2011-3079. Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call 404-639-5960 and send comments to Carol E. Walker, CDC Acting Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D74, Atlanta, GA 30333 or send an e-mail to [e-mail].

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT), (OMB No.0920-0026 exp. 5/31/2011)—Extension—National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

In the United States, an estimated 10 to 15 million people are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and about 10% of these persons will develop tuberculosis (TB) disease at some point in their lives. The purpose of this project is to continue ongoing national tuberculosis surveillance using the standardized Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT). Data collected using the RVCT help State and Federal infectious disease officials to assess changes in the diagnosis and treatment of TB, monitor trends in TB epidemiology and outbreaks, and develop strategies to meet the national goal of TB elimination.

CDC currently conducts and maintains the national surveillance system pursuant to the provisions of section 301(a) of the Public Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241] and section 306 of the Public Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241(a)]. Data are collected by 60 reporting areas (the 50 States, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and 7 jurisdictions in the Pacific and Caribbean). The last major revision of the RVCT data collection instrument was approved in 2008, in consultation with CDC's Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE), State and local health departments, and partner organizations including the National TB Controllers Association, the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists, and the Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Tuberculosis. No revisions to the RVCT are proposed in this data collection extension request.

CDC publishes an annual report using RVCT data to summarize national TB statistics and also periodically conducts special analyses for publication to further describe and interpret national TB data. These data assist in public health planning, evaluation, and resource allocation. Reporting areas also review and analyze their RVCT data to monitor local TB trends, evaluate program success, and focus resources to eliminate TB. No other Federal agency collects this type of national TB data. In addition to providing technical assistance on the use of RVCT, CDC provides technical support for reporting software.

In this request, CDC is requesting approval for approximately 6,720 burden hours, an estimated decrease of 1,330 hours. This decrease is due to having fewer TB cases in the United States as we continue progress towards TB elimination. There is no cost to respondents except for their time.

Estimate of Annualized Burden Hours

Types of respondents	Number of respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Average burden response (in hours)	Total burden (in hours)
Local, State, and territorial health departments	60	192	35/60	6,720
Total				6,720

Dated: February 4, 2011.

Carol E. Walker,

Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.