2012-1355. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 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.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Annual Report on Home and Community Based Services Waivers and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 440.180 and 441.300-310; Use: CMS is asking the States to report financial and statistical information concerning the numbers of Medicaid beneficiaries receiving waiver services, the type of services provided and the costs of those services. The information is usually taken from State Medicaid agency data processing systems. This data is summarized and may be submitted to CMS through the 372 web-based form. The report is used by CMS to compare actual data in the approved waiver estimates and, in conjunction with the waiver compliance review reports, the information provided is compared to that in the Medicaid Statistical Information System (CMS-R-284, OCN 0938-0345) report and Federal financial participation claimed on a State's Quarterly Expenditure Report (CMS-64, OCN 0938-0067), to determine whether to continue the State's home and community-based services waiver. States' estimates of cost and utilization for renewal purposes are based upon the data compiled in the CMS Form 372(S) reports; Form Number: CMS-372(S) (OCN 0938-0272); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 49; Total Annual Responses: 305; Total Annual Hours: 13,115. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Ralph Lollar at [phone]. For all other issues call [phone].)

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995,, or email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone].

In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways by March 26, 2012:

1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number CMS-372(S) (OCN 0938-0272), Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: January 18, 2012.

Martique Jones,

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