2013-24851. 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: The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; the accuracy of the estimated burden; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 November 22, 2013.

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: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Prospective Payments for Hospital Outpatient Services and Supporting Regulations; Use: The Secretary is required to establish a prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient services. Successful implementation of an outpatient PPS (OPPS) requires that we distinguish facilities or organizations that function as departments of hospitals from those that are freestanding. In this regard, we will be able to determine: Which services should be paid under the OPPS, the clinical laboratory fee schedule, or other payment provisions applicable to services furnished to hospital outpatients. Information from 42 CFR 413.65(b)(3) and (c) reports is needed to make these determinations. Additionally, hospitals and other providers are authorized to impose deductible and coinsurance charges for facility services, but it does not allow such charges by facilities or organizations which are not provider-based. This provision requires that we collect information from the required reports so it can determine which facilities are provider-based. Form Number: CMS-R-240 (OCN: 0938-0798); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private sector (business or other for-profits and not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 905; Total Annual Responses: 500,405; Total Annual Hours: 26,563. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Daniel Schroder at 410-786-7452.)

Dated: October 18, 2013.

Martique Jones,

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