E6-19133. Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare and 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 and 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 functions; (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.

We are requesting an emergency review of the information collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency review because the collection of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with an initiative of the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because the use of normal clearance procedures is reasonably likely to cause a statutory deadline to be missed.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 under section 1860D-4 (Information to Facilitate Enrollment) requires CMS to conduct consumer satisfaction surveys regarding the prescription drug plan or the Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan pursuant to section 1860D-4(d) and report the results to Part D eligible individuals at least 30 days prior to the enrollment period. This revised collection adds new Prescription Drug Plan questions as mandated in the MMA. Approval for this request will ensure that CMS is able to conduct the revised Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys in time to publicly report the data for the open enrollment period in Fall of 2007.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare CAHPS Survey; Form Number: CMS-R-246 (OMB#: 0938-0732); Use: The collection of CAHPS measures is necessary to hold health and prescription drug plans accountable for the quality of care and services they deliver. This requirement will allow CMS to obtain information for the proper oversight of the program. This information is used to help beneficiaries choose among plans, contribute to improved quality of care through identification of quality improvement opportunities, and assist CMS in carrying out its responsibilities; Frequency: Reporting—Annually; Affected Public: Individuals or households; Number of Respondents: 600,000; Total Annual Responses: 600,000; Total Annual Hours: 198,000.

CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by December 18, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and recommendations will be considered from the public if received by the individuals designated below by December 4, 2006.

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS's Web Site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995 or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone].

Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of these collections of information requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed to the designees referenced below by December 4, 2006: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Attn: Bonnie L Harkless. and, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Fax Number: [phone].

Dated: November 7, 2006.

Michelle Shortt,

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