2013-27392. Proposed Information Collection (Veterans Transportation Service Data Collection); Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 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 new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to evaluate the Veterans Transportation Service Data Collection program to ensure Veterans, Servicemembers, beneficiaries, caregivers and other persons receive timely and reliable transportation for the purpose of examination, treatment and care.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 14, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov;​; or to Audrey Revere, Veterans Health Administration (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420; or email: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-NEW (Veterans Transportation Service Data Collection)” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Audrey Revere at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (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.

Titles: Veterans Transportation Service Data Collection.

OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW (Veterans Transportation Service Data Collection).

Type of Review: New collection.

Abstract: The information collection is to ensure Veterans, Servicemembers, beneficiaries, caregivers and other persons receive timely and reliable transportation for the purpose of examination, treatment and care. VHA must identify the beneficiary, the dates and location required to plan a trip for scheduled or unscheduled appointments, and ensure reimbursement of beneficiary travel mileage is not paid for transportation provided through VTS. Information is also collected to facilitate overall evaluation of the effectiveness of the allocation of resources for VTS.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 27,908 burden hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 minutes.

Frequency of Response: 3.32 (On Occasion).

Estimated Number of Respondents: 100,872.

Dated: November 12, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

Department Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.