03-2124. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the burden estimates relating to customer satisfaction surveys.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 31, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann W. Bickoff (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0570” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Generic Clearance for the Veterans Health Administration Customer Satisfaction Surveys.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0570.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Executive Order 12862, Setting Customer Service Standards, requires Federal agencies and departments to identify and survey its customers to determine the kind and quality of services they want and their level of satisfaction with existing services. VHA uses customer satisfaction surveys to gauge customer perceptions of VA services as well as customer expectations and desires. The results of these information collections lead to improvements in the quality of VHA service delivery by helping to shape the direction and focus of specific programs and services.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 108,617 hours.

a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—72,882 hours.

b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—35,735 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:

a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—18 minutes.

b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—16 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—241,312.

b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—136,229.

Dated: January 15, 2003.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise A. Russell,

Acting Director, Records Management Service.