2013-01848. 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: New collection; Title of Information Collection: Report of a Hospital Death Associated with Restraint or Seclusion; Use: Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, was signed on January 18, 2011. The order recognized the importance of a streamlined, effective, and efficient regulatory framework designed to promote economic growth, innovation, job creation, and competitiveness. Each agency was directed to establish an ongoing plan to reduce or eliminate burdensome, obsolete, or unnecessary regulations to create a more efficient and flexible structure.

The regulation that was published on May, 16, 2012 (77 FR 29034) included a reduction in the reporting requirement related to hospital deaths associated with the use of restraint or seclusion, § 482.13(g). Hospitals are no longer required to report to CMS those deaths where there was no use of seclusion and the only restraint was 2-point soft wrist restraints. It is estimated that this will reduce the volume of reports that must be submitted by 90 percent for hospitals. In addition, the final rule replaced the previous requirement for reporting via telephone to CMS, which proved to be cumbersome for both CMS and hospitals, with a requirement that allows submission of reports via telephone, facsimile or electronically, as determined by CMS. Finally, the amount of information that CMS needs for each death report in order for CMS to determine whether further on-site investigation is needed has been reduced.

The Child Health Act (CHA) of 2000 established in Title V, Part H, Section 591 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) minimum requirements concerning the use of restraints and seclusion in facilities that receive support with funds appropriated to any Federal department or agency. In addition, the CHA enacted Section 592 of the PHSA, which establishes minimum mandatory reporting requirements for deaths in such facilities associated with use of restraint or seclusion. Provisions implementing this statutory reporting requirement for hospitals participating in Medicare are found at 42 CFR 482.13(g), as revised in the final rule that published on May 16, 2012 (77 FR 29034).

The 60-day Federal Register notice published on November 21, 2012, (77 FR 69848). Subsequently, there was a minor revision to the Health Death Report form. Form Number: CMS-10455 (OCN: 0938—New); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector. Number of Respondents: 4,900. Number of Responses: 24,500. Total Annual Hours: 8,085. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Danielle Miller at 410-786-8818. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

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 March 1, 2013.

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

Dated: January 24, 2013.

Martique Jones,

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