E8-2957. Proposed Information Collection (National Practitioner Data Bank Regulations) Activity; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 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 proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine whether malpractice payments are related to substandard care, professional incompetence or misconduct.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 15, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov; or to Mary Stout, Veterans Health Administration (193E1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420; or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0621” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mary Stout [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.

Title: National Practitioner Data Bank Regulations (NPDB).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0621.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The National Practitioner Data Bank, authorized by the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 and administered by the Department of Health and Human Service, was established for the purpose of collecting and releasing certain information concerning physicians, dentists, and other licensed health care practitioners. The Act requires VA to obtain information from the Data Bank on health care providers who provide or seek to provide health care services at VA facilities and report information regarding malpractice payments and adverse clinical privileges action to the Data Bank.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 5 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,750.

Dated: February 8, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary:

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.