual Responses: 75; Total Annual Hours: 180,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Johnalyn Lyles at 410-786-8410.)

Dated: January 6, 2014.

Martique Jones,

Deputy Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.