2016-28433. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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: (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.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by December 28, 2016.

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: OIRA_ [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: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Initial Request for State Implemented Moratorium Form; Use: The CMS promulgated 42 CFR 424.570 in order to comply with that statute, which requires that prior to implementing state Medicaid moratoria the state Medicaid agency must notify the Secretary in writing, including all of the details of the moratoria, and obtain the Secretary's concurrence with the imposition of the moratoria. The above regulation is promulgated from 1866 (j)(7) of the Social Security Act, which allows for the imposition of temporary moratorium. The Initial Request for State Medicaid Implemented Moratorium, named the “Initial Request for State Medicaid Implemented Moratorium” was created to collect that data, in a uniform manner, which the states report to CMS when they request a moratorium. Currently, CMS is collecting this data on an ad-hoc basis, however this process needs to be standardized so that moratoria decisions are being made based on the same criteria each time.

The goal of the Initial Request for State Medicaid Implemented Moratorium form is to provide a uniform application process that all of the states may follow so that CMS is able to administer the Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program moratorium process in a standardized and repeatable manner. This form creates a standardized process so that moratoria decisions are being made with the same criteria each time. Form Number: CMS-10628 (OMB control number: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 15; Total Annual Responses: 15; Total Annual Hours: 75. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Cheryl Cooper at 410-786-8624.)

Dated: November 21, 2016.

William N. Parham, III,

Director, Paperwork Reduction Staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.