2012-1361. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; 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), 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 function; (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 of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Appointment of Representative; Use: This information collection requests re-approval of an information collection associated with regulations that permit individuals or entities to appoint representatives to exercise their rights to appeal an initial determination. The Appointment of Representative form will be completed by beneficiaries, providers and suppliers who wish to appoint representatives to assist them with obtaining initial determinations and filing appeals. The appointment of representative form must be signed by the party making the appointment and the individual agreeing to accept the appointment. Form Number: CMS-1696 (OCN: 0938-0950); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Individuals or households and Business or other for-profits; Number of Respondents: 265,481; Total Annual Responses: 265,481; Total Annual Hours: 66,370. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Katherine Hosna 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].

To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be received by the OMB desk officer at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on February 23, 2012.

OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

Dated: January 18, 2012.

Martique Jones,

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